Overview

Awiqli is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct (add-on) to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control (blood sugar control) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Awiqli is also known by its drug name, insulin icodec-abae.

As a long-acting human insulin analog, Awiqli helps manage blood sugar levels over the course of a week. It is believed to work by acting like the body’s natural insulin, helping cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream more effectively while also reducing the amount of sugar made by the liver, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Awiqli is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. Dosing should be individualized based on the type of diabetes, metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. Injection sites should be rotated to help reduce the risk of lipodystrophy (changes in fat under the skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (abnormal protein buildup under the skin). Awiqli should be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects

Common side effects of Awiqli include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria (hives) and swelling of the face and lips, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy (changes in fat under the skin), pruritus (itching), rash, edema (swelling), and weight gain.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen, severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), hypokalemia (low potassium), and fluid retention with heart failure when used with thiazolidinediones (TZDs). The highlights also warn about medication errors and accidental overdose, including the risk of severe hypoglycemia if Awiqli is mixed up with another insulin product or transferred from the included FlexTouch pen into a syringe.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Awiqli (Insulin Icodec-Abae) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — Novo Nordisk