FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT LIRAGLUTIDE INJECTION
What is liraglutide injection?
Liraglutide injection is an injectable prescription medicine used for adults with obesity or adults who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems; and for children aged 12 to 17 with obesity and a body weight greater than 60 kg. Liraglutide injection helps them lose weight and keep it off. It should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Who should not use liraglutide injection?
Do not use liraglutide injection if you or any of your family 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 adverse effects, including the potential development of thyroid tumors or cancer, may occur. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience a neck lump or swelling, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. Liraglutide injection is contraindicated for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (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 (IFU) that come with the pack of liraglutide injection. You can also visit the ‘How to Use’ section of this website. Always remember to 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 1 time each day, 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 even after repeating the ‘flow check’ steps, change the needle and repeat the procedure to check the flow again. If a drop still does not appear, do not use the pen and contact Biocon Pharma Inc. at 1‑866‑924‑6266.
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. If you do not have an FDA‑cleared sharps container, follow the Instructions for Use and your community guidelines.
For more information, visit: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal.
DOSING & MISSED DOSES
What is the dosing schedule?
Start liraglutide injection with 0.6 mg per day in your first week and increase your daily dose each week by the same amount until you reach 3 mg. Children may reduce their dose to 2.4 mg daily if the maximum dose is not tolerated.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss your daily dose, take your next daily dose as usual on the following day. Do not take an extra dose or increase your dose to make up for a missed dose. If you miss your dose for 3 days or more, consult your healthcare provider to talk about how to restart treatment.
STORAGE
How should I store my liraglutide injection pen?
Store new, unused pens in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Store the pen in use for 30 days at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze Liraglutide injection, and do not use it if it has been frozen. Throw away the pen after 30 days, even if it still has medicine left in it.
SIDE EFFECTS
What are the possible side effects of liraglutide injection?
Liraglutide injection may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis; low blood sugar (especially with diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas); increased heart rate; dehydration leading to kidney problems; severe stomach problems; serious allergic reactions; gallbladder problems; depression or thoughts of suicide; and food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or procedures with anesthesia or deep sedation. The most common side effects in adults include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, upset stomach, tiredness, dizziness, stomach pain, and changes in lipase.
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.