Skip to main content

Compare
Tresiba vs. Basaglar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Basaglar (insulin glargine) are both long-acting insulins used to control high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Tresiba is only available as a brand name and can be taken at any time of the day, while Basaglar, also only available as a brand, should be taken at the same time each day. Tresiba can be used by children as young as 1 year old for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, whereas Basaglar is approved for type 1 diabetes in children aged 6 years and up and type 2 diabetes in adults. Tresiba lasts longer at room temperature (56 days) compared to Basaglar (28 days). Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but Basaglar has additional side effects like high blood pressure and back pain. Lastly, Tresiba uses one of the smallest needles possible, which might be more comfortable for some users.

Insulin degludec

(Tresiba)

Get free coupons

Basaglar

(insulin glargine)

Get free coupons

Summary for Tresiba

Prescription only

Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It's injected under the skin once per day. Insulin degludec (Tresiba) comes as a vial and FlexTouch pen. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. Tresiba is available as a brand-name medication and an unbranded biologic.

Indications for Tresiba

Pros and Cons for Tresiba

Pros

  • Injected once daily
  • Each dose can help control blood sugar levels for about 42 hours
  • Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tresiba

  • Low blood sugar levels (up to 99%)
  • Common cold (up to 24%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 12%)
  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 6%)
  • Sinus infection (up to 5%)
  • Stomach viral infection (up to 5%)

Warnings for Tresiba

  • Risk of infections with pen sharing
  • Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
  • Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Allergic reactions

Summary for Basaglar

Prescription only

Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Basaglar (insulin glargine) is given as an injection under the skin once per day. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on different things, such as your diet and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes as a pre-filled pen called Basaglar KwikPen, as well as a smart insulin pen called Basaglar Tempo Pen that can connect to a smartphone. Some side effects of this medication include low blood sugar levels and pain or swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Basaglar

Pros and Cons for Basaglar

Pros

  • Long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control
  • Given once per day
  • Available as a prefilled pen that can easily fit into your purse or pocket
  • Doses can be easily adjusted
  • Can use in type 1 diabetic children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
  • Can cause weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Doesn't come as a vial, which some people might prefer instead of prefilled pens
  • Not available as a lower-cost generic yet

Common Side Effects for Basaglar

  • Infection (up to 24%)
  • Common cold (up to 16%)
  • Respiratory tract infection (up to 8%)

Warnings for Basaglar

  • Risk of infections with pen sharing
  • Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
  • Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Tresiba vs. Basaglar

Price Card Drug Icon
Insulin Degludec1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
$122.89$142.36
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Basaglar1 carton / five 3ml kwikpens of 100 units/ml
$228.82$399.81
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1 drugs

Levemir vs. TresibaOzempic vs. TresibaSoliqua-100-33 vs. TresibaTresiba vs. BasaglarTresiba vs. Humalog
Tresiba vs. LantusTresiba vs. ToujeoTrulicity vs. TresibaAdmelog vs. BasaglarAdmelog vs. HumalogGlucovance vs. HumalogHumalog vs. ActosHumalog vs. ApidraHumulin-r vs. HumalogLantus vs. BasaglarLantus vs. HumalogLantus vs. ToujeoLevemir vs. BasaglarLevemir vs. HumalogLevemir vs. ToujeoLyumjev vs. HumalogMetaglip vs. HumalogNesina vs. HumalogOnglyza vs. HumalogPrecose vs. HumalogSoliqua-100-33 vs. OzempicSoliqua-100-33 vs. ToujeoToujeo vs. ActosToujeo vs. ApidraToujeo vs. Humalog

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.