Liraglutide+insulin Degludec
About Liraglutide+insulin Degludec
Insulin Degludec+liraglutide belongs to the group of anti-diabetic medicines used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus adjunct to diet and exercise. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. It is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal due to insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or both.
Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is a combination of two drugs, namely: Liraglutide and Insulin degludec. Liraglutide lowers the amount of sugar made by the body and helps the body make more insulin during meals. Insulin degludec works in a similar manner as the insulin produced by the body. It lowers blood glucose levels and facilitates the reuptake of glucose in the fat and muscle cells. Together, Insulin Degludec+liraglutide helps in controlling the blood glucose levels.
You are advised to use Insulin Degludec+liraglutide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels), injection site reactions, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are recommended to consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not skip any doses or stop taking Insulin Degludec+liraglutide suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to increased blood glucose levels. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is not recommended for children below 18 years. Avoid alcohol consumption as it might affect blood sugar levels. Insulin Degludec+liraglutide may cause hypoglycaemia, so drive only if you are alert. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Liraglutide+insulin Degludec
Medicinal Benefits
Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is a combination of two anti-diabetic drugs, namely: Liraglutide and Insulin degludec. Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is used to treat type-2 diabetes mellitus adjunct to diet and exercise. Liraglutide lowers the amount of sugar made by the body and helps the body make more insulin during meals. Insulin degludec works similarly as the insulin produced by the body. It lowers blood glucose levels and facilitates the reuptake of glucose in the fat and muscle cells. Together, Insulin Degludec+liraglutide helps in controlling blood glucose levels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Liraglutide+insulin Degludec
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels)
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Do not use Insulin Degludec+liraglutide if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, delayed gastric emptying, eye problems, thyroid problems, kidney/liver problems or if you are taking any oral anti-diabetic medicines. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is not recommended for children below 18 years. Insulin Degludec+liraglutide may cause hypoglycaemia, so drive only if you are alert. Do not use Insulin Degludec+liraglutide if the pen is damaged, if the solution is not clear or if the pen has not been stored properly.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Insulin Degludec+liraglutide may interact with a blood thinner (warfarin), anti-diabetic (pioglitazone), octapeptide (octreotide), somatostatin agonist (lanreotide), sympathomimetic (epinephrine), anti-asthma (salbutamol, terbutaline), androgenic hormones (danazol), anabolic steroids (testosterone), pain killer (aspirin), thiazide diuretics, oral contraceptives, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, beta-blockers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, sulphonamides, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, delayed gastric emptying, eye problems, or thyroid problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while using Insulin Degludec+liraglutide as alcohol might affect blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionInsulin Degludec+liraglutide may cause hypoglycaemia. So, drive, and operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeInsulin Degludec+liraglutide is not recommended for children below 18 years as the effectiveness has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include foods rich in healthy carbohydrates and fibre, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables in your diet.
- Try eating food at regular intervals. Do not skip meals. Also, try not to overeat.
- Follow a healthy diet and walk for at least 45 minutes to complement treatment with Insulin Degludec+liraglutide.
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
- Rest properly, avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Regularly monitor blood glucose levels while taking Insulin Degludec+liraglutide.
- Try not to skip any doses and take Insulin Degludec+liraglutide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you.
- To avoid contamination, always use a new needle for each injection.
- Rotate the injection site to prevent changes to the fatty tissue under the skin like skin thickening, skin lumps or shrinking under the skin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type-2 diabetes mellitus: It is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a chronic or lifelong disease that keeps the body from utilizing insulin properly. Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced cannot perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes; hence, it is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include lack of energy, tiredness, frequent urination, excess thirst, dry mouth, blurry vision, constant hunger, weight loss, and itchy skin.
FAQs
Insulin Degludec+liraglutide contains Liraglutide and Insulin degludec. Liraglutide lowers the amount of sugar made by the body and helps the body make more insulin during meals. Insulin degludec works similarly to the insulin produced by the body. It lowers blood glucose levels and facilitates the reuptake of glucose in the fat and muscle cells. Together, Insulin Degludec+liraglutide helps in controlling blood glucose levels.
Insulin Degludec+liraglutide may sometimes lower the blood glucose levels more than normal, leading to hypoglycaemia. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while taking Insulin Degludec+liraglutide. Always carry any sugary food and consume it if you experience hypoglycaemia symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, cold sweat, feeling sick, unusual tiredness or weakness, and visual disturbances.
Hypoglycaemia may occur following prolonged or severe exercise, during illness, alcohol consumption, low food intake, or when Insulin Degludec+liraglutide is taken along with other antidiabetic medicines.
Maintain a healthy diet by regular intake of carbohydrates such as bread and products containing starch and sugar. Eat your meals regularly, and do not exercise heavily for longer durations with an empty stomach.
Do not stop using Insulin Degludec+liraglutide without consulting your doctor as it may cause an increase in blood glucose levels. Continue taking Insulin Degludec+liraglutide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using Insulin Degludec+liraglutide.
Before opening, store Insulin Degludec+liraglutide in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. During use, you can keep Insulin Degludec+liraglutide at room temperature (below 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 21 days. The product should be thrown away 21 days after the first opening. Always keep the cap of the pre-filled syringe on to protect it from the light.