Insulin glargine and Lixisenatide are combined in this medicine.
This medicine is used together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Use Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor as small changes in the amount of this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels.
This medicine is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area) within 1 hour before a meal. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems with your eyesight or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine may become ineffective if your insulin pen does not work properly.
How to use Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide:
- This medicine comes with a device called injection 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 10 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 below 25°C.
- Use a new needle in every administration of this medicine.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. 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 dilute or mix this medicine with any other insulin formulation or solution.
DO NOT administer this medicine intravenously (into a vein), or intramuscularly (into a muscle) or by infusion pump.
Do not share your insulin injection with anyone else.
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor. If you suddenly stop using this medicine, it may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level).
If you missed a dose of Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide, administer the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal injection schedule. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor on how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.
A missed dose may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level). If you often forget to inject your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. They can give you advice that can help you remember your dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not use Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide 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 experience episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- stomach problem e.g. gastroparesis (delayed emptying of food into the stomach)
- problems in the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid glands
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have an illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever or are under stress, inform your doctor as these conditions may affect your blood sugar level.
Exercise will also change your insulin requirement. Consult your doctor if you change your exercise routine or start on a new exercise program.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
Do not change the brand or type of insulin you are using without first consulting your doctor.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide.
If you are travelling, discuss with your doctor about how to adjust your injection schedule. Carry your insulin in your hand-carry luggage. Do not put insulin in your check-in luggage as it may freeze.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you will need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar level, liver and kidney function) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
If you are using Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide, 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, 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 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 did not improve after second serving.
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, indigestion, and itching, redness, swelling, skin thickening or sinking at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe and persistent stomach pain
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
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 any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. glipizide, linagliptin, pioglitazone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. atenolol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. clozapine, olanzapine, lithium
- asthma medicines e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- fluoxetine (medicine for depression)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide.
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.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
If you have not yet opened it, store Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide in a refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do NOT freeze otherwise it will become less effective and should not be used. Protect from light.
Once opened, this medicine may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25°C away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze. All opened injection pens will expire after 28 days. Throw away any remaining injection solution, even if the injection pen is not empty.
Do not use Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide if it has changed colour, has a frosted appearance or if you see lumps floating in the liquid or stuck to the side of the glass. Throw away any unused portion.
Make sure you know how to store your medicine. Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide may become ineffective if not stored properly. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep away from direct heat or light, and from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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