Liraglutide injection (Weight Management)

What is this medicine?

LIRAGLUTIDE (LIR a GLOO tide) is used to help people lose weight and maintain weight loss. It is used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin of your upper leg, stomach area, or upper arm. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

This drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• diarrhea that continues or is severe

• lump or swelling on the neck

• severe nausea

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; increased sweating; shakiness; cold, clammy skin; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness

• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble swallowing

• unusual stomach upset or pain

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• decreased appetite

• diarrhea

• fatigue

• headache

• nausea

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• stomach upset

• stuffy or runny nose

What may interact with this medicine?

• insulin and other medicines for diabetes

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your dose for 3 days or more, call your doctor or health care professional to talk about how to restart this medicine.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store unopened pen in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medicine has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 30 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medicine may leak from the pen.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors

• gallbladder disease

• high cholesterol

• history of alcohol abuse problem

• history of pancreatitis

• kidney disease or if you are on dialysis

• liver disease

• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat

• stomach problems

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to liraglutide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Women should inform their health care provider if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.