Novo Nordisk Launches Weekly Insulin Awiqli in India: Benefits, Dosage and Eligibility Explained
A new landmark has been created by India in its battle against diabetes with the advent of the first once-a-week basal insulin called Awiqli (insulin icodec). This new insulin injection will significantly lessen the burden of daily injections for millions of adult patients with diabetes, substituting for 365 injections per year with just 52 injections weekly.
According to the health experts, this development may lead to better compliance with the treatment regimen, especially in those patients who defer taking their insulin due to daily injections.
What Is Awiqli?
Insulin icodec, under the trade name Awiqli, is an extremely long-acting insulin created by Novo Nordisk. While other basal insulins are usually taken daily, Awiqli is meant to be taken just once a week and will still allow the patient to achieve constant blood sugar management. The drug acts by supplying a slow flow of insulin into the body.
What Are the Benefits of Weekly Insulin?
The main benefit of Awiqli is convenience. Patients who now require an injection of their basal insulin once a day may be able to have just one injection once a week.
It is believed that less frequent dosing will make patients more adherent to the insulin regimen, which is still a problem in India. People with diabetes avoid taking insulin because they are afraid of injections or because they find it difficult to take medicine on a regular basis.
Clinical trials have proved that the efficacy of insulin icodec in controlling blood glucose levels is equal to that of other common once-daily basal insulins prescribed by a doctor.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Awiqli?
As per Novo Nordisk, Awiqli is currently available in India for patients suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, requiring insulin treatment.
It must be remembered that not all diabetic patients can use this drug right away.
There are several considerations on the part of the physicians who would recommend the drug, which include the current use of insulin, levels of blood glucose, general health conditions, and chances of hypoglycemia.
How Is the Dosage Decided?
Awiqli should be taken once per week on the same day every 7 days.
However, the specific dose can vary between individuals depending on prior insulin treatment, blood glucose levels, body weight, and therapeutic objectives. The dosage for patients who were on daily insulin should be adjusted according to medical advice.
According to healthcare professionals, patients should not alter insulin dosages and schedules without seeking medical advice.
How Much Does Awiqli Cost in India?
Awiqli is available in two types of pre-filled pens.
The pen with 1 ml and 700 units is sold for ₹2,611, whereas the one with 3 ml and 2,100 units comes for ₹7,833. According to Novo Nordisk, the weekly cost is roughly similar to that of most daily basal insulins currently available in India.
Why Is This Launch Important for India?
India has a huge population with diabetes, as there are over 100 million adults in the country who suffer from diabetes and many others who are at risk. However, insulin therapy is usually not initiated due to anxiety, complex nature of therapy, and its high cost.
By lowering the number of injections needed down to 52 from 365 in a year, Awiqli is likely to help those people become more adherent.
This launch makes India one of the first countries where this new insulin therapy will be available.
Are There Any Precautions?
While Awiqli is more convenient, it is also a prescription drug and must be taken only on the doctor’s recommendation.
Patients need to keep checking their blood sugar level, follow proper diet, exercise regularly, and undergo regular medical examinations. If a patient misses his dose or takes it late without consulting his doctor, it may affect the regulation of his blood sugar levels.
Those who experience low levels of blood sugar or changes in managing diabetes must visit their physician at once.
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Conclusion
The arrival of Awiqli weekly insulin in India is one of the most important milestones in insulin treatment in recent years. As a result of using weekly basal insulin instead of daily administration of the drug, Novo Nordisk plans to make diabetes treatment easier and, therefore, more effective.
Although the novelty provides great convenience, physicians note that the drug cannot become a substitute for all types of insulin. The proper regimen can be decided only by an endocrinologist or another medical expert specialized in diabetes treatment.
In this regard, Awiqli can completely revolutionize diabetes treatment in adults in India—provided that patients use weekly insulin with the help of a competent specialist.
