Liraglutide Injection

Liraglutide copies the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1. It binds to GLP-1 receptors in your pancreas, gut, and brain. This helps your pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar is high, lowers the release of a hormone called glucagon, and slows how fast food leaves your stomach. Together, these effects lower blood sugar spikes, create a feeling of fullness, and may lead to weight loss. Most people notice smaller meal sizes within the first few weeks and steady weight or blood sugar improvements after 4-8 weeks. Each dose works for about 24 hours.

Do not use if you or a family member have ever had medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, because the drug may raise thyroid tumor risk. Do not use if you are allergic to liraglutide or any ingredients in the vial (may cause severe swelling or trouble breathing). Avoid if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (it is not effective for these conditions). Do not use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, unless your provider decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Talk to your provider first if you have a history of pancreatitis, severe stomach or bowel disease, kidney problems, or gallbladder disease.

Using liraglutide with insulin or medicines that raise insulin levels (such as sulfonylureas like glipizide or meglitinides) can increase the chance of low blood sugar—check levels often and adjust doses with your provider. It may slow stomach emptying, which can change how oral medicines like antibiotics, birth control pills, or thyroid tablets are absorbed; take those at least 1 hour before the shot if advised. Warfarin and other blood thinners may need closer INR monitoring. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, which can raise or lower blood sugar and irritate the pancreas. Tell your provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use.

Very common (more than 1 in 10 people): nausea (up to 40%), diarrhea, decreased appetite. Common (1-10 in 100 people): vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, slight increase in heart rate. Uncommon (1-10 in 1,000 people): gallstones, dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, dizziness. Rare but serious: pancreatitis (severe belly pain that may spread to your back), gallbladder inflammation, severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling of face or throat), worsening kidney function, possible thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing). Most mild stomach side effects improve within a few weeks; contact your provider if they continue or if you have severe pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion). Seek emergency help for signs of pancreatitis or allergic reaction.

Store unopened vials in the refrigerator at 36-46 °F (2-8 °C). Keep in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze; throw away if the medication has been frozen. After first use, you may keep the vial in the refrigerator or at room temperature up to 86 °F (30 °C) for a maximum of 30 days. Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Do not use after the marked expiration date. Dispose of expired or unused medicine through a pharmacy take-back program or place in a sealed bag with coffee grounds before putting in household trash. Keep out of reach of children and pets.