About Xultophy Pen
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There are two ways insulin can interact with the human body – bolus and basal. Bolus insulin is a quick-acting insulin taken just before meals. It helps to provide glucose control to the body due to glucose spikes immediately after meals. Basal insulin is longer-acting and helps to release insulin at a steady level throughout the day.
Basal Insulin means background insulin and mimics the human pancreas, where basal insulin is absorbed by the body slowly throughout the day. Basal insulin helps manage glucose levels in the blood for type 2 diabetic patients. A single dose is enough for the entire day.
Xultophy Pen is a once-daily injectable to improve glycemic control for adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Xultophy 100/3.6 is combination drug mainly consisting of liraglutide and insulin degludec. Liraglutide is a long-acting Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Insulin degludec is a long-acting basal insulin. Liraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. It will release more insulin in the blood as the blood glucose increases, and insulin release decreases as the demand for insulin in the body reduces.
Do not share XULTOPHY Pen or the needle with others, even if the needle is new.
Warnings and Precautions while using XULTOPHY Pen
- Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors – Elevated or thyroid nodules.
- Pancreatitis – Acute pancreatitis – discontinue Xultophy pen promptly and inform your doctor.
- Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia
- Overdose Due to Medication Errors – check the label before each injection
- Acute Kidney Injury: Usually in association with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration – contact your doctor immediately
- Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions – Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergies, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock, can occur with insulins.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease – Acute events of gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis, have been reported in GLP-1 receptor
- Hypokalemia (Potassium deficiency) – May cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death.
- Fluid Retention and Congestive Heart Failure – discontinue the medication.
Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia may include:
- dizziness or light-headedness
- blurred vision
- anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
- sweating
- slurred speech
- hunger
- confusion or drowsiness
- shakiness
- weakness
- headache
- fast heartbeat
- feeling jittery
Adverse Reactions while using XULTOPHY Pen
The most common adverse reactions reported are:
- Nasopharyngitis
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased lipase and upper respiratory tract infection.
- Delay of gastric emptying.
Dosage – XULTOPHY Pen
- If a patient is already on liraglutide or basal insulin, stop these medications before initiating XULTOPHY pen.
- The recommended initial dose in patients never before on basal insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist is 10 units.
- The recommended starting dose in patients on basal insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist is 16 units.
- The injection is given subcutaneously into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen at the same time each day with or without food.
- Rotate the injection site to avoid lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. The maximum daily dosage is 50 units.
- Do not dilute Xultophy with any other insulin products or solutions.
Storage of XULTOPHY pen
- Not used – Refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until expired.
- Used – Room Temperature or Refrigerated for 21 days.
Room temperature limits are 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) and Refrigeration temperature limits are 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
You can buy xultophy pen at Northern Insulin at a cheaper rate.
Remember that regular physical exercise is crucial to treating diabetes or managing prediabetes, along with your diet planning, weight management, and medications. Because your cells become more responsive to insulin while you are active, your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can be lowered more successfully. Take your medications regularly and follow up with your healthcare specialist.
