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.
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).
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, decreased appetite,
diarrhea, constipation, stuffy/runny nose, weight gain, or
pain/redness/irritation at the injection site may occur. Nausea usually
lessens as you continue to use this medication. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in
dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of
dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or
dizziness/lightheadedness.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle
cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- signs of pancreas or gallbladder disease (such as
nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal
pain)
This medication can cause low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia). This may occur if you do not consume enough calories from
food or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar
include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision,
dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose
tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable
forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source
of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or
non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use
of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular
schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to
find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include
increased thirst/urination. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right
away. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise
program, or diet.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to insulin degludec or liraglutide; or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- gallbladder disease
- stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis)
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or
drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Limit alcohol while using this medication because it can
increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.
It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your
body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery).
Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment
plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. You
may need a snack beforehand.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially low blood sugar.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan
with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor
may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and
medications including insulin).
Insulin degludec passes into breast milk. It is unknown
if liraglutide passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol,
propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the
fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls
too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as
dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are not affected by these
drugs.
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it
more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or
change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the
medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as
directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any
symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your
doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or
diet.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
shakiness, fast heartbeat, sweating, loss of consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about
how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular
medical exams.
Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how
to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and
share the results with your doctor.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function,
fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be done while you are using
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator before first use. Do not
freeze. Do not use this medication if it has been frozen. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. If the unopened
medication is stored at room temperature, discard after 21 days. After
first use, store the medication at room temperature or in the refrigerator
away from heat and light. Discard the medication 21 days after first use,
even if some drug remains in the pen. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).