Insulins

Insulin icodec: Awiqli (once-weekly insulin)

insulin icodec-abae · Once-weekly basal insulin (700 units/mL) · Novo Nordisk

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae) is an once-weekly basal insulin (700 units/mL) made by Novo Nordisk, used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormFlexTouch prefilled pen
How oftenOnce weekly
United StatesFDA-approved March 26, 2026 — the first once-weekly basal insulin in the US; launched in 2026. Not approved for type 1 diabetes.
CanadaApproved in Canada and the EU earlier than in the US.
PrescriptionRequired

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Awiqli dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Awiqli label dosing schedule
1DoseIndividualized in units by your prescriber; same day each week. Switching from daily insulin follows label-specific instructions

How to take it

Under the skin once weekly.

Storage

Refrigerate before use; follow label for in-use storage.

How long it works compared with other insulins

How long each insulin type worksApproximate duration of action: rapid-acting about 4 hours, regular about 6 hours, NPH 12 to 18 hours with a peak at 4 to 12 hours, glargine about 24 hours, degludec up to 42 hours, icodec about one week.0 h12 h24 h36 h48 hRapid-acting (lispro, aspart, glulisine)Short-acting (regular)Intermediate (NPH)Long-acting (glargine)Ultra-long (degludec)Once-weekly (icodec)≈ 1 week →
Typical time-action profiles from product labels (darker band = peak). Your response can differ — follow your own plan.

Side effects

Common

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Weight gain
  • Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at repeated injection sites

Serious — get medical help

  • Severe hypoglycemia (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness)
  • Low potassium (hypokalemia)
  • Fluid retention and heart failure when combined with thiazolidinediones
  • Serious allergic reactions

Who should not use it

  • During an episode of low blood sugar
  • Never share pens or needles, even if the needle is changed
  • Do not switch insulin type, brand or concentration without your prescriber

Cost

Pricing and coverage were still settling at launch; check your plan.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Awiqli legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Frequently asked questions

Is Awiqli approved in the US?

Yes, since March 26, 2026, for adults with type 2 diabetes. Some older sources still say it is not — they are out of date.

Also searched as: Awiqli, icodec, weekly insulin, once weekly insulin, insulin icodec-abae

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

InsulinsInsulin degludec: Tresibainsulin degludec · Once dailyInsulinsInsulin glargine: Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Rezvoglar, Toujeoinsulin glargine · Once daily
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