Uses
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.
How To Use
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. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. 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 visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.
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. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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 breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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).
Overdose
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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting.
Notes
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.
Missed Dose
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.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
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.
