What is it prescribed for?
AWIQLI is prescribed for adults with diabetes mellitus who need long-acting insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate glucose, leading to high blood sugar that can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time. Many people with diabetes require daily insulin injections, which can be difficult to manage consistently. AWIQLI is important because it is the first FDA-approved once-weekly basal insulin, reducing the number of injections patients need each week. This new approach may help some patients stay more consistent with treatment and simplify diabetes care. The FDA approved AWIQLI on March 26, 2026.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
The medication is AWIQLI® (insulin icodec), a long-acting basal insulin given as an injection under the skin. It helps lower blood sugar steadily throughout the week. Like other basal insulins, AWIQLI is designed to provide continuous background insulin support between meals and overnight. However, unlike traditional basal insulins that require daily injections, AWIQLI only needs to be taken once every seven days.
How does it work?
AWIQLI is a modified form of insulin designed to remain active in the body for an entire week. After injection, the insulin slowly releases into the bloodstream over several days.
This helps:
- Lower blood sugar levels steadily
- Control glucose between meals and overnight
- Reduce large swings in blood sugar
Because the medication lasts so long, patients only need one injection per week instead of daily basal insulin injections.
What did the research discover?
Clinical studies showed that AWIQLI controlled blood sugar levels similarly to daily long-acting insulin therapies in many patients with diabetes. Researchers measured improvements using HbA1c, an important marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Studies found:
- Significant reductions in HbA1c levels
- Blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin
- High treatment satisfaction among many patients
Some patients appreciated having fewer injections each week, which may improve long-term treatment adherence. These findings supported FDA approval.
What are some of the side effects?
The most common side effects included:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Injection-site reactions
- Weight gain
- Swelling in the hands or feet
More serious risks may include:
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions
- Low potassium levels
Because insulin affects blood sugar directly, patients must monitor glucose carefully, especially when starting treatment or adjusting doses.
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
AWIQLI is injected under the skin once every seven days, on the same day each week if possible. The dose is individualized based on blood sugar levels, prior insulin use, and other diabetes medications. Patients may inject the medicine into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm and should rotate injection sites regularly.
Doctors monitor:
- Blood glucose levels
- HbA1c results
- Signs of hypoglycemia
- Dose adjustments during illness or dietary changes
Patients should never share insulin pens or needles, even if the needle has been changed.
Source:
AWIQLI® (insulin icodec) injection, for subcutaneous use [prescribing information]. Plainsboro (NJ): Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2026. Available from: https://www.novo-pi.com/awiqli.pdf. Accessed by: June 6, 2026.
