Insulin glargine and Lixisenatide are combined in this medicine.
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide is used together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide 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 should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, buttocks or abdomen area) within 1 hour before a meal. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
How to use the Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide 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 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 share your insulin injection with anyone else.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
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).
Discuss with your doctor on how you should manage your insulin injection if you miss a dose.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
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 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)
- history of severe allergic reactions to similar medicines
- severe stomach problems e.g. gastroparesis (delayed emptying of food into the stomach)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 a high level of blood acid in your body).
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
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. liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of hypokalaemia (low potassium level in the blood), hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder disease, and changes in behaviour or worsening depression may also be needed.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are using Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide.
If you are using this medicine, 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.
Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, indigestion, changes in taste, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and redness, itching or swelling at the injection site.
This medicine commonly causes 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.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- severe and persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting
- fever, pain in the upper right stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, clay-coloured stools
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed), having thoughts of self-harm
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:
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. clozapine, olanzapine, lithium
- other medicines for diabetes
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisolone
- birth control pills
- asthma medicines e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- disopyramide (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- isoniazid (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- cholesterol-lowering medicines
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 allow it to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Once opened, Insulin glargine + Lixisenatide may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25°C away from direct sunlight for up to 28 days.
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.
Keep away from heat, light and from the reach of children.
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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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