Insulin degludec

Ultra-long-acting insulin
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Insulin degludec is a ultra-long-acting insulin found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Tresiba, Ryzodeg. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: degludec

What it is used for

Provides steady background insulin for over 24 hours in diabetes.

How it works

An ultra-long-acting basal insulin lasting more than 42 hours, giving a flat background effect.

How to take it

Inject once a day; the timing can vary if needed (at least 8 hours between doses). Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks.

Common side effects

  • Low blood sugar
  • Weight gain
  • Lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used

Get medical help straight away if

Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food)

Be careful

Can cause low sugar; check sugar levels as advised.

Other medicines and interactions

Alcohol, missed meals and exercise lower sugar further; beta blockers can hide warning signs. Steroids raise sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid build-up.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.

Brands of Insulin degludec (1)

Tresiba

Combination medicines that contain Insulin degludec (1)

Ryzodeg

Common questions

What is Insulin degludec used for?

Provides steady background insulin for over 24 hours in diabetes.

How does Insulin degludec work?

An ultra-long-acting basal insulin lasting more than 42 hours, giving a flat background effect.

How should I take Insulin degludec?

Inject once a day; the timing can vary if needed (at least 8 hours between doses). Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks.

What are the side effects of Insulin degludec?

Common: Low blood sugar, weight gain, lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used. Get help straight away for: Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food).

Does Insulin degludec interact with other medicines?

Alcohol, missed meals and exercise lower sugar further; beta blockers can hide warning signs. Steroids raise sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid build-up.

Is Insulin degludec safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.

Does Insulin degludec need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Insulin degludec?

Ryzodeg, Tresiba.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.