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INSULIN ICODEC (in SUL in EYE koe dek) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It belongs to a group of medications called long-acting or basal insulins. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label on the same day each WEEK. Talk to your care team if you are sick or have a change in your physical activity. They may adjust your medications or diet. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Check the label. Make sure you have the right insulin and supplies.
Always check the appearance of your insulin before using it. This insulin should be clear and colorless like water. Do not use it if it is thick, cloudy, or colored.
Choose where to give the injection. This medication can be injected into the stomach area, upper arms, or upper legs (thighs). Do not inject into skin that is thickened or has pits or lumps. Do not inject into skin that is irritated. Keep a chart of the areas you have injected. It is important to rotate your injection site.
Take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.
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 care team to get one.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your insulin dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often.
Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:
-Alcohol
-Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
-Estrogen and progestin hormones
-Other medications for diabetes
-Some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
-Some medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
-Some medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine, olanzapine
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Testosterone
-Thyroid hormones
Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:
-Beta-blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
-Clonidine
-Guanethidine
-Reserpine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular health checks.
This insulin works for a very long time. That is why you take it only one time each week. This insulin is also concentrated. This means there is more insulin in a smaller amount of liquid. Take your dose exactly as it is prescribed. Taking too much insulin, or taking it too often, can cause very low blood sugar. This can be dangerous.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.
Do not change the brand or type of insulin unless your care team tells you to. Switching insulin brand or type can affect your blood sugar enough to cause serious adverse effects.
Always keep an extra supply of insulin and related supplies on hand. Get rid of syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Do not share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.
Do not use a syringe to take insulin out of an insulin pen. Doing this may result in the wrong dose of insulin.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, within 4 days of the missed dose. Then, resume your normal dosing schedule from that dose. If it is more than 4 days late, skip that dose. Take your next dose on your normal scheduled day. Do not take double or extra doses. Check your blood sugar often.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
-Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Lipodystrophy—hardening or scarring of tissue at injection site
-Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
-Weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Storage and expiration dates for different insulin products may vary. Check the label for information on how to store your insulin. Talk to your care team if you have any questions.
Do not freeze. Protect from direct light and heat. Do not use insulin if it has been frozen.
-Unopened (not in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 12 weeks or refrigerated until the expiration date.
-Opened (in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) or refrigerated for up to 12 weeks.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.