Let's learn about this special injection for diabetes? (Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide)

If you are living with Type 2 Diabetes, you probably know how challenging it is to control your blood sugar levels. As the doctor always says, diet, exercise, and medication are very important for this. Today we are going to talk about a special injection that comes as a combination of two drugs that helps control diabetes.

What is this medicine? Simply put...

This is actually a combination of two drugs. That is, it is a combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide . In our country, it can come under brand names like `SOLIQUA`.

Simply put, it works by lowering and controlling your blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin glargine is a long-acting type of insulin. Lixisenatide is a different class of medication that controls the rate at which sugar enters the blood after eating and also stimulates our body to produce insulin.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. This is because some health conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.

• If you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar: This medicine also causes low blood sugar, so you need to be especially careful about it.
• Eye diseases or vision impairment: If your eyes are affected by diabetes, it is important to be aware of it.
• Gallbladder disease: This medicine can sometimes cause conditions like gallstones.
• If you have had pancreatitis: If you have had this disease in your history, there may be a risk of recurrence.
• Kidney disease or if you are on dialysis: This medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, so your dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Liver disease: The doctor should also be aware of liver function.
• If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a medicine in the past: for example, swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.
• Stomach problems: If you have problems such as delayed digestion.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you are severely addicted to alcohol.
• If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or dye.

Okay, now how do you use this injection?

Your doctor or nurse will teach you exactly how to use this. It is important to follow those instructions exactly.

• Injection site: This is a subcutaneous injection. It is usually given in the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm . It is best to rotate the injection sites rather than always in the same area.
• Time: Take once a day. That too 60 minutes (one hour) before the first main meal of the day . It is best if you can take it at the same time every day.
• Appearance of the medicine: Before you inject, look at the liquid in the pen. It should be a clear, colorless liquid, like water . If it is cloudy, colored, thick, or has small particles in it, do not use it .
• Needles: If you are using a pen, don't forget to remove the outer needle cover from the needle before giving the injection.
• Disposing of needles: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one. Avoid reusing the same needle.

What to do if you take too much medicine or miss a dose?

Missed Dose

It is very important not to skip doses. However, if you do miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This can cause dangerously low blood sugar.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

It is very important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking while taking this medicine. Some medications can affect how it works. Also, some medications can change your blood sugar levels.

Things you should be careful about when taking medication

• Regular check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor. A blood test called HbA1C is done about once every 2-3 months. It shows how well your sugar has been controlled over the past few months.
• Test your blood sugar: Learn how to test your blood sugar at home. Know the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
• If your blood sugar drops: Always keep a quick source of sugar with you, such as a sugar candy or glucose tablet. If your blood sugar drops too low and you feel dizzy or faint, tell your family not to put anything in their mouth at that time. In such a case, you should seek immediate medical attention.
• Don't skip meals: Eat at the right time.
• Don't share your pen: Never, ever share your injection pen with anyone else. Even if you change the needle, you can still spread dangerous viruses like Hepatitis and HIV.
• Medical ID: Always wear/keep something like a card or bracelet nearby that states that you are diabetic and the types and doses of medications you take.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.

How to hold the pen correctly?

It is also very important to store this medicine properly.

• Unopened Pens:
• Store in the refrigerator in the normal section (between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius).
• Never store in the freezer. Do not use frozen medicine.
• If the expiration date has passed, discard it.

• Pens that you are using:
• Store this at room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate.
• Close the pen cap tightly after each use and protect from light.
• Do not put the pen down with the needle attached. Doing so may cause the medicine to leak.
• After 28 days of use, throw away the pen, even if there is medicine left in it.

Diabetes, Insulin Glargine, Lixisenatide, Soliqua, Sugar Control, Insulin, Diabetes Medication