Liraglutide injection
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Liraglutide injection
What is this medicine?
LIRAGLUTIDE (LIR a GLOO tide) is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine may be used with other diabetes medicines. This drug may also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke if you have type 2 diabetes and risk factors for heart disease.
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.
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.
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.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age, precautions do apply.
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, sweating, shakiness, cold, 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?
other medicines for diabetes
Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:
alcohol containing beverages
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
chromium
diuretics
female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
fenofibrate
gemfibrozil
isoniazid
lanreotide
male hormones or anabolic steroids
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines for weight loss
medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
niacin
nicotine
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
octreotide
pasireotide
pentamidine
phenytoin
probenecid
quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
some herbal dietary supplements
steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
thyroid hormones
Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:
beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
clonidine
guanethidine
reserpine
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.
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
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.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.
Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
Pens should never be shared. Even if the needle is changed, sharing may result in passing of viruses like hepatitis or HIV.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
Updated:  
September 04, 2020