Insulin Degludec-Liraglutide
Pronounced
"IN-su-lin de-GLOO-dek/LIR-a-GLOO-tide"
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.
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 unusual/lasting hoarseness.
How to Use This Medication
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. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. This medication may be used with or without food. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. 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.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin (for example, pits/lumps or thickened skin). Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
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.
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).