Liraglutide Injection (Diabetes)

LIRAGLUTIDE (LIR a GLOO tide) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It also reduces the amount of sugar released into your blood and slows down your digestion. It may also be used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

This medication is for injection under the skin of your upper leg, stomach area, or upper arm. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age, precautions do apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Upset stomach

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store unopened pen in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 30 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Gallbladder disease
• Have or have had pancreatitis
• Having surgery
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
• Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
• An unusual or allergic reaction to liraglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

• Alcohol
• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Chromium
• Clonidine
• Diuretics
• Estrogens or progestin hormones
• Fenofibrate
• Gemfibrozil
• Guanethidine
• Isoniazid
• Lanreotide
• Male hormones or anabolic steroids
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Medications for weight loss
• Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• Medications for mental health conditions
• Niacin
• Nicotine
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Octreotide
• Other medications for diabetes, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride
• Pasireotide
• Pentamidine
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
• Reserpine
• Some herbal dietary supplements
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Thyroid hormones

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.

Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.

Do not share pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.

Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.