Insulin Degludec
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperglycemia ... show more
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Insulin Analog
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Insulin degludec is used to manage diabetes, which is a condition where the body cannot properly use sugar for energy. It helps control blood sugar levels, preventing complications like excessive thirst and frequent urination. This medication is part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan, including diet and exercise.
Insulin degludec provides a steady release of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. It mimics natural insulin, maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. This slow-release action helps prevent spikes and drops in blood sugar, supporting overall diabetes management.
Insulin degludec is typically taken once daily, at the same time each day. It can be administered with or without food. The dose is individualized based on blood sugar levels and other factors. It's important to follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Common adverse effects of insulin degludec include low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, and injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Severe hypoglycemia requires immediate medical attention. If you experience new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor to determine if they are related to the medication.
Insulin degludec can cause low blood sugar, especially if you miss meals or exercise more than usual. Symptoms include dizziness and confusion. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness. Always carry a source of sugar. Don't use if allergic to it or its ingredients. Consult your doctor about any concerns.
Indications and Purpose
How does insulin degludec work?
Insulin degludec works by providing a steady release of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. Think of it like a slow-release energy source that helps keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This medication mimics the natural insulin your body produces, helping to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. By maintaining stable blood sugar levels, insulin degludec helps prevent complications associated with diabetes.
Is insulin degludec effective?
Insulin degludec is effective for managing diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by providing a steady release of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. Clinical studies show insulin degludec effectively lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan, which includes diet and exercise, to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
What is insulin degludec?
Insulin degludec is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It belongs to the insulin class of medications. Insulin degludec works by providing a steady release of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. This medication is primarily used to treat diabetes, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take insulin degludec?
Insulin degludec is usually a long-term medication for managing diabetes. You'll typically take insulin degludec every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen. How long you'll need this medication depends on your body's response, any side effects you experience, and changes in your overall health. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your insulin degludec treatment.
How do I dispose of insulin degludec?
If you can, bring unused insulin degludec to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take insulin degludec?
Insulin degludec is usually taken once daily, at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. It's important not to crush or mix it with other substances. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for insulin degludec to start working?
Insulin degludec starts working within a few hours after injection, but it may take several days to achieve its full therapeutic effect. This medication provides a steady release of insulin, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels over time. Individual factors like your body's response and overall health can affect how quickly you notice improvements. Always take insulin degludec as prescribed for the best results and talk with your doctor if you have concerns about how it's working for you.
How should I store insulin degludec?
Store insulin degludec in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F. Once opened, you can keep it at room temperature, but it should be used within 56 days. Keep it away from direct heat and light. Don't freeze insulin degludec, and don't use it if it has been frozen. Always check the expiration date and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication. Keep it out of children's reach to prevent accidental use.
What is the usual dose of insulin degludec?
The usual starting dose of insulin degludec for adults is individualized based on blood sugar levels and other factors. It's typically administered once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose to achieve better blood sugar control. There is no maximum dose, as it depends on individual needs. Children and elderly patients may require different dosing. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can insulin degludec be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Insulin degludec is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy, is naturally present in breast milk. There are no known adverse effects on breastfed infants. However, always talk with your doctor about your specific situation. They can help determine the best treatment plan for you and your baby while breastfeeding.
Can insulin degludec be taken safely while pregnant?
Insulin degludec is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Managing blood sugar is crucial for both mother and baby. Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious problems, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood, and preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy. Always talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood sugar during pregnancy. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Can I take insulin degludec with other prescription drugs?
Insulin degludec can interact with other medications that affect blood sugar levels, such as oral diabetes medications or steroids. These interactions can increase the risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. Always inform your doctor about all the medicines you take to avoid potential interactions. Your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan to ensure safe and effective use of insulin degludec.
Does insulin degludec have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. With insulin degludec, common adverse effects include low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, and injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious effect that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms while taking insulin degludec, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these symptoms are related to the medication and suggest appropriate actions.
Does insulin degludec have any safety warnings?
Insulin degludec has important safety warnings. It can cause low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, especially if you miss meals or exercise more than usual. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, and confusion. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness. Always carry a source of sugar with you. Insulin degludec can also cause allergic reactions, which require immediate medical help. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid these risks.
Is insulin degludec addictive?
Insulin degludec is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Insulin works by helping your body use sugar for energy, which doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that insulin degludec doesn't carry this risk.
Is insulin degludec safe for the elderly?
The elderly are more vulnerable to safety risks of medicine due to age-related changes in the body. Insulin degludec is generally safe for elderly patients, but they may have a higher risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. This can cause dizziness or confusion. Elderly patients should be monitored closely, and their insulin dose may need adjustment. Always consult your doctor about any concerns or conditions that might affect the use of insulin degludec in elderly patients.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking insulin degludec?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking insulin degludec. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. This serious condition requires emergency medical treatment. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for warning signs like dizziness or confusion. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking insulin degludec to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking insulin degludec?
You can exercise while taking insulin degludec, but keep a few things in mind. This medication can lower your blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, particularly if you exercise more than usual. Low blood sugar might make you feel weak during workouts. To exercise safely, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. Watch for signs of dizziness, unusual fatigue, or low blood sugar. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking insulin degludec, but check with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop insulin degludec?
Stopping insulin degludec suddenly can cause serious problems for your health conditions. If you're taking it for diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. This can lead to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. Always talk with your doctor before stopping insulin degludec. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control.
What are the most common side effects of insulin degludec?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With insulin degludec, common side effects include low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, and injection site reactions like redness or swelling. These effects vary from person to person. If you notice new symptoms after starting insulin degludec, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking insulin degludec?
Don't use insulin degludec if you're allergic to it or its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions, which cause rash, hives, or swelling that makes breathing difficult, require immediate medical help. Insulin degludec is not for people with low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. Always consult your doctor about any concerns or conditions that might affect your use of insulin degludec.
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