FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT LIRAGLUTIDE INJECTION
What is liraglutide injection?
Liraglutide injection is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
Liraglutide injection should be used as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Who should not use liraglutide injection?
Do not use liraglutide injection if you or any of your family members have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Do not use liraglutide injection if you have had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide or any of its ingredients.
What is the most important information one should know about liraglutide injection?
Serious side effects, including the potential development of thyroid tumors or cancer, may occur.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Liraglutide injection is contraindicated for individuals with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
USING THE PEN
Can one share liraglutide injection pen?
Never share your liraglutide injection pen with anyone else, even if you use a new needle. Sharing can spread serious infections between you and others.
How should one use liraglutide injection?
Read the Instructions for Use that come with liraglutide injection.
Always use liraglutide injection exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
Your healthcare provider should show you how to use liraglutide injection before you use it for the first time.
Where on the body is liraglutide injection injected?
Liraglutide injection is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. Do not inject into a muscle or vein. Rotate your injection site with each injection and do not use the same site for each injection.
At what time should liraglutide injection be taken?
Liraglutide injection is injected once daily, at any time during the day. It may be taken with or without food.
Do I need to check the flow before using a new pen?
Yes. Before your first injection with each new pen, check the liraglutide injection flow as described in the Instructions for Use. If no drop appears after repeating the flow‑check steps, change the needle and repeat the procedure. If a drop still does not appear, do not use the pen and contact Biocon Pharma Inc.
How should I handle and dispose of the needles?
After your injection, carefully remove the needle and place it in a sharps container right away to reduce the risk of needle sticks.
Do not throw used needles in household trash. Follow the Instructions for Use and local disposal guidelines.
DOSING & MISSED DOSES
What is the dosing schedule?
Start liraglutide injection with 0.6 mg once daily for one week. After one week, increase to 1.2 mg once daily.
If additional glycemic control is required, increase to a maximum dose of 1.8 mg once daily after at least one week on the 1.2 mg dose.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of liraglutide injection, take the missed dose at the next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses of liraglutide injection at the same time
STORAGE
How should I store my liraglutide injection pen?
Store new, unused pens in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
A pen in use may be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F / 15°C to 30°C) or in the refrigerator.
Do not freeze liraglutide injection. Throw away the pen 30 days after first use, even if medicine remains.
SIDE EFFECTS
What are the possible side effects of liraglutide injection?
Liraglutide injection may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, low blood sugar (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas), increased heart rate, kidney problems from dehydration, severe stomach problems, serious allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, depression or thoughts of suicide, and food or liquid entering the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation.
The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, injection‑site reactions, headache, dizziness, fatigue, upset stomach, stomach pain, and changes in digestive enzymes.
How can I report side effects?
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.