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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Liraglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where blood sugar levels are too high, and obesity, which is having too much body fat. It helps control blood sugar and aids in weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
Liraglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high and slows digestion, making you feel full longer.
Liraglutide is usually taken as an injection under the skin once daily. The starting dose is 0.6 mg, which may be increased to 1.2 mg and up to a maximum of 1.8 mg daily, based on your doctor's advice.
Common side effects of liraglutide include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms often occur when starting the medication and may improve over time.
Liraglutide may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, which are abnormal growths in the thyroid gland, and pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It should not be used by people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Indications and Purpose
How does liraglutide work?
Liraglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It stimulates insulin release when blood sugar is high and reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes. Think of it like a thermostat that adjusts the temperature to keep it just right. Liraglutide also slows down digestion, making you feel full longer. These effects help control blood sugar and promote weight loss.
Is liraglutide effective?
Liraglutide is effective for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps lower blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss. Clinical studies show liraglutide improves blood sugar control and reduces body weight in people with type 2 diabetes. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and heart disease. These results support liraglutide's effectiveness in managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss.
What is liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Liraglutide works by mimicking a hormone in your body that regulates insulin and appetite. It helps lower blood sugar levels and can aid in weight loss. Liraglutide is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take liraglutide?
Liraglutide is usually a long-term medication for managing ongoing health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. For diabetes management, you'll typically take liraglutide every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. The same applies when it's prescribed for weight management. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your conditions to worsen. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your liraglutide treatment.
How do I dispose of liraglutide?
To dispose of liraglutide, bring unused medicine to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of it properly to prevent harm to people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, take it out of its original container, mix it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take liraglutide?
Liraglutide is usually taken once daily. You can take it at any time of the day, with or without food. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on the exact timing and dosage. Liraglutide is an injection, so it cannot be crushed. 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 with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific advice about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for liraglutide to start working?
Liraglutide starts working in your body shortly after you take it. For blood sugar control, you might see some improvement within a few days, but more significant changes typically take several weeks. For weight loss, it may take a few weeks to notice changes. How quickly the medication works can depend on your overall health and how well you follow your treatment plan. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results.
How should I store liraglutide?
Store liraglutide in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light. Do not freeze liraglutide. If needed, you can store it at room temperature, up to 86°F, for a maximum of 30 days. Always keep it out of reach of children. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of liraglutide?
The usual starting dose of liraglutide for adults is 0.6 mg once daily. After one week, your doctor may increase the dose to 1.2 mg daily. If needed, the dose can be further increased to a maximum of 1.8 mg daily. Liraglutide is administered as an injection under the skin. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs. Dose adjustments may be necessary for special populations, such as the elderly.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take liraglutide with other prescription drugs?
Liraglutide has no major drug interactions, but it can interact with other diabetes medications, increasing the risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. This can cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Your doctor can adjust your treatment plan to ensure it's safe and effective.
Can liraglutide be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Liraglutide is not recommended while breastfeeding. There is limited information on whether it passes into human breast milk. Animal studies suggest it might, raising concerns about potential effects on a baby's development. We don't know how it might affect milk production. If you're taking liraglutide and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can liraglutide be taken safely while pregnant?
Liraglutide is not recommended during pregnancy. There is limited evidence on its safety for pregnant women. Animal studies suggest potential risks, but human data is lacking. Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood sugar. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan.
Does liraglutide have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. With liraglutide, common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These affect more than 10% of users. Serious adverse effects, though rare, include pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, and thyroid tumors. If you experience severe symptoms like intense stomach pain or a lump in your neck, seek medical help immediately. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking liraglutide.
Does liraglutide have any safety warnings?
Yes, liraglutide has important safety warnings. It may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer, in some people. If you experience symptoms like a lump in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing, seek medical help. Liraglutide can also cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these, stop taking liraglutide and contact your doctor immediately. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking liraglutide?
It's best to limit alcohol while taking liraglutide. Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. This can cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking liraglutide to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking liraglutide?
Yes, you can exercise while taking liraglutide. However, this medication can cause low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, especially if you take insulin or other diabetes medications. 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.
Is it safe to stop liraglutide?
Stopping liraglutide suddenly can affect your health condition. If you're taking it for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. Always talk with your doctor before stopping liraglutide. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
Is liraglutide addictive?
Liraglutide is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Liraglutide works by affecting hormones related to blood sugar control and appetite, not brain chemistry, so it doesn't 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 liraglutide doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is liraglutide safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals may be more vulnerable to the side effects of liraglutide, such as gastrointestinal issues and dehydration. However, liraglutide can be used safely in the elderly with careful monitoring. It's important to start with a lower dose and adjust gradually. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor for any adverse effects and ensure the medication is working effectively.
What are the most common side effects of liraglutide?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With liraglutide, common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, affecting more than 10% of users. These symptoms often occur when starting the medication and may improve over time. If you notice new symptoms after starting liraglutide, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking liraglutide?
Liraglutide should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a type of thyroid cancer, or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. These are absolute contraindications due to the risk of thyroid tumors. Use caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, as liraglutide may increase this risk. Always consult your doctor about these concerns.
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