Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide
About Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide
Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is an injectable prescription medicine used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed when oral diabetes medicines or basal insulin are not enough to manage blood sugar levels. This medication helps keep your daily blood sugar stable, reducing the risk of long-term diabetes complications.
You should inject Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide once daily, consistently within one hour before your first meal of the day. For the best results, combine this treatment with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Following a consistent daily routine helps the medicine work more effectively in your body.
While using this medicine, you may experience mild side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, or low blood sugar. If you develop serious symptoms, such as severe and persistent stomach pain that spreads to your back, stop using the injection and contact your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor before starting Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, severe stomach issues, or kidney disease. Do not take this medicine if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Drinking alcohol while using Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide can cause unpredictable changes in your blood sugar, increasing the risk of severe low blood sugar. Be sure to inform your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially other diabetes treatments, as they can interact with this injection. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor for personalised safety guidance.
Uses of Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide
Medicinal Benefits
Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes when prescribed alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Keeping your blood sugar within the target range helps you feel better day to day and reduces the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications.
Benefits may include:
- Using Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day, which can reduce symptoms of high blood sugar, such as fatigue and frequent urination.
- By combining two blood-sugar-lowering medicines into one daily injection, Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide reduces the number of injections needed, making your treatment routine more convenient.
- Consistent use of this medicine helps lower the risk of diabetes-related complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems, by improving long-term blood sugar control.
Directions for Use
- Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide should be injected 1 hour before the first meal of the day.
- It is recommended to administer one injection once daily at the same time each day or as advised by your doctor.
- Check the label for instructions before using Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide.
- It should be administered under the skin (subcutaneously). It must not be given intravenously, intramuscularly, or by an infusion pump.
- To use an insulin pen, remove the cap, attach a new needle, and set the correct dose. Inject the needle, then slowly push the injection button to deliver the full dose. Hold the pen for 10 seconds before pulling it out.
- Change injection sites within the same area (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to prevent the formation of hard lumps.
- If you are not well-trained to self-administer Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide, ask a healthcare professional to administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Mild nausea or vomiting (especially when first starting)
- Diarrhoea or upset stomach
- Mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may cause sweating, shakiness, or dizziness
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, severe rash, or difficulty breathing
- Severe, constant stomach pain that may spread to your back (a sign of pancreas inflammation)
- Severe low blood sugar, causing confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness
- Signs of gallbladder issues, including severe pain in your upper right stomach area, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Always inspect the liquid: Before each injection, look at the solution inside the pen. It must be completely clear and colourless; do not inject if it looks cloudy, colored, or has floating particles.
- Never reuse or share needles: Always use a new, sterile needle for every injection to prevent infections and blocked needles. Sharing pens or needles can spread serious infections between people.
- Rotate your injection sites: Inject under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Switch the exact injection spot with each dose to avoid developing hard lumps or fat deposits under the skin.
- Test your blood sugar regularly: Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor, especially when changing your routine, starting new medicines, or if you feel unwell.
- Know the signs of low blood sugar: Be prepared to recognise and treat early signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision.
- Do not mix with other insulins: Never mix Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide with any other insulin or liquid medicines in the same injection.
Drug Interactions
- Other diabetes medications (like sulfonylureas or other insulins): May significantly increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide.
- Beta-blockers (heart medicines): May hide or mask the warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heart rate or shakiness.
- Corticosteroids or thyroid medicines: May decrease the effectiveness of Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide to avoid unpleasant side effects. Alcohol may either decrease or increase the blood sugar level, which can be fatal.
Pregnancy
cautionThe potential risk for humans is unknown. Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide should not be used during pregnancy. If a patient wishes to become pregnant or pregnancy occurs, treatment with Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide should be discontinued.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Inform your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution; Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide usually causes drowsiness and affects driving ability. Your ability to concentrate and react may be reduced if you have hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Liver
cautionIf you have liver disease inform your doctor before taking Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide. Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionInsulin Glargine+lixisenatide is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease. Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for patients with renal impairment.
Children
cautionSafety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a consistent daily meal schedule: Because Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide works best when injected before your first meal, eating meals at regular times helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Monitor your carbohydrate intake: Focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, which digest slowly and prevent sharp blood sugar spikes.
- Carry a fast-acting source of sugar at all times: Keep items like fruit juice, hard candies, or glucose tablets with you in case you experience sudden symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Stay active with regular exercise: Physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently, but monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise to prevent it from dropping too low.
- Keep a daily log of your blood sugar readings: Sharing these numbers with your healthcare team helps them monitor your progress and make safe adjustments to your treatment plan.
Special Advise
- It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly as instructed by your doctor.
- You should not change your dose or stop taking Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide without consulting your doctor.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine alongside your medication for optimal diabetes management.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that regulates how the body uses glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or does not use it adequately. Symptoms of diabetes include lack of energy, tiredness, frequent urination, excess thirst, dry mouth, blurry vision, constant hunger, weight loss, and itchy skin.
FAQs
Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic (sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
1. Improved blood sugar control. 2. Reduced risk of long-term complications from diabetes. 3. Once-daily injection for simplified treatment. 4. There is a lower risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) compared to other medications.
Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide might interact with other medications, especially other diabetes medications. It's crucial to tell your doctor about all medications you take before starting Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide.
Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is a cold-chain medicine that must be stored at 2- 8 degrees Celsius; otherwise, its efficiency in reducing blood glucose levels declines. Do not keep it inside the freezer.
If you feel symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar, such as half a cup of fruit juice, three to four glucose tablets, or non-diet soda. Recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes, and if it is still low, repeat the process. Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar.
No, you should take your injection once daily within one hour before your first meal of the day. It is important to be consistent and take it around the same meal time every day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help planning your schedule.
An unopened pen must be kept in the refrigerator, but once a pen is in use, it can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. If an unopened pen was left out of the refrigerator for too long or exposed to high heat, do not use it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm if your pen is still safe to use.
There is limited research on the safety of this combination medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Managing blood sugar is crucial during this time, so your treatment plan may need to be adjusted. Talk to your doctor to discuss the safest options for you and your baby.
While some people may experience modest weight loss due to the appetite-reducing effects of one of the active components, Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is not a weight-loss medicine. It is prescribed strictly to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about weight management.
No, Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide is only approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as it works differently than rapid-acting insulins required for these conditions. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatments for type 1 diabetes.
Severe, persistent stomach pain that may spread to your back can be a warning sign of pancreatitis, which is a serious condition. Stop using the medicine immediately and contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your symptoms safely.
No, you must never mix Insulin Glargine+lixisenatide with any other insulin, liquid, or medicine. Mixing can alter how the medicine is absorbed, which can cause severe fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. Always use separate injections as prescribed, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
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