Liraglutide

Hypoglycaemic excluding Insulin · GLP- 1 agonist

Indications

Dual therapy: With metformin or a sulphonylurea in type II diabetes inadequately controlled or monotherapy with either agent at maximally tolerated dose. Triple therapy: With metformin and a sulphonylurea or metformin and a glitazone in type II diabetes inadequately controlled by dual therapy.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 600 mcg once daily by SC inj. Allowing minimum 1 wk intervals, increase to 1.2 mg once daily and then if necessary to max 1.2 mg once daily. Combination therapy: Consider lower dose of sulphyonylurea. Children: Not recommended.

Administration

Liraglutide can be administered once daily at any time of day, independently of meals and can be injected SC in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites to minimize inj site reactions. Stability: Prior to initial use; store under refrigeration at 2°C-8°C, after initial use store in refrigerator or at room temperature of 15°C-30°C. Do not freeze. Protect from heat and light. Pen should be discarded 30 days after initial use.

Adverse Effects

GI upset, headache, dizziness, tachycardia, hypoglycaemia, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, gastroenteritis, toothache, anorexia, fatigue, rash, pyrexia, inj site reactions. Reports of pancreatitis, discontinue if suspected. Increased lipase and amylase.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hepatic or moderate-to-severe renal impairment (CrCl <60 mL/min), inflammatory bowel disease, diabetic gastroparesis, diabetic ketoacidosis. Precautions: Thyroid disorders, CHF, elderly = 75 years, ensure adequate hydration.

Interactions

Warfarin, insulin, drugs affected by change in rate of gastric emptying.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Learn how to use prefilled multidose pen and how to administer a subcutaneous injection. There is a possible risk of medullary thyroid cancer so contact prescriber if symptoms such as a neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnoea or persistent hoarseness occur.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Endogenously metabolized by DPP-1V and endogenous endopeptidases. Bioavailability: Subcutaneous: Approx. 55%. Half-life elimination: Approx. 13 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 8-12 hrs. Excretion: Urine (6%). Faeces (5%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.