PTCE Top 200 · #152

Insulin Degludec

Tresiba

Insulin Degludec is the generic name for the brand-name drug Tresiba. It is an insulin used to treat diabetes (ultra-long basal). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Insulin Degludec ranks #152 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine/diabetes medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic name	Insulin Degludec
Brand name(s)	Tresiba
Drug class	Insulin
Class group	Endocrine/Diabetes
Common use	diabetes (ultra-long basal)
DEA schedule	Unscheduled
Availability	Prescription only (Rx)

What is Insulin Degludec used for?

Long-acting basal insulin for glycemic control in diabetes mellitus.

What drug class is Insulin Degludec?

Insulin Degludec is an Insulin in the Endocrine/Diabetes group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Insulin Degludec

arrow_rightHypoglycemia
arrow_rightInjection site reactions
arrow_rightWeight gain
arrow_rightEdema
arrow_rightRash/pruritus
arrow_rightLipodystrophy

Major interactions

arrow_rightOther antidiabetics → additive hypoglycemia risk
arrow_rightBeta-blockers may mask hypoglycemia symptoms
arrow_rightThiazolidinediones (pioglitazone) + insulin → edema/heart failure risk

Is Insulin Degludec a controlled substance?

No. Insulin Degludec is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Insulin Degludec (PTCE mnemonic)

TRES-iba TREDs through the day — DEGLUDEC = 'de-glue' ultra-long basal (T½ 25hr, duration >42hr). Flat profile = less hypo than glargine; once-daily any time.

lightbulb

PTCE exam tip

Degludec is the ULTRA-long basal insulin (over 42 hours) — the exam sorts insulins by duration: aspart/lispro rapid → glargine/detemir long → degludec ultra-long.