- Toujeo is usually initiated at a dose of 0.2 to 0.4 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight; however, the dosage can vary significantly depending on several different patient factors.
- Just one or two units of insulin more than your body needs can lead to blood sugar levels that are too low.
- Even your regular dose of insulin might be too much if you then forget to eat or do more exercise than usual.
- Know the signs of hypoglycemia and always carry a form of fast-acting carbohydrate (such as fruit juice, glucose tablets, jelly beans) with you.
- A glucagon injection may be necessary for severe low blood sugar levels.
- Educate your friends and family about symptoms of low blood sugar levels and what to do if they find you acting confused, unconscious, or having a seizure.
Toujeo is a long-acting form of man-made insulin (insulin glargine) that may be used for the treatment of high blood sugar levels in adults and children 6 years and older with diabetes mellitus.
Like most medicines, insulin is required in the right amount. What that right amount is though can vary from person to person, and sometimes it can vary depending on the time of the day, what food you have eaten, if you have exercised, if you are unwell, and what your target blood goals are.
The correct amount of insulin for you will be determined by your doctor. It may take a couple of weeks to get the dose right, but follow his or her instructions and know the signs of both low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Accidentally giving yourself too much insulin is reasonably common; however, with prefilled pens such as Toujeo, it is less likely because you can dial up the exact dose of insulin before you administer it.
- But an accidental overdose can still occur if:
- You have not used Toujeo before and you dial up the wrong amount
- You forget that you have already injected yourself with insulin recently
- You forget to eat after giving yourself insulin or experience an unexpected delay in your meal
- You do some vigorous physical activity without changing your insulin dose
- Your doctor increases your dose of insulin too quickly.
Recognizing the symptoms of an insulin overdose can help correct it sooner rather than later.
The usual starting dose of Toujeo is 0.2 to 0.4 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight.
What happens if you take too much Toujeo?
Toujeo contains insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin. If you take more than you need, then you are likely to develop dangerously low glucose levels in your blood (hypoglycemia).
Symptoms of mild low blood glucose levels may include:
- Anxiety
- Blurred or double vision
- Chills
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Lip-tingling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling.
If you develop any of these symptoms, take a fast-acting form of carbohydrate quickly, such as a glass of fruit juice, some glucose tablets, honey, or jellybeans. Follow it up with a long-acting carbohydrate, such as a jam sandwich.
Severe symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Concentration problems
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Death.
Instruct your friends and family about what to do if they find you unconscious or having a seizure.
The best treatment for severe hypoglycemia is a glucagon injection because it counteracts the effects of insulin. Always go to the emergency room if you have had to use a glucagon injection, even if you are feeling better.
If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.
What is the difference between Toujeo Solostar and Toujeo Max Solostar?
Toujeo is available in prefilled pens for self-injection. One is called Toujeo SoloStar and the other is called Toujeo Max Solostar.
- Toujeo SoloStar contains 450 units of Toujeo U-300. It delivers a dose of insulin in 1 unit increments. The maximum dose it can deliver is 80 units.
- Toujeo Max Solostart contains 900 units of Toujeo U-300. It delivers a dose of insulin in 2 unit increments. The maximum amount it can deliver is 160 units.
Toujeo Max Solostar is recommended for people requiring more than 20 units of insulin per day.
The dose counter at the end of the prefilled pen shows the number of units of Toujeo to be injected.