Let's learn about Lixisenatide injection for diabetes in simple terms. (Lixisenatide Injection)

When your doctor tells you to start a new injection for your diabetes, you may feel a little scared and nervous. That's normal. You may have many questions in your mind, such as "How will I take this?", "What will happen to this?", "Are there any side effects?" Don't be afraid. Today we are talking about an injection called `Lixisenatide`, which is given to control diabetes. I will tell you everything you need to know about it very simply, as if I were telling you something from a friend.

Simply put, what is Lixisenatide?

`Lixisenatide` is a drug used to treat `Type 2 Diabetes`. It comes as an injection. It is not like a pill, but an injection that needs to be given under the skin.

Now let's look at how this works inside the body. This does three main things:

1. Increases insulin production: After we eat, our blood sugar levels rise. Then, our body produces a hormone called insulin to control that sugar. What this medicine does is stimulate the production of that insulin. It's like giving a little 'boost' to the sugar-controlling employee.

2. Reduces the release of sugar from the liver: This medicine reduces the unnecessary release of sugar from our liver into the blood. Therefore, the unnecessary rise in blood sugar levels is controlled even when we are just sitting.

3. Delays digestion: This medicine prolongs the time the food we eat stays in the stomach. This means that the food is digested slowly and the rate at which sugar is added to the blood decreases. This prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

When you start a new medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether the medication is suitable for you and what the dosage should be. If you have any of the conditions below, tell your doctor without hiding anything .

How do you give this injection correctly?

Since this is a self-inflicted injury, it is essential to know exactly how to do it.

• Where to inject: This injection should be given into the fatty layer under the skin . The best places to inject are the abdomen (around the breasts), the upper thigh, or the upper arm . It is best to rotate the injection sites rather than injecting in the same area every day.
• Time to take: You should take it once a day. That should be one hour (60 minutes) before your first main meal of the day . For example, if you eat at 8 am, take it between 7 and 8 am. It's best to get into the habit of taking it at about the same time every day.
• Needles and syringes: Never throw used needles and pens in the trash . They are very dangerous to you and others. There is a special container for these. Put them in one of these and ask your doctor about the correct way to dispose of them.
• Training: Don't worry, you don't have to do this alone. Your doctor, nurse, or a trained person will show you exactly how to do this and how to use the pen. If you don't understand, listen again and learn exactly.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We don't always remember everything. So if you miss a dose, take it an hour before your next meal. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose just because you forgot.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

It is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some medications can interact with Lixisenatide, either increasing or decreasing its effectiveness, or causing side effects.

• Other diabetes medications: If you are taking other diabetes medications (pills or insulin), there is a higher risk of hypoglycemia when taking these two together. Therefore, your doctor may change the dosage of your other medications.
• Painkillers and other medications: Medications like `Acetaminophen` (Paracetamol), `Warfarin` (a medicine that prevents blood clotting), and `Digoxin` (a medicine for heart disease) can interact with this.
• Birth control pills: If you are taking birth control pills, Lixisenatide may reduce their absorption and effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
• Medications that affect blood sugar levels: Steroids, some blood pressure medications, and asthma medications can all affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking.

Things to consider when taking medication

• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This is the most important thing to watch out for. Symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, palpitations, tremors, excessive hunger, and confusion could be signs of low blood sugar. Always keep a piece of candy, a sugar cube, a glucose tablet, or a sugary drink nearby. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, put something like that in your mouth.
• Dehydration: Some people taking this medicine may experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset. This can cause the body to lose a lot of water and become dehydrated. This is not good for the kidneys. So drink plenty of water throughout the day . If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, see a doctor immediately.
• Regular checkups: Go to the clinic at the scheduled time as advised by your doctor and get your blood sugar levels, especially `HbA1C`, tested. `HbA1C` is a test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It can help you see how well your diabetes is under control.
• Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery or medical tests, tell the medical team in advance that you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are normal and go away in a few days. But some are serious. So it's important to be aware of these.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you accidentally overdose, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.