Toujeo Injection, Solution
FDA Label NDC 50090-2193

TOUJEO is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use

TOUJEO is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Type 1 Diabetes:

• The recommended starting dose of TOUJEO in insulin naïve patients with type 1 diabetes is approximately one-third to one-half of the total daily insulin dose. The remainder of the total daily insulin dose should be given as a short-acting insulin and divided between each daily meal. As a general rule, 0.2 to 0.4 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight can be used to calculate the initial total daily insulin dose in insulin naïve patients with type 1 diabetes.
• The maximum glucose lowering effect of a dose of TOUJEO may take five days to fully manifest and the first TOUJEO dose may be insufficient to cover metabolic needs in the first 24 hours of use [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. To minimize risks associated with insufficient insulinization when initiating TOUJEO, monitor glucose daily, titrate TOUJEO per instructions, and adjust co-administered glucose lowering therapies per standard of care.

Type 2 Diabetes:

• The recommended starting dose of TOUJEO in insulin naïve patients with type 2 diabetes is 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight once daily. The dosage of other anti-diabetic drugs may need to be adjusted when starting TOUJEO to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Risk Factors for 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 (12.2)]. 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 co-administered medication [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].

Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia

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.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including TOUJEO [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. 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.

Insulin initiation and intensification of glucose control

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.

Peripheral Edema

Insulin, including TOUJEO, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.

Lipodystrophy

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 (2.1)].

Weight gain

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.

Allergic Reactions

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 (5.5)].

Cardiovascular Safety

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.

Risk Summary

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.

Human data

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.

Animal data

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.

Onset of Action

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.

Single Dose Pharmacodynamics

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 (GIR_max) and 24 hour glucose lowering effect (GIR-AUC_0–24) 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.

Multiple Once Daily Dose Pharmacodynamics

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-AUC_0–24) 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 (2), Warning and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. 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



Figure 1 (Toujeo 02)

Glucose infusion rate: determined as amount of glucose infused to maintain constant plasma glucose levels.

Absorption and Bioavailability

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.

Elimination

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-Gly-insulin) and M2 (21A-Gly-des-30B-Thr-insulin). The in vitro activity of M1 and M2 were similar to that of human insulin.

Specific Populations

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.

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A SANOFI COMPANY

©2015 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC

LANTUS, TOUJEO and SoloStar are registered trademarks of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC.

• Inject TOUJEO subcutaneously once a day into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid at the same time each day.
• Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
• Individualize and titrate the dosage of TOUJEO based on the individual's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. The dosage of TOUJEO ranges from 1 to 80 units per one injection.
• To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia titrate the dose of TOUJEO no more frequently than every 3 to 4 days.
• Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function or during acute illness to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), and Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].
• To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia, do not administer TOUJEO intravenously, intramuscularly or in an insulin pump.
• To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia, do not dilute or mix TOUJEO with any other insulin products or solutions.

• To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when changing patients from a once daily long-acting or intermediate acting insulin product to TOUJEO, the starting dose of TOUJEO can be the same as the once daily long-acting dose. For patients controlled on LANTUS (insulin glargine, 100 units/mL) expect that a higher daily dose of TOUJEO will be needed to maintain the same level of glycemic control [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) and Clinical Studies (14.1)].
• To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when changing patients from twice-daily NPH insulin to once-daily TOUJEO, the recommended starting TOUJEO dose is 80% of the total daily NPH dosage.
• To minimize the risk of hyperglycemia when changing patients to TOUJEO, monitor glucose frequently in the first weeks of therapy titrate the dose of TOUJEO per instructions and the dose of other glucose lowering therapies per standard of care. [See Warning and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology Section (12.2)].

• Prior to initiation of TOUJEO, patients should be trained by their healthcare professional on proper use and injection technique. Training reduces the risk of administration errors such as needle sticks and incomplete dosing.
• Patient should follow the Instructions for Use to correctly use the pen device and administer TOUJEO.
• Patients should be informed that the dose counter of the TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen shows the number of units of TOUJEO to be injected. The TOUJEO SoloStar prefilled pen has been specifically designed for TOUJEO, therefore no dose conversion is required [Patient counseling information (17)].
• Patients should be instructed to visually inspect the TOUJEO solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration and only use if the solution is clear and colorless with no visible particles.
• For single patient use only [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Refrigerate unused (unopened) TOUJEO SoloStar prefilled pens.

Injection: 300 units per mL of insulin glargine available as a clear, colorless, solution in a 1.5 mL TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen (450 Units/1.5 mL).

TOUJEO is contraindicated:

• During episodes of hypoglycemia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
• In patients with hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or one of its excipients [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

TOUJEO 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 Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] 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 anti-diabetic products may be needed.

On a unit to unit basis, TOUJEO has a lower glucose lowering effect than LANTUS [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. 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 co-administered glucose lowering therapies per standard of care [See Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)]. Higher doses of TOUJEO were required to achieve similar levels of glucose control compared to LANTUS in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

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 (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

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 (7)], or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia.

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.

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 (6)]. TOUJEO is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine or other of the excipients [See Contraindications (4)].

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.

The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere:

• Hypoglycemia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Hypokalemia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]

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/1.73m² and 35% of patients had eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73m². 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/1.73m² and 27% of patients had an eGFR≥90 mL/min/1.73m². 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.

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 anti-drug 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.

The risk of hypoglycemia associated with TOUJEO use may be increased with 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. Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is co-administered with these drugs.

The glucose lowering effect of TOUJEO may be decreased when co-administered with atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isonazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline) and thyroid hormones. Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is co-administered with these drugs.

The glucose lowering effect of TOUJEO may be increased or decreased when co-administered with alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TOUJEO is co-administered with these drugs.

The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] may be blunted when beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine are co-administered with TOUJEO.

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 (5.3), Adverse reactions (6) and Clinical Studies (14)].

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 (5.3)].

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 (5.3)].

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 (5.3, 5.6)]. 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 (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 non-pathogenic 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 21^A-Gly-31^B-32^B-Di-Arg -human insulin and has the empirical formula C₂₆₇H₄₀₄N₇₂O₇₈S₆ and a molecular weight of 6063. Insulin glargine has the following structural formula:

Chemical Structure (Toujeo 01)

Each milliliter of TOUJEO contains 300 Units (10.91 mg) insulin glargine dissolved in a clear aqueous fluid.

The 1.5 mL 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.

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.

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.

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 3 and 4). 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. 57% were male. 85.1% were Caucasian, 4.7% Black or African American. 4.7% were Hispanic. 32.2 percent of patients had GFR>90 mL/min/1.73m². The mean BMI was approximately 27.6 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 0.4% (Table 3). 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.

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 percent of patients had GFR>90mL/min/1.73m². The mean BMI was approximately 36.6 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 0.4% compared to LANTUS (Table 4). 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=1,670), 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 non-insulin anti-diabetic 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-naïve (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 percent of patients had GFR>90mL/min/1.73m². The mean BMI was approximately 34.8 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 0.4% compared to LANTUS (Table 4). 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 percent of patients had GFR>90mL/min/1.73m². The mean BMI was approximately 33 kg/m². At week 26, treatment with TOUJEO provided a mean reduction in HbA1c that met the pre-specified non-inferiority margin compared to LANTUS (Table 4). 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.

Product: 50090-2193

NDC: 50090-2193-0 1.5 mL in a SYRINGE

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Instruction Leaflet)

General Counseling Information—Prior to treatment, patients should fully understand the risks and benefits of TOUJEO. Ensure that all patients receive the Instruction Leaflet prior to initiating TOUJEO therapy.

[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

Advise patients that they must never share TOUJEO 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 (5.2), (5.3)]

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 hyper- 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 (5.4)]

Instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. The "300 Units/mL (U-300)" is highlighted in honey gold on the label of TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen.

Inform patients that TOUJEO (insulin glargine 300 U/mL) contains 3 times as much insulin in 1 mL as standard insulin (100 U/mL).

Inform patients that the dose counter of TOUJEO SoloStar disposable prefilled pen shows the number of units of TOUJEO to be injected. No dose re-calculation is required.

Instruct patients to not re-use needles. A new needle must be attached before each injection. Re-use of needles increases the risk of blocked needles which may cause under-dosing or overdosing. In the event of blocked needle, the patients must follow the instructions described in Step 3 of the Instructions for Use.

Instruct Patients to never use a syringe to remove TOUJEO from the SoloStar disposable insulin prefilled pen.

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.

Patients should be instructed on self-management procedures including glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Patients must be instructed on handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness, stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food intake, and skipped meals.

Advise patients to inform their health care professional if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.

Refer patients to the TOUJEO "Patient Information" for additional information about the potential side effects of insulin therapy, including lipodystrophy (and the need to rotate injection sites within the same body region), weight gain, allergic reactions, and hypoglycemia.

See attached document at end of Full Prescribing Information.

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. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

TOUJEO contains 300 units/mL insulin glargine

• -Do not re-use needles. If you do you might not get your dose (underdosing) or get too much (overdosing) as the needle could block.
• -Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from your pen. If you do you will get too much insulin. The scale on most syringes is made for non-concentrated insulin only.

Important information

• Do not use your pen if it is damaged or if you are not sure that it is working properly.
• Always perform a safety test.
• Always carry a spare pen and spare needles in case they got lost or stop working.

Learn to inject

• Talk with your healthcare provider about how to inject, before using your pen.
• Ask for help if you have problems handling the pen, for example if you have problems with your sight.
• Read all of these instructions before using your pen. If you do not follow all of these instructions, you may get too much or too little insulin.

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:

• a new sterile needle (see Step 2).
• an alcohol swab.
• a puncture resistant container for used needles and pens.

Places to inject



Figure (Toujeo 03)

Get to know your pen



Figure (Toujeo 04)

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.

• Make sure you have the correct insulin.
• Do not use your pen after the expiration date.


Figure (Toujeo 05)

1B Pull off the pen cap.



Figure (Toujeo 06)

1C Check that the insulin is clear.

• Do not use the pen if the insulin looks cloudy, colored or contains particles.


Figure (Toujeo 07)

1D Wipe the rubber seal with an alcohol swab.



Figure (Toujeo 08)

If you have other injector pens

• Making sure you have the correct medicine is especially important if you have other injector pens.

Step 2: Attach a new needle

• Do not reuse needles. Always use a new sterile needle for each injection. This helps stop blocked needles, contamination and infection.
• Always use needles

  The brands listed are the registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC

  from BD (such as BD Ultra-Fine^®), Ypsomed (such as Clickfine^®) or Owen Mumford (such as Unifine^® Pentips^®).

2A Take a new needle and peel off the protective seal.



Figure (Toujeo 09)

2B Keep the needle straight and screw it onto the pen until fixed. Do not over-tighten.



Figure (Toujeo 10)

2C Pull off the outer needle cap. Keep this for later.



Figure (Toujeo 11)

2D Pull off the inner needle cap and throw away.



Figure (Toujeo 12)

Handling needles

• Take care when handling needles to prevent needle injury and cross-infection.

Step 3: Do a safety test

Always do a safety test before each injection to:

• check your pen and the needle to make sure they are working properly.
• make sure that you get the correct insulin dose.

3A Select 3 units by turning the dose selector until the dose pointer is at the mark between 2 and 4.



Figure (Toujeo 13)

3B Press the injection button all the way in.

• When insulin comes out of the needle tip, your pen is working correctly.


Figure (Toujeo 14)

If no insulin appears:

• You may need to repeat this step up to 3 times before seeing insulin.
• If no insulin comes out after the third time, the needle may be blocked. If this happens:
  • -change the needle (see Step 6 and Step 2),
  • -then repeat the safety test (Step 3).
  • Do not use your pen if there is still no insulin coming out of the needle tip. Use a new pen.
  • Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from your pen.

  If you see air bubbles

  • You may see air bubbles in the insulin. This is normal, they will not harm you.

  Step 4: Select the dose

  Do not select a dose or press the injection button without a needle attached. This may damage your pen.

  4A Make sure a needle is attached and the dose is set to '0'.

  

  Figure (Toujeo 15)

  4B Turn the dose selector until the dose pointer lines up with your dose.

  • If you turn past your dose, you can turn back down.
  • If there are not enough units left in your pen for your dose, the dose selector will stop at the number of units left.
  • If you cannot select your full prescribed dose, split the dose into 2 injections or use a new pen.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 16)

  How to read the dose window

  Even numbers are shown in line with the dose pointer:

  

  Figure (Toujeo 17)

  Odd numbers are shown as a line between even numbers:

  

  Figure (Toujeo 18)

  Units of insulin in your pen

  • Your pen contains a total of 450 units of insulin. You can select doses from 1 to 80 units in steps of 1 unit. Each pen contains more than 1 dose.
  • You can see roughly how many units of insulin are left by looking at where the plunger is on the insulin scale.

  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 above.

  5B Push the needle into your skin as shown by your healthcare provider.

  • Do not touch the injection button yet.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 19)

  5C Place your thumb on the injection button. Then press all the way in and hold.

  • Do not press at an angle. Your thumb could block the dose selector from turning.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 20)

  5D Keep the injection button held in and when you see "0" in the dose window, slowly count to 5.

  • This will make sure you get your full dose.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 21)

  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 button in:

  • Change the needle (see Step 6 and Step 2) then do a safety test (see Step 3).
  • If you still find it hard to press in, get a new pen.
  • Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from your pen.

  Step 6: Remove the needle

  • Take care when handling needles to prevent needle injury and cross-infection.
  • Do not put the inner needle cap back on.

  6A Grip the widest part of the outer needle cap. Keep the needle straight and guide it into the outer needle cap.

  Then push firmly on.

  • The needle can puncture the cap if it is recapped at an angle.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 22)

  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.

  • Try again if the needle does not come off the first time.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 23)

  6C Throw away the used needle in a puncture resistant container (see "Throwing your pen away" at the end of this Instructions for Use).

  

  Figure (Toujeo 24)

  6D Put the pen cap back on.

  • Do not put the pen back in the refrigerator.
  

  Figure (Toujeo 25)

  Use by

  • Only use your pen for up to 42 days after its first use.

  How to store your pen

  Before first use

  • Keep new pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
  • Do not freeze.

  After first use

  • Keep your pen at room temperature below 86°F (30°C)
  • Do not put your pen back in the refrigerator.
  • Do not store your pen with the needle attached.
  • Store your pen with the pen cap on.

  How to care for your pen

  Handle your pen with care

  • Do not drop your pen or knock it against hard surfaces.
  • If you think that your pen may be damaged, do not try to fix it. Use a new one.

  Protect your pen from dust and dirt

  • You can clean the outside of your pen by wiping it with a damp cloth (water only). Do not soak, wash or lubricate your pen. This may damage it.

  Throwing your pen away

  • Put the used TOUJEO SoloStar pen in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) the TOUJEO SoloStar pen in your household trash.
  • If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
    • made of a heavy-duty plastic,
    • can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
    • upright and stable during use,
    • leak-resistant, and
    • properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
    • When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal

    This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC
    Bridgewater, NJ 08807
    A SANOFI COMPANY

    Date of Revision: September 2015

    ©2015 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC