Awiqli: What Once-Weekly Insulin Changes for You
Awiqli (insulin icodec) is the first once-weekly basal insulin in the US. Who it is for, how switching from daily insulin works, and what to watch for.
3 min read
Key takeaways
Awiqli replaces seven daily basal injections with one weekly shot. The FDA approved it on March 26, 2026 for adults with type 2 diabetes — not for type 1. Switching from daily insulin follows specific label instructions, so let your prescriber set the first doses.
Awiqli at a glance
| Generic name | insulin icodec-abae |
|---|---|
| Made by | Novo Nordisk |
| Type | Once-weekly basal insulin (700 units/mL) |
| Form | FlexTouch prefilled pen |
| How often | Once weekly |
| United States | FDA-approved March 26, 2026 — the first once-weekly basal insulin in the US; launched in 2026. Not approved for type 1 diabetes. |
| Canada | Approved in Canada and the EU earlier than in the US. |
Who it is for
Adults with type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin. For people who dislike daily injections or forget them, a weekly dose can make treatment easier to stick with.
How it is different
Icodec is highly concentrated (700 units/mL) and binds in the blood, releasing slowly over the week. Dose changes take time to show, so adjustments are usually made weekly rather than daily.
Switching from daily insulin
The label has a specific method for the first injection after daily basal insulin. Do not convert doses yourself. Plan more glucose checks in the first weeks.
Low blood sugar
Know your low-sugar plan. Signs include shaking, sweating, a fast heartbeat, hunger, confusion and irritability. A common approach is the rule of 15: take 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets, juice or regular soda), recheck after 15 minutes, and repeat if still low. Make sure someone close to you knows how to use rescue glucagon.
Cost and coverage
Pricing and insurance coverage were still settling after launch. Check your plan and the manufacturer's programs before you fill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Awiqli for type 1 diabetes?
No — in the US it is approved only for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Which day should I inject?
Pick one day and keep it every week, as your prescriber advises.
Is it available in Canada?
Yes — insulin icodec was approved in Canada and the EU before the US.
Keep reading
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .
General information based on the official label. It does not replace advice from your prescriber or pharmacist.