Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide)

Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide)

Xultophy® combines two powerful ingredients, Insulin Degludec, and Liraglutide, in a single, once-daily injection, offering a new horizon in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This innovative medication is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise when both insulin and liraglutide are appropriate treatments.

Why Choose Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide)?

• Enhanced Control: Experience improved glycemic control with a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to insulin alone.
• Convenient Dosing: Simplify your diabetes management with a once-daily injection, reducing the need for multiple daily doses.
• Weight Management Support: In some patients, Xultophy® has been shown to support weight management, an important aspect of managing type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide)?

• Remove the Pen Cap: Start by taking off the cap of the Xultophy® pre-filled pen.
• Attach a New Needle: Attach a new needle to the pen by peeling off the protective paper seal and screwing the needle on tightly.
• Perform a Safety Test: Conduct a safety test to ensure the pen is working correctly by selecting the safety test dose, pointing the needle upwards, and pressing the dose button until it stops. A drop of insulin should appear at the needle tip.
• Select Your Dose: Turn the dose selector until your prescribed dose is aligned with the dose indicator.
• Choose Your Injection Site: The recommended injection sites are the front of your thighs, upper arms, or abdomen. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
• Disinfect the Injection Site: Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry to minimize the risk of infection.
• Insert the Needle: Gently pinch the skin to create a fold, and insert the needle fully into the skin fold at a 90-degree angle.
• Deliver the Dose: Press the dose button until it stops. Hold the button down and count slowly to 6 to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Dispose of the Needle Safely: Remove the needle from the pen, using the outer needle cap to avoid needle sticks. Dispose of it in a sharps container according to local regulations.

Important Safety Information about Xultophy

• Not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Not suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Possible side effects include hypoglycemia, nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Inform your doctor about any severe or persistent side effects.
• Before starting Xultophy®, discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider, including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Fact Table

 

Facts	Details
Brand Name	Xultophy
Generic Name	Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide
Drug Class	Combination of a long-acting insulin analog and a GLP-1 receptor agonist
FDA Approval	Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Indications	Used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus along with diet and exercise
Dosage Forms	Pre-filled, disposable injection pen
Dosage	Starts with 16 units once daily, can be adjusted based on blood sugar levels, not to exceed 50 units daily
Administration	Subcutaneous injection
Mechanism of Action	Insulin Degludec improves glucose control by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose and suppressing liver glucose production. Liraglutide increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
Common Side Effects	Nasopharyngitis (common cold), headache, nausea, diarrhea, increased lipase
Contraindications	Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, pregnancy, pancreatitis
Storage Instructions	Store unused pens in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 14 days.

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide) can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Understanding these side effects can help you use this medication safely and effectively.

• Nausea and Indigestion
• Appetite Loss
• Diarrhea
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
• Injection Site Reactions
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Fatigue

If you experience any side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can offer advice and may adjust your treatment if necessary. Report any severe or unexpected side effects immediately.

How Can You Buy Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide)?

You can order Xultophy (Insulin Degludec/ Liraglutide) using these methods on our website:

1. Order Online
2. Order by Phone
3. Order by Fax
4. Order your refills

Visit our How to order page.