Liraglutide is used to help reduce body weight in obese individuals, or overweight individuals who have weight-related health problems (e.g. high blood pressure, high level of fats in the blood).
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Use Liraglutide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not inject more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area) at any time of the day, with or without meals. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
Liraglutide is available as a pre-filled pen. Make sure you know how to use the device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How to use the pre-filled pen:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
- Dial the correct dose.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button.
- Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 6 to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Remove the needle from the pen. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
- Reset your pen as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Throw away the used needle. Recap your pen and store it in the refrigerator between 2-8°C or at room temperature not exceeding 30°C.
- Use a new needle in every administration of this medicine.
Remember to rotate the choice of injection site area. Do not inject into the same area all the time. Do not inject near the navel (belly button). New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site.
Do not share your Liraglutide injection with anyone else.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands of Liraglutide may only be used for a specific condition. Do not change from one brand to another.
Do not use this medicine for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you have used Liraglutide, skip the missed dose and return to your normal injection schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Liraglutide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- personal or family history of a certain type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma
- multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a rare inherited disorder characterised by multiple tumours and/or cancer that affect specific glands in the endocrine system)
as Liraglutide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of severe allergic reaction to similar medicines
- thyroid disease
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. gastroparesis (delayed emptying of food in the stomach), inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract)
- severe heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Liraglutide to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Liraglutide.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood sugar level, cholesterol level) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your doctor may also need to check your weight after 12 or 16 weeks of treatment to check your response to the medication.
- Regular monitoring of heart rate, signs and symptoms of thyroid problems, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gall bladder disease, and changes in behaviour or worsening depression may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make to lose weight and maintain my ideal weight?
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you maintain your ideal weight. You should avoid relying only on medication to maintain your ideal weight.
Try to control the type and amount of food you eat at each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity. You will find that keeping to a regular exercise regimen is enjoyable and helps keep your weight off.
If stress causes you to reach out for snacks too often, replace unhealthy snacks with healthier choices. Learn to manage your stress levels. Alcohol also commonly causes weight gain. Try to avoid alcohol or set a limit on how much you drink.
Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they are overweight. This medicine may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are using this medicine with anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Liraglutide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea which may lead to excessive water loss from the body. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated during treatment.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, pain or discomfort, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, weakness, decreased or loss of appetite, and injection site reactions (e.g. itching, rash, pain).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips, tongue or throat
- severe and persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed), having thoughts of self-harm
- signs and symptoms of thyroid problems e.g. lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness of voice, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath
- fever, pain in the upper right area of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, clay-coloured stools
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using other medicines for diabetes such as insulin, glimepiride, and glibenclamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
If you have not yet opened it, store Liraglutide in a refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not allow it to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Once opened, this medicine may be stored in the refrigerator between 2-8°C or at room temperature not exceeding 30°C. Opened injection pens will expire after 30 days. Throw away any remaining injection solution, even if the injection pen is not empty.
Do not use Liraglutide if it has changed colour or has become cloudy. Throw away any unused portion.
Keep away from heat, light and from the reach of children.
Make sure you know how to store your medicine. Liraglutide may become ineffective if not stored properly. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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