Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Insulin Degludec (brand name Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin analog manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with type 1 diabetes. Tresiba is injected subcutaneously once daily and provides a flat, stable glucose-lowering effect lasting over 42 hours, allowing flexible dosing timing as long as there are at least 8 hours between doses.
After subcutaneous injection, Insulin Degludec forms multi-hexamer chains that create a slow-release depot under the skin. Insulin monomers are gradually and steadily released into the bloodstream over 42+ hours. These monomers bind to insulin receptors on muscle and fat cells, promoting glucose uptake from the blood while simultaneously inhibiting the liver from producing excess glucose. The result is a remarkably flat and consistent blood-sugar-lowering profile with minimal peak-to-trough variability, which translates to a lower risk of hypoglycemia — especially nocturnal hypoglycemia — compared to some other long-acting insulins.
Dosing is individualized. For type 2 diabetes, the typical starting dose is 10 units once daily, titrated by 2–4 units every 3–4 days based on fasting blood glucose. For type 1 diabetes, approximately one-third to one-half of total daily insulin needs is given as Tresiba once daily.
Insulin Degludec, sold as Tresiba, has experienced intermittent supply constraints in 2025–2026. Increased utilization following the $35 insulin price cap, manufacturing capacity limits, and formulary shifts have all contributed to periodic spot shortages — particularly for the U-200 formulation. While the medication is generally stocked at major chain pharmacies and specialty pharmacies, patients may need to call ahead or check multiple locations during tighter supply periods. No generic or biosimilar version is currently available in the US, which limits alternative sourcing options. Using Medfinder can help you quickly locate pharmacies near you that have Tresiba in stock.
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Insulin Degludec can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:
Telehealth platforms such as Teladoc and MDLive can also prescribe Tresiba for established diabetes patients.
No. Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It requires a prescription but does not carry the additional regulatory restrictions associated with controlled medications.
Serious but rare side effects include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia (low potassium), severe allergic reactions, and increased risk of heart failure when combined with thiazolidinediones. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe symptoms.
If you're having trouble finding Tresiba, ask your prescriber whether one of these alternatives might be appropriate for you.
Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting Tresiba.
Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) is a highly effective ultra-long-acting basal insulin that offers flexible once-daily dosing and a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to many alternatives. While intermittent supply constraints have made it harder to find at times, the $35/month insulin cap under the Inflation Reduction Act has made it significantly more affordable for Medicare patients, and manufacturer programs can bring costs down for others. If you're struggling to locate Tresiba at your pharmacy, try using Medfinder to check real-time stock at pharmacies near you, or speak with your doctor about switching to a basal insulin alternative like Insulin Glargine if availability remains an issue.
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