What is Liraglutide ?
Liraglutide, marketed under the brand name Victoza, is a medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. When compared to metformin, it is a less preferred agent in the treatment of diabetes. Its long-term effects on health outcomes such as heart disease and life expectancy are unknown.
Liraglutide Uses
Liraglutide is used to control high blood sugar levels, either alone or in combination with other medications. It is prescribed to people who have type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar levels can help in preventing kidney damage, nerve problems, limb loss, and sexual function issues. Liraglutide is also used to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Liraglutide works in the same way that your body's natural hormones do (incretin). It works by increasing insulin release in response to high blood sugar levels (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar produced by your liver. If you require insulin treatment, liraglutide is not a suitable substitute.
How to use?
- Before you begin using liraglutide, read the Medication Guide and the User Manual provided by your pharmacist, as well as each time you get a refill. Learn about all of the preparation and usage instructions.
- As directed by your doctor, inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once daily.
- If you are also taking insulin, administer the liraglutide and insulin injections separately. They should not be combined. These medications can be injected into the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be close to each other
- The dosage is calculated by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach side effects, your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. If it has been more than 3 days since your last liraglutide dose, consult your doctor to see if you should restart the medication with a low dose to reduce your risk of side effects.
- Before using, visually inspect this product for particles or discoloration. If either of these conditions exists, do not use the liquid. Properly clean the injection site by rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose to avoid irritation.
- To get the most out of this medication, take it on a regular schedule. Use it at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program exactly.
- Even if the needle has been changed, do not share your pen device with another person. You could either give or catch a serious infection from other people.
Liraglutide Side Effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Runny nose
- Sneezing or cough
- Tiredness
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain or burning on urination
- Injection site rash
- Injection site redness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience either of these symptoms stop using liraglutide injection and consult your doctor immediately:
- Ongoing pain of the stomach or back
- Worsening depression
- Thinking about harming or killing yourself
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Clay-colored stools
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Heart-pounding
- Fainting
Precautions
- Allergy symptoms can occur because of inactive ingredients in this product.
- Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly of: kidney disease, pancreas disease (pancreatitis), or a specific stomach/intestinal disorder (gastroparesis).
- Due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels, you may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are confident that you can do so safely.
- Limit your alcohol intake while taking this medication because it increases your risk of developing low blood sugar.
- When your body is stressed, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor because increased stress may necessitate a modification to your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.
- While taking this medication, children may be at a higher risk of developing low blood sugar
- This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor a plan for controlling your blood sugar while pregnant. During your pregnancy, your doctor may alter your diabetes treatment.
- It is not known whether this medication is excreted in breast milk. Before breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Interactions
- Drug interactions can transform the way your medications work or put you at risk for serious side effects.
- Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, and glaucoma eye drops like timolol) can help prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat that occurs when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). These medications have no effect on other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating.
- Many drugs might have an effect on your levels of blood sugar, making it more difficult to control. Corticosteroids, psychiatric medications, and quinolone antibiotics are a few examples. Check your blood sugar levels constantly.
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine by mistake and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Do not double the dose.
Storage
Refrigerate the liraglutide pen before using it for the first time. Do not freeze. Liraglutide can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator after the first use. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Even if some drug remains in the pen after 30 days, discard it. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide
| Liraglutide, marketed under the brand name Victoza, is a medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. When compared to metformin, it is a less preferred agent in the treatment of diabetes. | Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic and Rybelsus, is an anti-diabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide functions similarly to human glucagon-like peptide-1 in that it increases insulin secretion and thus sugar metabolism. |
| Liraglutide is used to control high blood sugar levels, either alone or in combination with other medications | Semaglutide is used for controlling high blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes. |
| It works by increasing insulin release in response to high blood sugar levels (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar produced by your liver. | When blood sugar levels are high, it helps the pancreas release the appropriate amount of insulin. Insulin aids in the transport of sugar from the bloodstream to other body tissues where it is used for energy. |
