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TOUJEO
(insulin glargine injection) U-300, for subcutaneous use
TOUJEO (insulin glargine injection) is a long-acting insulin supplied as a sterile solution for subcutaneous injection containing 300 units/mL of insulin glargine.
Insulin glargine is a human insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a nonpathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12) as the production organism. Insulin glargine differs from human insulin in that the amino acid asparagine at position A21 is replaced by glycine and two arginines remain at the C-terminus of the B-chain. Chemically, insulin glargine is 21A-Gly-31B -32B -Di-Arg -human insulin and has the empirical formula C267H404N72O78S6 and a molecular weight of 6063. Insulin glargine has the following structural formula:
 |
Each milliliter of TOUJEO contains 300 units (10.91 mg) insulin glargine dissolved in a clear aqueous fluid.
The 1.5 mL TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen presentation contains the following inactive ingredients per mL: 90 mcg zinc, 2.7 mg m-cresol, 20 mg glycerol 85%, and water for injection.
The 3 mL TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen presentation contains the following inactive ingredients per mL: 90 mcg zinc, 2.7 mg m-cresol, 20 mg glycerol 85%, and water for injection.
The pH is adjusted by addition of aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. TOUJEO has a pH of approximately 4. At pH 4, insulin glargine is completely soluble. After injection into the subcutaneous tissue, the acidic solution is neutralized, leading to formation of a precipitate from which small amounts of insulin glargine are slowly released.
TOUJEO is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus.
TOUJEO is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Injection: 300 units per mL of insulin glargine available as a clear, colorless, solution in:
TOUJEO is supplied as a clear and colorless solution containing 300 units per mL (U-300) of insulin glargine and is available in 2 disposable prefilled pen presentations:
| TOUJEO | Total volume | Concentration | Total units available in presentation | Max dose per injection | Dose increment | NDC number | Package size |
| SoloStar disposable prefilled pen | 1.5 mL | 300 units/mL | 450 units | 80 units | 1 unit | 0024-5869-03 | 3 pens/pack |
| Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen | 3 mL | 300 units/mL | 900 units | 160 units | 2 units | 0024-5871-02 | 2 pens/pack |
Needles are not included in the packs of TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen.
BD (such as BD Ultra-Fine®), Ypsomed (such as Clickfine®) or Owen Mumford (such as Unifine® Pentips®) needles‡ can be used in conjunction with TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen and are sold separately.
A new sterile needle must be attached before each injection. TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed.
TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen should not be stored in the freezer and should not be allowed to freeze. Discard TOUJEO disposable prefilled pen if it has been frozen.
Storage conditions are summarized in the following table:
| Not in-use (unopened) Refrigerated 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) | In-use (opened)* Room temperature only (Do not refrigerate) below 86°F (30°C) | |
| 1.5 mL TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen | Until expiration date | 42 days* |
| 3 mL TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen | Until expiration date | 42 days* |
| * To prevent degradation, always store the prefilled pens with the cap on during in-use period. | ||
sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 A SANOFI COMPANY. Revised: Mar 2018
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the rates actually observed in clinical practice.
The data in Table 1 reflect the exposure of 304 patients with type 1 diabetes to TOUJEO with mean exposure duration of 23 weeks. The type 1 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 46 years and mean duration of diabetes was 21 years. Fifty-five percent were male, 86% were Caucasian, 5% were Black or African American, and 5% were Hispanic. At baseline, the mean eGFR was 82 mL/min/1.73 m² and 35% of patients had eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was 28 kg/m². HbA1c at baseline was greater or equal to 8% in 58% of patients.
The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 1242 patients with type 2 diabetes to TOUJEO with mean exposure duration of 25 weeks. The type 2 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 59 years and mean duration of diabetes was 13 years. Fifty-three percent were male, 88% were Caucasian, 7% were Black or African American, and 17% were Hispanic. At baseline, mean eGFR was 79 mL/min/1.73 m² and 27% of patients had an eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was 35 kg/m². HbA1c at baseline was greater or equal to 8% in 66% of patients.
Common adverse reactions were defined as reactions occurring in ≥5% of the population studied.
Common adverse reactions occurring for TOUJEO-treated subjects during clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus are listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Hypoglycemia is discussed in a dedicated subsection below.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Two Pooled Clinical
Trials of 26 Weeks and 16 Weeks Duration in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (with
incidence ≥5%)
| TOUJEO + Mealtime Insulin*, % (n=304) |
|
| Nasopharyngitis | 12.8 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 9.5 |
| * “mealtime insulin” refers to insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, or insulin aspart. | |
Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Three Pooled Clinical
Trials of 26 Weeks Duration in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (with incidence
≥5%)
| TOUJEO*, % (n=1242) |
|
| Nasopharyngitis | 7.1 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 5.7 |
| * one of the trials in type 2 diabetes included mealtime insulin. | |
Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including TOUJEO [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In the TOUJEO program, severe hypoglycemia was defined as an event requiring assistance of another person to administer a resuscitative action and documented symptomatic hypoglycemia was defined as an event with typical symptoms of hypoglycemia accompanied by a self-monitored or plasma glucose value equal to or less than 54 mg/dL.
The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving TOUJEO as part of a multiple daily injection regimen was 6.6% at 26 weeks. The incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia was 69% at 26 weeks. There were no clinically important differences in hypoglycemia between TOUJEO and LANTUS among type 1 diabetes patients.
The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes was 5% at 26 weeks in patients receiving TOUJEO as part of a multiple daily injection regimen, and 1.0% and 0.9% respectively at 26 weeks in the two studies where patients received TOUJEO as part of a basal-insulin only regimen. The incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving TOUJEO ranged from 8% to 37% at 26 weeks and the highest risk was again seen in patients receiving TOUJEO as part of a multiple daily injection regimen.
Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.
Insulin, including TOUJEO, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.
Long-term use of insulin, including TOUJEO, can cause lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) in some patients and may affect insulin absorption [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Weight gain has occurred with some insulin therapies including TOUJEO and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.
Some patients taking insulin therapy, including TOUJEO have experienced erythema, local edema, and pruritus at the site of injection. These conditions were usually self-limiting.
Severe cases of generalized allergy (anaphylaxis) have been reported [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
No clinical studies to establish the cardiovascular safety of TOUJEO have been conducted. A cardiovascular outcomes trial, ORIGIN, has been conducted with LANTUS. It is unknown whether the results of ORIGIN can be applied to TOUJEO.
The Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention trial (i.e., ORIGIN) was an open-label, randomized, 12,537 patient study that compared LANTUS to standard care on the time to first occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). MACE was defined as the composite of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke. The incidence of MACE was similar between LANTUS and standard care in ORIGIN (Hazard Ratio [95% CI] for MACE; 1.02 [0.94, 1.11]).
In the ORIGIN trial, the overall incidence of cancer (all types combined) (Hazard Ratio [95% CI]; 0.99 [0.88, 1.11]) or death from cancer (Hazard Ratio [95% CI]; 0.94 [0.77, 1.15]) was also similar between treatment groups.
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity.
In a 6-month study of type 1 diabetes patients, 79% of patients who received TOUJEO once daily were positive for anti-insulin antibodies (AIA) at least once during the study, including 62% that were positive at baseline and 44% of patients who developed antidrug antibody (i.e., anti-insulin glargine antibody [ADA]) during the study. Eighty percent of the AIA-positive patients on TOUJEO with antibody test at baseline remained AIA positive at month 6.
In two 6-month studies in type 2 diabetes patients, 25% of patients who received TOUJEO once daily were positive for AIA at least once during the study, including 42% who were positive at baseline and 20% of patients who developed ADA during the study. Ninety percent of the AIA-positive patients on TOUJEO with antibody test at baseline, remained AIA positive at month 6.
The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay and may be influenced by several factors such as: assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medication, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to TOUJEO with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with TOUJEO
Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with
TOUJEO
| Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia | |
| Drugs: | Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. |
| Intervention: | Dose reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of TOUJEO | |
| Drugs: | Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. |
| Intervention: | Dose increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of TOUJEO | |
| Drugs: | Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. |
| Intervention: | Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia | |
| Drugs: | Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. |
| Intervention: | Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is coadministered with these drugs. |
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Pen sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, or method of administration may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Hypoglycemia] or hyperglycemia. These changes should be made cautiously and only under close medical supervision, and the frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be increased. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant oral antidiabetic products may be needed.
On a unit-to-unit basis, TOUJEO has a lower glucose lowering effect than LANTUS [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In clinical trials, patients who changed to TOUJEO from other basal insulins experienced higher average fasting plasma glucose levels in the first weeks of therapy compared to patients who were changed to LANTUS. To minimize the risk of hyperglycemia when initiating TOUJEO monitor glucose daily, titrate TOUJEO according to labeling instructions, and adjust coadministered glucose-lowering therapies per standard of care [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Higher doses of TOUJEO were required to achieve similar levels of glucose control compared to LANTUS in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies].
The onset of action of TOUJEO develops over 6 hours following an injection. In type 1 diabetes patients treated with IV insulin, consider the longer onset of action of TOUJEO before stopping IV insulin. The full glucose lowering effect may not be apparent for at least 5 days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulin, including TOUJEO. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening, or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving, or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS], or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia.
The timing of hypoglycemia usually reflects the time-action profile of the administered insulin formulation. As with all insulin preparations, the glucose lowering effect time course of TOUJEO may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to coadministered medication [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia do not administer TOUJEO intravenously, intramuscularly, or in an insulin pump, or dilute or mix TOUJEO with any other insulin products or solutions.
Accidental mix-ups between basal insulin products and other insulins, particularly rapid-acting insulins, have been reported. To avoid medication errors between TOUJEO and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection.
To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, never use a syringe to remove TOUJEO from the TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar prefilled pen into a syringe [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Hypoglycemia].
Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including TOUJEO. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue TOUJEO; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. TOUJEO is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine or other of the excipients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
All insulin products, including TOUJEO, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia, if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including TOUJEO, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Advise patients that they must never share TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar pen with another person even if the needle is changed. Pen sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Inform patients that hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction with insulin. Inform patients of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Inform patients that the ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. This may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery. Advise patients who have frequent hypoglycemia or reduced or absent warning signs of hypoglycemia to use caution when driving or operating machinery.
Advise patients that changes in insulin regimen can predispose to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Advise patients that changes in insulin regimen should be made under close medical supervision.
Inform patients that if they change to TOUJEO from other basal insulins they may experience higher average fasting plasma glucose levels in the first weeks of therapy. Advise patients to monitor glucose daily when initiating TOUJEO.
[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. The “300 units/mL (U300)” is highlighted in honey gold on the labels of TOUJEO and TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pens.
Inform patients that TOUJEO (insulin glargine injection) 300 units/mL contains 3 times as much insulin in 1 mL as standard insulin (100 units/mL). To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, instruct patients to never use a syringe to remove TOUJEO from the TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen.
Inform patients that TOUJEO (insulin glargine injection) 300 units/mL is available in two disposable prefilled pens. The dose counter of TOUJEO SoloStar or TOUJEO Max SoloStar disposable prefilled pen shows the number of units of TOUJEO to be injected and no dose recalculation is required.
Instruct patients to follow the Instructions for Use and perform a safety test as described in Step 3 of the Instructions for Use. Failure to perform this step may result in not receiving the full dose. If this occurs, patients should increase the frequency of checking their blood glucose levels and might need to administer additional insulin.
TOUJEO SoloStar prefilled pen contains 450 units of TOUJEO. It delivers 1 to 80 units in a single injection. The dose can be adjusted by 1 unit at a time.
TOUJEO Max SoloStar prefilled pen contains 900 units of TOUJEO. It delivers 2 to 160 units in a single injection. The dose can be adjusted by 2 units at a time.
If safety tests are not performed before first use of a new pen, insulin underdose can occur. To reduce potential underdose, this pen is recommended for patients requiring at least 20 units per day.
Instruct patients to not re-use needles. A new needle must be attached before each injection. Reuse of needles increases the risk of blocked needles which may cause underdosing or overdosing. In the event of blocked needle, the patients must follow the instructions described in Step 3 of the Instructions for Use.
TOUJEO must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Patients must be advised that TOUJEO must NOT be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution.
Advise patients to inform their health care professional if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.
In mice and rats, standard two-year carcinogenicity studies with insulin glargine were performed at doses up to 0.455 mg/kg, which was for the rat approximately 65 times the recommended human subcutaneous starting dose of 0.2 Units/kg/day (0.007 mg/kg/day). The findings in female mice were not conclusive due to excessive mortality in all dose groups during the study. Histiocytomas were found at injection sites in male rats (statistically significant) and male mice (not statistically significant) in acid vehicle containing groups. These tumors were not found in female animals, in saline control, or insulin comparator groups using a different vehicle. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
Insulin glargine was not mutagenic in tests for detection of gene mutations in bacteria and mammalian cells (Ames and HGPRT test) and in tests for detection of chromosomal aberrations (cytogenetics in vitro in V79 cells and in vivo in Chinese hamsters).
In a combined fertility and prenatal and postnatal study in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 0.36 mg/kg/day, which was approximately 50 times the recommended human subcutaneous starting dose of 0.2 Units/kg/day (0.007 mg/kg/day), maternal toxicity due to dose-dependent hypoglycemia, including some deaths, was observed. Consequently, a reduction of the rearing rate occurred in the high-dose group only. Similar effects were observed with NPH insulin.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcome regardless of drug exposure. This background risk is increased in pregnancies complicated by hyperglycemia and may be decreased with good metabolic control. It is essential for patients with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy. In patients with diabetes or gestational diabetes, insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester, generally increase during the second and third trimesters, and rapidly decline after delivery. Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential in these patients. Therefore, female patients should be advised to tell their physicians if they intend to become, or if they become, pregnant while taking TOUJEO.
There are no clinical studies of the use of TOUJEO in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Subcutaneous reproduction and teratology studies have been performed with insulin glargine and regular human insulin in rats and Himalayan rabbits. Insulin glargine was given to female rats before mating, during mating, and throughout pregnancy at doses up to 0.36 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 50 times the recommended human subcutaneous starting dose of 0.2 Units/kg/day (0.007 mg/kg/day). In rabbits, doses of 0.072 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 10 times the recommended human subcutaneous starting dose of 0.2 Units/kg/day (0.007 mg/kg/day), were administered during organogenesis. The effects of insulin glargine did not generally differ from those observed with regular human insulin in rats or rabbits. However, in rabbits, five fetuses from two litters of the high-dose group exhibited dilation of the cerebral ventricles. Fertility and early embryonic development appeared normal.
Endogenous insulin is present in human milk; it is unknown whether insulin glargine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when TOUJEO is administered to a nursing woman. Use of TOUJEO is compatible with breastfeeding, but women with diabetes who are lactating may require adjustments of their insulin doses.
The safety and effectiveness of TOUJEO have not been established in pediatric patients.
In controlled clinical studies, 30 of 304 (9.8%) TOUJEO-treated patients with type 1 diabetes and 327 of 1242 (26.3%) TOUJEO-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were ≥65 years of age, among them 2.0% of the patients with type 1 and 3.0% of the patients with type 2 diabetes were ≥75 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness and safety were observed in the subgroup analyses across the age groups.
Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when TOUJEO is administered to geriatric patients. In elderly patients with diabetes, the initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and Clinical Studies].
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TOUJEO has not been studied. Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for TOUJEO in patients with hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of TOUJEO has not been studied. Some studies with human insulin have shown increased circulating levels of insulin in patients with renal failure. Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for TOUJEO in patients with renal impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
No overall differences in effectiveness and safety were observed in subgroup analyses based on BMI.
Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or physical activity level may be needed. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.
TOUJEO is contraindicated:
The primary activity of insulin, including insulin glargine, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
The pharmacodynamic profiles for TOUJEO given subcutaneously as a single dose of 0.4, 0.6, or 0.9 U/kg in a euglycemic clamp study in patients with type 1 diabetes showed that on average, the onset of action develops over 6 hours post dose for all three single doses of TOUJEO.
The pharmacodynamics for single 0.4, 0.6, and 0.9 U/kg doses of TOUJEO in 24 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in a euglycemic clamp study. On a unit-to-unit basis, TOUJEO had a lower maximum (GIRmax) and 24-hour glucose lowering effect (GIR-AUC0-24) compared to LANTUS. The overall glucose lowering effect of TOUJEO 0.4 U/kg was 12% of the glucose lowering effect of an equivalent dose of LANTUS. Glucose lowering at least 30% of the effect of a single 0.4 U/kg dose of LANTUS was not observed until the single dose of TOUJEO exceeded 0.6 U/kg.
The pharmacodynamics of TOUJEO after 8 days of daily injection was evaluated in 30 patients with type 1 diabetes. At steady state, the 24-hour glucose lowering effect (GIR-AUC0-24) of TOUJEO 0.4 U/kg was approximately 27% lower with a different distribution profile than that of an equivalent dose of LANTUS [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Pharmacokinetics]. The glucose lowering effect of a TOUJEO dose increased with each daily administration.
The pharmacodynamic profile for TOUJEO given subcutaneously as multiple once-daily subcutaneous injections of 0.4 U/kg in a euglycemic clamp study in patients with type 1 diabetes is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Glucose Infusion Rate in Patients with Type
1 Diabetes in Multiple-Dose Administration of TOUJEO
 |
Glucose infusion rate: determined as amount of glucose infused to maintain constant plasma glucose levels.
The pharmacokinetic profiles for single 0.4, 0.6, and 0.9 U/kg doses of TOUJEO in 24 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in a euglycemic clamp study. The median time to maximum serum insulin concentration was 12 (8-14), 12 (12-18), and 16 (12-20) hours, respectively. Mean serum insulin concentrations declined to the lower limit of quantitation of 5.02 μU/mL by 16, 28, and beyond 36 hours, respectively.
Steady-state insulin concentrations are reached by at least 5 days of once-daily subcutaneous administration of 0.4 U/kg to 0.6 U/kg doses of TOUJEO over 8 days in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
After subcutaneous injection of TOUJEO, the intra-subject variability, defined as the coefficient of variation for the insulin exposure during 24 hours was 21.0% at steady state.
After subcutaneous injection of TOUJEO in diabetic patients, insulin glargine is metabolized at the carboxyl terminus of the B-chain with formation of two active metabolites M1 (21A-Glyinsulin) and M2 (21A-Gly-des-30B-Thr-insulin). The in vitro activity of M1 and M2 were similar to that of human insulin.
Age (Geriatric Population and Pediatric Population), Race, and Sex: Effect of age, race, and sex on the pharmacokinetics of TOUJEO has not been evaluated.
Obesity: Effect of BMI on the pharmacokinetics of TOUJEO has not been evaluated.
The safety and effectiveness of TOUJEO given once daily was compared to that of once-daily LANTUS in open-label, randomized, active-control, parallel studies of up to 26 weeks in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Tables 4 and 5). At trial end, the reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose with TOUJEO titrated to goal was similar to that with LANTUS titrated to goal. At the end of the trial, depending on the patient population and concomitant therapy, patients were receiving a higher dose of TOUJEO than LANTUS.
In an open-label, controlled study (Study A), patients with type 1 diabetes (n=546), were randomized to basal-bolus treatment with TOUJEO or LANTUS and treated for 26 weeks.
TOUJEO and LANTUS were administered once daily in the morning (time period covering from pre-breakfast until pre-lunch) or in the evening (time period defined as prior to the evening meal until at bedtime). A mealtime insulin analogue was administered before each meal. Mean age was 47.3 years and mean duration of diabetes was 21 years. Fifty-seven percent were male, 85.1% were Caucasian, 4.7% Black or African American, and 4.7% were Hispanic; 32.2% of patients had GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was approximately 27.6 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.4% (Table 4). Patients treated with TOUJEO used 17.5% more basal insulin than patients treated with LANTUS. There were no clinically important differences in glycemic control when TOUJEO was administered once daily in the morning or in the evening. There were no clinically important differences in body weight between treatment groups.
Table 4: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult (TOUJEO plus
mealtime insulin versus LANTUS plus mealtime insulin)
| TOUJEO + Mealtime Insulin‡ | LANTUS + Mealtime Insulin‡ | |
| Treatment duration | 26 weeks | |
| Treatment in combination with | Fast-a | cting insulin analogue |
| Number of subjects treated (mITT*) | 273 | 273 |
| HbAlc | ||
| Baseline mean | 8.13 | 8.12 |
| Adjusted Mean change from baseline | -0.40 | -0.44 |
| Adjusted Mean difference† [95% Confidence Interval] | 0.04 [-0.10 to 0.18] | |
| Fasting Plasma Glucose mg/dL | ||
| Baseline mean | 186 | 199 |
| Adjusted Mean change from baseline | -17 | -20 |
| Adjusted Mean difference† [95% Confidence Interval] | 3 [-10 to 16] | |
| * mITT: Modified intention-to-treat. † Treatment difference: TOUJEO – LANTUS. ‡ “mealtime insulin” refers to insulin glulisine, insulin lispro or insulin aspart. |
||
In a 26-week open-label, controlled study (study B, n=804), adults with type 2 diabetes were randomized to once-daily treatment in the evening with either TOUJEO or LANTUS. Short-acting mealtime insulin analogues with or without metformin were also administered. The average age was 60 years. The majority of patients were White (92.3%) and 52.9% were male; 20.3 % of patients had GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was approximately 36.6 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.4% compared to LANTUS (Table 5). Patients treated with TOUJEO used 11% more basal insulin than patients treated with LANTUS. There were no clinically important differences in body weight between treatment groups.
In two open-label, controlled studies (n=1670), adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to either TOUJEO or LANTUS once daily for 26 weeks as part of a regimen of combination therapy with noninsulin antidiabetic drugs. At the time of randomization, 808 patients were treated with basal insulin for more than 6 months (study C) and 862 patients were insulin-naive (study D).
In Study C, the average age was 58.2 years. The majority of patients were White (93.8%) and 45.9% were male; 32.8% of patients had GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was approximately 34.8 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.4% compared to LANTUS (Table 5). Patients treated with TOUJEO used 12% more basal insulin than patients treated with LANTUS. There were no clinically important differences in body weight between treatment groups.
In Study D, the average age was 57.7 years. The majority of patients were White (78%) and 57.7% were male; 29% of patients had GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m². The mean BMI was approximately 33 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the prespecified noninferiority margin compared to LANTUS (Table 5). Patients treated with TOUJEO used 15% more basal insulin than patients treated with LANTUS. There were no clinically important differences in body weight between treatment groups.
Table 5: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult
| Study B | Study C | Study D | ||||
| Treatment duration | 26 weeks | 26 weeks | 26 weeks | |||
| Treatment in combination with | Mealtime insulin analog ± metformin | Noninsulin antidiabetic drugs | ||||
| TOUJEO | LANTUS | TOUJEO | LANTUS | TOUJEO | LANTUS | |
| Number of patients treated* | 404 | 400 | 403 | 405 | 432 | 430 |
| HbA1c | ||||||
| Baseline mean | 8.13 | 8.14 | 8.27 | 8.22 | 8.49 | 8.58 |
| Adjusted mean change from baseline | -0.90 | -0.87 | -0.73 | -0.70 | -1.42 | -1.46 |
| Adjusted mean difference† [95% Confidence interval] | -0.03 [-0.14 to 0.08] | -0.03 [-0.17 to 0.10] | 0.04 [-0.09 to 0.17] | |||
| Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) | ||||||
| Baseline mean | 157 | 160 | 149 | 142 | 179 | 184 |
| Adjusted mean change from baseline | -29 | -30 | -18 | -22 | -61 | -68 |
| Adjusted mean difference†[95% Confidence interval] | 0.8 [-5 to 7] | 3 [-3 to 9] | 7 [2 to 12] | |||
| * m-ITT population: Modified intention-to-treat
population. † Treatment difference: TOUJEO – LANTUS. |
||||||
TOUJEO®
(Too-Jay-o)
(insulin glargine injection) 300 units/mL (U-300) for subcutaneous
use
Do not share your TOUJEO SoloStar® or TOUJEO Max SoloStar® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
What is TOUJEO?
Who should not use TOUJEO?
Do not use TOUJEO if you:
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using TOUJEO?
Before using TOUJEO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Before you start using TOUJEO, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.
How should I use TOUJEO?
Keep TOUJEO and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Your dose of TOUJEO may need to change because of:
What should I avoid while using TOUJEO?
While using TOUJEO do not:
What are the possible side effects of TOUJEO?
TOUJEO may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
Treatment with TZDs and TOUJEO may need to be changed or stopped by your healthcare provider if you have new or worse heart failure.
Get emergency medical help if you have:
The most common side effects of TOUJEO include:
These are not all the possible side effects of TOUJEO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of TOUJEO.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use TOUJEO for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TOUJEO to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about TOUJEO. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TOUJEO that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in TOUJEO?
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
TOUJEO® SoloStar®
(Too-Jay-o) (insulin glargine injection) 1.5 mL disposable prefilled pen
Read this first
Do not share your TOUJEO SoloStar pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. Youmay give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
TOUJEO contains 300 units/mL insulin glargine
People who are blind or have vision problems should not use the TOUJEO SoloStar pen without help from a person trained to use the TOUJEO SoloStar pen.
Important information
Learn to inject
Need help?
If you have any questions about your pen or about diabetes, ask your healthcare provider, go to www.Toujeo.com or call sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610.
Extra items you will need:
Places to inject
Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
 |
Step 1: Check your pen
Take a new pen out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before you inject. Cold insulin is more painful to inject.
1A Check the name and expiration date on the label of your pen.
 |
 |
1B Pull off the pen cap.
 |
1C Check that the insulin is clear.
 |
1D Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol swab.
 |
If you have other injector pens
Step 2: Attach a new needle
2A Take a new needle and peel off the protective seal.
 |
2B Keep the needle straight and screw it onto the pen until fixed. Do not over-tighten.
 |
2C Pull off the outer needle cap. Keep this for later.
 |
2D Pull off the inner needle cap and throw away.
 |
Handling needles
Step 3: Do a safety test
Always do a safety test before each injection to:
If the pen is new, you must perform safety tests before you use the pen for the first time until you see insulin coming out of the needle tip. If you see insulin coming out of the needle tip, the pen is ready to use. If you do not see insulin coming out before taking your dose, you could get an underdose or no insulin at all. This could cause high blood sugar.
3A Select 3 units by turning the dose selector until the dose pointer is at the mark between 2 and 4.
 |
3B Press the injection button all the way in.
 |
If no insulin appears:
If you see air bubbles
Step 4: Select the dose
4A Make sure a needle is attached and the dose is set to ‘0’.
 |
4B Turn the dose selector until the dose pointer lines up with your dose.
 |
How to read the dose window
The dose selector dials by 1 unit.
Even numbers are shown in line with the dose pointer:
 |
Odd numbers are shown as a line between even numbers:
 |
Units of insulin in your pen
Step 5: Inject your dose
If you find it hard to press the injection button in, do not force it as this may break your pen. See the section below for help.
5A Choose a place to inject as shown in the picture labeled “Places to Inject”.
5B Push the needle into your skin as shown by your healthcare provider.
 |
5C Place your thumb on the injection button. Then press all the way in and hold.
 |
5D Keep the injection button held in and when you see “0” in the dose window, slowly count to 5.
 |
5E After holding and slowly counting to 5, release the injection button. Then remove the needle fromyour skin.
If you find it hard to press the button in:
Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from your pen.
Step 6: Remove the needle
6A Grip the widest part of the outer needle cap. Keep the needle straight and guide it into the outerneedle cap.
Then push firmly on.
 |
6B Grip and squeeze the widest part of the outer needle cap. Turn your pen several times with your other hand to remove the needle.
 |
6C Throw away the used needle in a puncture resistant container (see “Throwing your pen away” at the end of this Instructions for Use).
 |
6D Put the pen cap back on.
 |
Use by
How to store your pen
Before first use
After first use
How to care for your pen
Handle your pen with care
Protect your pen from dust and dirt
Throwing your pen away
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
TOUJEO® Max SoloStar®
(Too-Jay-o) (insulin glargine injection) 3 mL disposable prefilled pen
Read this first
Do not share your TOUJEO Max SoloStar pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
TOUJEO contains 300 units/mL insulin glargine
People who are blind or have vision problems should not use the TOUJEO Max SoloStar pen without help from a person trained to use the TOUJEO Max SoloStar pen.
Important information
Learn to inject
Need help?
If you have any questions about your pen or about diabetes, ask your healthcare provider, go to www.Toujeo.com or call sanofi-aventis on 1-800-633-1610.
Extra items you will need:
Places to inject
 |
Get to know your pen
 |
Step 1: Check your pen
Take a new pen out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before you inject. Cold insulin is more painful to inject.
1A Check the name and expiration date on the label of your pen.
 |
 |
1B Pull off the pen cap.
 |
1C Check that the insulin is clear.
 |
1D Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol swab.
 |
If you have other injector pens
Step 2: Attach a new needle
2A Take a new needle and peel off the protective seal.
 |
2B Keep the needle straight and screw it onto the pen until fixed. Do not over-tighten.
 |
2C Pull off the outer needle cap. Keep this for later.
 |
2D Pull off the inner needle cap and throw away.
 |
Handling needles
Step 3: Do a safety test
Always do a safety test before each injection to:
If the pen is new, you must perform safety tests before you use the pen for the first time until you see insulin coming out of the needle tip. If you see insulin coming out of the needle tip, the pen is ready to use. If you do not see insulin coming out before taking your dose, you could get an underdose or no insulin at all. This could cause high blood sugar.
3A Select 4 units by turning the dose selector until the dose pointer is at the 4 mark.
 |
3B Press the injection button all the way in.
 |
If no insulin appears:
If you see air bubbles
Step 4: Select the dose
4A Make sure a needle is attached and the dose is set to ‘0’.
 |
4B Turn the dose selector until the dose pointer lines up with your dose.
 |
How to read the dose window
The dose selector dials by 2 units. Each line in the dose window is an even number.
 |
Units of insulin in your pen
Step 5: Inject your dose
If you find it hard to press the injection button in, do not force it as this may break your pen. See the section below for help.
5A Choose a place to inject as shown in the picture labeled “Places to inject.”
5B Push the needle into your skin as shown by your healthcare provider.
 |
5C Place your thumb on the injection button. Then press all the way in and hold.
 |
5D Keep the injection button held in and when you see “0” in the dose window, slowly count to 5.
 |
5E After holding and slowly counting to 5, release the injection button. Then remove the needle from your skin.
If you find it hard to press the injection button in:
Step 6: Remove the needle
6A Grip the widest part of the outer needle cap. Keep the needle straight and guide it into the outerneedle cap.
Then push firmly on.
 |
6B Grip and squeeze the widest part of the outer needle cap. Turn your pen several times with yourother hand to remove the needle.
 |
6C Throw away the used needle in a puncture resistant container (see “Throwing your pen away” at the end of this Instructions for Use).
 |
6D Put the pen cap back on.
 |
Use by
How to store your pen
Before first use
After first use
How to care for your pen
Handle your pen with care
Protect your pen from dust and dirt
Throwing your pen away
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
