This medication is used with a doctor-approved exercise,
behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight.
It is used by certain overweight people, such as those who are obese or
have weight-related medical problems. Losing weight and keeping it off can
lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart
disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.
Liraglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body
(incretin). It works by controlling your appetite.
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use
Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using liraglutide and
each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to
prepare and use this medication. If you have questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily. The injection is given in the thigh,
abdomen, or upper arm. 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 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. To lessen bruising, do not rub the
injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
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 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.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, gas,
heartburn, or constipation may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you
continue to use liraglutide. 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 or
dizziness/lightheadedness.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- yellowing eyes/skin
- fast heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
- signs of low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast
heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling
hands/feet)
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)
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 liraglutide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- gallbladder disease
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
- certain stomach/intestinal disorders (gastroparesis, problems
digesting food)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
If you have diabetes, this product may affect your blood
sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results
with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low
blood sugar (see Side Effects section). Your doctor may need to adjust your
diabetes medication(s), exercise program, or diet.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be
pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this medication 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- diabetes medications (such as insulin, sulfonylureas
including glyburide)
Do not use this medication with any other product that
contains liraglutide or other medications which are similar to this
medication, but used for diabetes (such as exenatide,
dulaglutide).
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: severe
nausea/vomiting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function,
fasting blood glucose, heartbeat, weight) should be done while you are
using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Before using the liraglutide pen for the first time,
store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After first use, liraglutide
can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Protect from heat
and sunlight. Discard 30 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.