INSULIN DEGLUDEC/LIRAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

INSULIN DEGLUDEC/LIRAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (IN-su-lin de-GLOO-dek/LIR-a-GLOO-tide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xultophy

GENERIC NAME(S): insulin degludec/liraglutide

Uses

USES: This medication is a combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide and is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Insulin degludec is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It acts longer than regular insulin, providing a low, steady level of insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. Liraglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by causing insulin release in response to high sugar levels (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes.


How to use INSULIN DEGLUDEC/LIRAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Use a new needle for each injection. This medication may be used with or without food. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects, and gradually increase your dose. If more than 3 days have passed since your last dose of this medication, ask your doctor if you should restart the medication with the low dose to reduce your chance of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, decreased appetite, diarrhea, constipation, stuffy/runny nose, or pain/redness/irritation at the injection site may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use this medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: signs of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain). This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This may occur if you do not consume enough calories from food or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to insulin degludec or liraglutide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis). You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcohol while using this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar. It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. You may need a snack beforehand. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications including insulin). It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: rosiglitazone. Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are not affected by these drugs. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, loss of consciousness.

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for INSULIN DEGLUDEC/LIRAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide - Injection is used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It combines two medications, insulin degludec and liraglutide, which work together to help regulate blood glucose levels.

Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide - Injection is administered once daily under the skin (subcutaneously) using a pre-filled pen. The injection should be given at the same time each day, but the specific administration instructions should be followed as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Common side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and injection site reactions (such as redness, itching, or swelling). However, everyone may not experience these side effects.

No, Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide - Injection is not approved for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes. It is specifically indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

There are no specific food interactions linked to this medication. However, it is important to discuss all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential negative interactions.

No, it is crucial to use Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide - Injection as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Skipping doses or altering the schedule without medical advice may lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Insulin degludec/liraglutide injection is used to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are not enough.

Insulin degludec/liraglutide is a combination medication that works by lowering blood sugar in two ways: insulin degludec is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels throughout the day, and liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating the release of insulin and reducing the production of glucagon.

Insulin degludec/liraglutide injection is taken once daily, with or without food. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how to use the injection properly.

Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, and injection site reactions (such as redness, itching, or swelling). If any side effects persist or worsen, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.

Yes, it is important to discuss any medical conditions or medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting insulin degludec/liraglutide injection. It is not recommended for use in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to disclose all medications you are taking.

Insulin degludec/liraglutide injection should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as its safety in pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.


Warning

WARNING: This medication can cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats and mice. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment with this medication. Do not use this medication if you have a certain inherited disease (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2) or if you have a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma). While using this medication, tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of thyroid tumors, including unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness that doesn't go away.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.