Toujeo Is a Long-Acting Basal Insulin Used to Manage Blood Sugar in Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

If your doctor has mentioned Toujeo, you probably have some questions. What exactly is it? How does it work? How much does it cost? This guide covers everything you need to know about Toujeo in 2026 — in plain, easy-to-understand language.

What Is Toujeo?

Toujeo is the brand name for Insulin Glargine U-300, a long-acting basal insulin made by Sanofi. It was approved by the FDA and is used to control blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes.

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Insulin Glargine (U-300)
• Brand names: Toujeo SoloStar, Toujeo Max SoloStar
• Drug class: Long-acting basal insulin analog
• Manufacturer: Sanofi
• Controlled substance: No — Toujeo is not a controlled substance

The "U-300" means Toujeo contains 300 units of insulin per milliliter, which is three times more concentrated than standard U-100 insulin glargine products like Lantus. This higher concentration doesn't mean you're getting a bigger dose — it means the same dose is delivered in a smaller volume, which affects how the insulin is absorbed. Learn more about how Toujeo works.

What Is Toujeo Used For?

Toujeo is FDA-approved to treat:

• Type 1 diabetes in adults — Used alongside mealtime (rapid-acting) insulin to cover baseline insulin needs throughout the day.
• Type 2 diabetes in adults — Can be used alone or with other diabetes medications (like Metformin, GLP-1 agonists, or mealtime insulin) when diet and exercise alone aren't enough to control blood sugar.

Toujeo is a basal insulin, meaning it provides a steady, low level of insulin over 24 to 36 hours. It's not designed to cover the blood sugar spikes that happen after meals — that's the job of rapid-acting insulins like Humalog or NovoLog.

Toujeo is not approved for children or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

How Is Toujeo Taken?

Toujeo comes in prefilled disposable pens that you inject under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day, at the same time each day. There are two pen options:

• Toujeo SoloStar: A 1.5 mL pen containing 450 units total. Delivers 1 to 80 units per injection in 1-unit increments.
• Toujeo Max SoloStar: A 3 mL pen containing 900 units total. Delivers 2 to 160 units per injection in 2-unit increments. Designed for patients who need higher doses.

Injection Basics

• Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent lipodystrophy (lumps under the skin).
• Attach a new needle before each injection.
• Do not mix Toujeo with other insulins.
• Do not inject into a vein or use in an insulin pump.
• Each pen is for one patient only — never share pens, even with a new needle.

Typical Dosing

Dosing is individualized by your doctor. General guidelines:

• Type 2 diabetes (insulin-naive): Start at 0.2 units per kg of body weight per day.
• Type 1 diabetes: Approximately one-third of your total daily insulin needs, with the rest covered by mealtime insulin.
• Maintenance doses: Commonly range from 10 to 80+ units per day depending on your needs.

Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar readings. Never change your dose without medical guidance.

Who Should Not Take Toujeo?

Toujeo is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you:

• Are allergic to insulin glargine or any of Toujeo's ingredients
• Are currently experiencing a hypoglycemic episode (low blood sugar)

Use with caution if you have:

• Kidney or liver problems — These organs help clear insulin, so impairment may require dose adjustments.
• A history of heart failure — Especially if you also take thiazolidinediones (TZDs) like Pioglitazone.

Tell your doctor about all your medications, as several drugs can interact with Toujeo. See our guide on Toujeo drug interactions for details.

How Much Does Toujeo Cost?

Without insurance, Toujeo costs approximately:

• Toujeo SoloStar (1 pen): $175–$200 retail
• Toujeo Max SoloStar (2 pens): $450–$550 retail
• Monthly supply: $350–$550+ depending on dose

Ways to Save

• Sanofi Valyou Savings Program: Uninsured patients or those paying cash can get Toujeo for $35 per 30-day supply.
• Sanofi Copay Savings Card: Commercially insured patients may pay $0 copay per month.
• Sanofi Patient Connection Program: Free Toujeo for qualifying low-income patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Authorized generic: An unbranded Insulin Glargine U-300 (also by Sanofi) is available and eligible for the same $35/month Valyou pricing.

For a full breakdown of savings options, read our guide to saving money on Toujeo.

Insurance Coverage

Toujeo is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D. Some plans place it on a preferred or non-preferred brand tier (Tier 3 or 4) and may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying Lantus or a biosimilar first). The Medicare Part D annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 applies as of 2025.

Final Thoughts

Toujeo is a reliable, long-acting insulin option for adults managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Its U-300 concentration offers a smoother, longer-lasting insulin profile that may help reduce blood sugar swings and nighttime lows compared to standard U-100 glargine.

If you have questions about whether Toujeo is right for you, talk to your doctor. And if you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you check availability without calling around.