What Is Toujeo?

Toujeo is a brand-name, long-acting basal insulin manufactured by Sanofi. Its active ingredient is insulin glargine at a concentration of 300 units/mL (U-300) — three times more concentrated than Lantus (U-100). Toujeo is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults.

As a basal insulin, Toujeo provides a steady level of insulin over approximately 24–36 hours to help control blood sugar between meals and overnight. It is injected subcutaneously once daily at the same time each day.

How Does Toujeo Work?

Toujeo contains insulin glargine, a recombinant human insulin analog. After subcutaneous injection, the U-300 concentration forms a compact microprecipitate depot under the skin, which dissolves slowly and provides a gradual, prolonged release of insulin over 24–36 hours.

This mechanism lowers blood glucose by stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and fat tissue while inhibiting glucose production by the liver. Compared to Lantus (U-100 glargine), Toujeo's higher concentration results in a flatter, more even pharmacokinetic profile, which may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia — particularly overnight.

What Doses Are Available for Toujeo?

Toujeo is available in two prefilled pen formulations:

• Toujeo SoloStar — 1.5 mL prefilled pen containing 450 units total. Delivers 1–80 units per injection in 1-unit increments.
• Toujeo Max SoloStar — 3 mL prefilled pen containing 900 units total. Delivers 2–160 units per injection in 2-unit increments. Designed for patients requiring higher doses.

Both formulations contain insulin glargine at a concentration of 300 units/mL (U-300). An authorized generic (unbranded Insulin Glargine U-300) is also available from Sanofi in both pen sizes.

How Hard Is It to Find Toujeo in Stock?

Toujeo receives a findability score of 55 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate in stock at times. While Toujeo is not currently in a formal FDA shortage, the broader insulin glargine market has experienced supply disruptions — notably after the Semglee (biosimilar glargine U-100) phase-out in January 2025, which increased demand for other glargine products like Toujeo.

Some patients have reported regional and intermittent availability issues, particularly for the Toujeo Max SoloStar pen. If your local pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you search nearby pharmacies that have Toujeo available.

Who Can Prescribe Toujeo?

Toujeo can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Endocrinologists — diabetes and hormone specialists who most commonly manage insulin therapy
• Primary Care Physicians — including family medicine and internal medicine doctors
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants — with prescriptive authority in most states
• Diabetologists — physicians specializing in diabetes management

Toujeo is also available through telehealth consultations, making it accessible for patients who have difficulty visiting a clinic in person.

Is Toujeo a Controlled Substance?

No, Toujeo is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and is not subject to the same prescribing restrictions as controlled medications. However, Toujeo does require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Insulin pens should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed, due to the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections.

Common Side Effects of Toujeo

Like all insulins, Toujeo may cause side effects. The most commonly reported include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — the most common side effect; symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and dizziness
• Injection site reactions — redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
• Weight gain — common with insulin therapy
• Edema — fluid retention, particularly when starting insulin
• Lipodystrophy — changes in fat tissue at injection sites; rotate injection sites to reduce risk
• Upper respiratory tract infections and nasopharyngitis

Serious but rare side effects include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia (low potassium), and severe allergic reactions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.

Alternative Medications to Toujeo

If you're having difficulty finding Toujeo or looking for other options, consider these alternatives:

• Lantus (Insulin Glargine U-100) — the same active ingredient at a lower concentration; widely available with multiple biosimilars
• Basaglar (Insulin Glargine U-100) — a lower-cost biosimilar alternative to Lantus
• Semglee / Rezvoglar — additional insulin glargine U-100 biosimilars (note: Semglee was phased out in early 2025)
• Tresiba (Insulin Degludec) — an ultra-long-acting basal insulin with up to 42-hour duration
• Levemir (Insulin Detemir) — a long-acting basal insulin typically dosed once or twice daily

Talk to your doctor before switching insulins, as dosing may differ between products. Use Medfinder to check availability of these alternatives near you.

Drug Interactions with Toujeo

Toujeo can interact with several medications. Key interactions include:

• Other antidiabetic medications (sulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists) — increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs — may enhance blood sugar–lowering effect
• Beta-blockers — can mask the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) — increased risk of heart failure and edema when used with insulin
• Corticosteroids — may reduce insulin effectiveness and raise blood sugar
• MAOIs — may increase hypoglycemia risk
• Alcohol — can unpredictably increase or decrease blood sugar levels

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking before starting Toujeo.

Final Thoughts on Toujeo

Toujeo is a trusted, long-acting basal insulin that provides smooth, steady blood sugar control for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. While it can sometimes be difficult to find in stock due to broader insulin supply chain pressures, programs like Sanofi's Valyou Savings Program ($35/month) and the Sanofi Copay Savings Card ($0 copay for commercially insured patients) make it affordable for many patients.

If you're struggling to find Toujeo at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock nearby. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about alternative insulin options if availability remains an issue in your area.