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Liraglutide

This form:

Pronounced

"LIR-a-GLOO-tide"

Common brand names:

Victoza

Uses

Liraglutide is used either alone or with other medications, and with a proper diet and exercise program, to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Liraglutide is also used in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death caused by heart disease.

Liraglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by causing insulin release in response to high sugar levels (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes.

Liraglutide is not a substitute for insulin if you require insulin treatment.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using liraglutide and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects, and gradually increase your dose. If more than 3 days have passed since your last liraglutide dose, ask your doctor if you should restart the medication with the low dose to reduce your chance of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you are also using insulin, give liraglutide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them. You may inject these medications in the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be next to each other.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (such as blood sugar remaining high or increasing).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2024.