What is Lixisenatide?
In adults with type 2 diabetes, lixisenatide can be used in conjunction with diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels. Lixisenatide does not treat type 1 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of lixisenatide.
Side effects of Lixisenatide
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives, itching, or a severe skin rash. You may also notice rapid heartbeats, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, feeling lightheaded, and swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Lixisenatide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back. Nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heart rate.
- Low sugar—headache; sweating; irritability; and a fast heartbeat.
- Kidney problems include: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or breathless.
Some of the common side effects associated with lixisenatide include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Low blood sugar
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if it has been changed.If you experience nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain that spreads to your back and upper abdomen, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have diabetes ketoacidosis, you should consult your doctor to get treatment.
Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Gallstones or pancreatitis
- Problems with digestion
- Alcoholism;
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about lixisenatide.Birth-control pills can be less effective when taking lixisenatide. Take a birth-control pill at least one hour before using lixisenatide or 11 hours afterwards.Lixisenatide should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Lixisenatide?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Lixisenatide can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medication properly by a healthcare provider.Lixisenatide should be injected at least once a day, within an hour of your first meal. Use the medication at the same time every day.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.Ask your pharmacist or doctor for assistance if you don't understand.Prepare an injection only when you are ready to administer the drug. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject lixisenatide. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if you have changed the needle. This can cause infection or disease.If you have low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), then you may feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, irritable, or shaken. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Watch for signs of hyperglycemia (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst and urination.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.Lixisenatide may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and other medical attention. Please follow your doctor's advice.How to store lixisenatide that has not been opened (and is not in use): Refrigerate, and keep away from light. Remove the injection pen from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature.If you have frozen lixisenatide medicine, throw it away.Storing lixisenatide that is opened (in use) Store the lixisenatide at room temperature in its original packaging with the cap still attached. Store it without a needle.The prefilled pen comes with 14 doses pre-set for daily use. After 14 days, throw away the pen, even if it still contains medicine.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: 10 mg once daily subcutaneously for 14 days
Maintenance dose: increased to 20 mcg once daily subcutaneously on day 15 and thereafter
Comments:
If a missed dose occurs, it should be taken within an hour of the first meal.
The use of short-acting insulin in conjunction with other medications has not been evaluated and is not recommended.
Use: To improve the glycemic level in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Use the medication within an hour of eating. The next day, you can resume your normal injection schedule. Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's instructions if he or she prescribes restrictions on food, drink, and activity.
Interaction with other drug
Lixisenatide may slow down your digestion and make it harder for you to absorb medicines that you take orally.
- Take Tylenol if you are also taking acetaminophen. Do this at least one hour before using lixisenatide.
- Take any anti-biotic for at least one hour before taking lixisenatide.
- Take a pill for birth control at least one hour before using lixisenatide or at least 11 hours after.
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may also affect lixisenatide. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
