Lixisenatide is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, the use of this drug must be accompanied by regular eating and exercise patterns.
Lixisenatide works by increasing insulin production , decreasing blood sugar production from the liver, and slowing down the process by which the stomach digests food into sugar. This way of working can reduce high blood sugar levels and keep blood sugar levels normal.
Trademarks of lixisenatide: Lyxumia, Soliqua
What is Lixisenatide
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antidiabetic |
| Benefit | Treating type 2 diabetes |
| Used by | Mature |
| Lixisenatide for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether lixisenatide is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide should not be used carelessly. There are several things that you should pay attention to before using this drug, namely:
- Do not use lixisenatide if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Lixisenatide should not be used in people with type 1 diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently suffer from alcoholism , pancreatitis, gallstones , kidney disease, or impaired gastric emptying ( gastroparesis ).
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with lixisenatide because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Avoid driving or doing activities that require alertness after using lixisenatide, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills , because these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Consider and discuss with your doctor about using other types of contraception .
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience serious side effects or an allergic drug reaction after using lixisenatide.
Dosage and Rules for Use Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). The starting dose of lixisenatide to treat type 2 diabetes in adults is 10 mcg once daily for 14 days. On day 15, the dose may be increased to 20 mcg once daily if necessary.
How to Use Lixisenatide Properly
Always follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information on the drug packaging before using lixisenatide.
Lixisenatide is used 1 hour before breakfast or dinner. This drug is injected under the skin in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
Before injecting medicine, make sure to always clean the site where you will be injected using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol ( alcohol swab ). Make sure to always use a new needle every time you inject medicine. Try not to inject the drug at the same location consecutively.
Use this medication at the same time every day. If you forget to take lixisenatide, take this medicine immediately 1 hour before your next scheduled meal. Do not double your next dose or take this medication after eating.
Consult your doctor regularly while undergoing treatment with lixisenatide. You may be asked to undergo certain medical examinations, such as blood sugar, liver function, and kidney function tests, regularly. This is to monitor your body's condition and response to treatment.
Your doctor may also prescribe you injectable glucagon in anticipation of severe hypoglycemia.
In order for treatment to be more effective, the use of lixisenatide must be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. Consume a balanced nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking. If necessary, consult with your doctor regarding diet and exercise that suit your condition.
Lixisenatide is generally available in injectable pen form. Store unopened medication in the refrigerator. For drugs that have been used, store the drug at room temperature. Make sure the drug packaging and syringes are closed and remove the needle from the pen before storing it.
Each injecting pen usually contains a dose of drug for 14–15 days. Do not use the injecting pen longer than that even though there is still medicine in it.
Do not store medicine in the freezer and do not use liquid medicine if it has frozen, changed color, or has particles in it.
Store lixisenatide in a dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the drug out of reach of children.
Lixisenatide Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of lixisenatide together with other drugs can cause interactions between drugs, namely:
- Increased risk of developing low blood sugar levels ( hypoglycemia ) when used with injectable insulin or sulfonylurea anti-diabetic drugs , such as glimepiride
- Reduced absorption of drugs consumed by mouth, including antibiotics, paracetamol , and birth control pills
If you are taking birth control pills, be sure to take them 1 hour before or 11 hours after taking lixisenatide. This is important to maintain the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Side Effects and Dangers of Lixisenatide
Some of the side effects that may appear after using lixisenatide include:
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Upper abdominal pain
- Gastric pains
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Pancreatitis , which can be characterized by severe pain in the upper abdomen that spreads to the back, nausea, vomiting and fast heart rate
- Kidney problems , reduced volume or frequency of urination, painful or difficult urination, swollen feet or ankles, feeling tired frequently, and shortness of breath
- Hypoglycemia, which can be characterized by headaches, extreme hunger, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, trembling, anxiety, or irritability