Liraglutide
Pronounced
"LIR-a-GLOO-tide"
Uses
Liraglutide is used either alone or with other medications, and with a proper diet and exercise program, to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Liraglutide is also used in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death caused by heart disease.
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.
Liraglutide is not a substitute for insulin if you require insulin treatment.
Warning
This medication has been found to 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. This medication should not be used in people with a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or in people with a certain inherited disease (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2). 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, unusual/lasting hoarseness.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and the Pen User Manual provided by your pharmacist before you start using liraglutide and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
If you are also using insulin, give liraglutide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them. You may inject these medications in the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be next to each other.
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 liraglutide dose, 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 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. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.
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.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (such as blood sugar remaining high or increasing).
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