Insulin icodec is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with 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 icodec is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. 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. Insulin icodec may be used with a shorter-acting insulin product. It may also be used alone or with other diabetes drugs.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from 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 every 7 days. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). 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. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar.

Before using, check this product for cloudiness, particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, 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. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Do not mix this product with other insulins or solutions, or use it in an insulin pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

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 on the same day each week. Mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, itching, irritation), weight gain, or swelling of the ankles/feet/hands may occur. 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.

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)

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially 2 to 4 days after using this insulin. 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 dosage may need to be increased.

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.

Before using insulin icodec, 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
• liver disease

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 before exercising.

If traveling across time zones, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule. Take extra insulin and supplies with you.

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. It may harm an unborn baby. 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).

It is unknown if this drug 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, making it harder to control. 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 and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have 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, complete blood counts) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose of insulin.

It is best to refrigerate all unopened insulin products. Unopened insulin icodec may also be stored at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, discard after 84 days. Opened insulin icodec may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away all opened insulin icodec after 84 days, even if there is insulin left. Also throw away all insulin products after the expiration date on the package. Do not freeze, and do not use insulin that has been frozen.

Protect insulin from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. 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).