Comprehensive medication guide to Insulin Analog, Degludec including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$35/month copay for most insured patients; Medicare Part D capped at $35/month under the Inflation Reduction Act; prior authorization or step therapy may apply.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$300–$500 per box of Tresiba FlexTouch pens without insurance; as low as $35/month through the Novo Nordisk Insulin Value Program or manufacturer savings card.
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
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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.
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Tresiba FlexTouch U-100
100 units/mL prefilled pen (3 mL per pen)
Tresiba FlexTouch U-200
200 units/mL prefilled pen (3 mL per pen)
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.
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.
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Insulin Glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Toujeo)
the most common basal insulin alternative; long-acting (24 hours); biosimilars available at lower cost
Insulin Detemir (Levemir)
long-acting basal insulin given once or twice daily; less flat profile than Degludec
Insulin Glargine-yfgn (Semglee)
interchangeable biosimilar to Lantus; more affordable option
Concentrated Insulin Glargine (Toujeo U-300)
ultra-long-acting glargine formulation with a similarly flat profile to Degludec
Prefer Insulin Analog, Degludec? We can find it.
Increased hypoglycemia risk:
moderateSulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists, Meglitinides, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, MAO inhibitors, Salicylates, Fluoxetine
Decreased insulin effect:
moderateCorticosteroids, Thiazide diuretics, Oral contraceptives, Thyroid hormones, Sympathomimetics (e.g., Albuterol), Atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Clozapine), Niacin
Beta-blockers
moderatemay mask symptoms of hypoglycemia
Thiazolidinediones
moderate(Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone) increase risk of fluid retention and heart failure
Alcohol
moderatemay unpredictably increase or decrease blood glucose levels
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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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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