Lixisenatide is used together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (gradual loss of capacity of the pancreas to produce enough insulin). This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in 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.
Use Lixisenatide 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.
Lixisenatide should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area) within 60 minutes before a main meal. Try to administer it at same time each day.
This medicine should be administered regularly for it to be effective. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor. Your condition may worsen if Lixisenatide is stopped suddenly.
How to use Lixisenatide:
1. Activate your Lixisenatide Injection Pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
2. Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
3. Pull the injection button out firmly until it stops.
4. Swab the injection area with alcohol.
5. Press and hold the injection button.
6. Grasp a fold of skin and insert needle Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
7. Press the injection button all the way in.
8. Keep the injection button pressed in for 2 seconds. Withdraw the injection pen from your skin.
9. Remove and throw away the needle after each injection. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
10. Recap your pen and store below 30 degrees Celsius.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Throw away the used needle according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Use a new needle for each injection.
DO NOT inject Lixisenatide intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Do not share your Lixisenatide injection with anyone else.
Inject the missed dose one hour before your next meal.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- inflammation of the pancreas
- kidney disease
- stomach disorder such as gastroparesis (delayed emptying of food from the stomach)
- your body does not produce any insulin
- diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking Lixisenatide, you may need to have regular blood sugar tests, liver and kidney function tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests. Pain response, inflammation, blood pressure, bleeding or bruising should also be monitored.
If you are using this medicine with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Lixisenatide does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
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, problems speaking – these signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia could worsen and you might faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take a tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If you don’t have glucose tablets, you can take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soda, candy) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help.
This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion or gastric discomfort and upper abdominal pain.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide.
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.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C, prior to initial use. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Store at room temperature below 30° after initial use.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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