|
| |
New diabetic drug " Victoza
"
( Liraglutide)
Victoza is a diabetes medicine that helps
control blood sugar levels. It works by increasing the amount of insulin that
your body produces.
Victoza is used to treat type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). This
medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Victoza may also be used for
other purposes
Important information about Victoza
You should not use Victoza if you are allergic
to liraglutide, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in
your glands), a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer,
insulin-dependent diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis
(call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Before using Victoza, tell your doctor if you
have stomach problems causing slow digestion, kidney or liver disease, high
blood pressure, high triglycerides, or if you have ever had pancreatitis,
gallstones, or alcoholism.
You should not breast-feed while using Victoza.
Never share an injection pen with another person. Sharing injection pens can
allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious
side effect while using Victoza, such as swelling or a lump in your throat area,
hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, feeling short of breath, severe pain in your
upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, or signs of infection
such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, or easy bruising
or bleeding.
Victoza is only part of a complete program of
treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye
care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar.
Before using Victoza
You should not use Victoza if you are allergic
to liraglutide, or if you have:
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors
in your glands);
- a personal or family history of medullary
thyroid cancer;
- type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes; or
- if you are in a state of diabetic
ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure you can safely use Victoza, tell
your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- stomach problems causing slow digestion;
- kidney or liver disease;
- high blood pressure;
- high triglyceride levels in your blood;
- a history of pancreatitis;
- a history of gallstones; or
- a history of alcoholism.
In animal studies, Victoza caused the development
of thyroid tumors. However, very high doses are used in animal studies. It is
not known whether these effects would occur in people using doses recommended
for human use. Ask your doctor about your personal risk.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known
whether Victoza will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether
liraglutide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You
should not breast-feed while using Victoza.
How should I use Victoza?
Victoza comes in a prefilled injection pen. Ask
your pharmacist which type of needles are best to use with your pen.
Victoza is injected under the skin. Your care
provider will show you the best places on your body to inject Victoza. Do not
self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the
injection and properly dispose of used needles and injection pens.
Victoza is usually given once per day. Your
doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Your dose needs may change if you become ill, have a fever or infection, or if
you have surgery or a medical emergency.
You may use Victoza at any time of the day, with
or without a meal.
Do not use Victoza if it has changed colors or
has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often,
and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor
regularly.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you
skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms
include headache, hunger, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, weakness,
dizziness, tremors, sweating, and fast heartbeat. Carry hard candy or glucose
tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include
orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help
you in an emergency.
Victoza is only part of a complete program of
treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye
care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication,
and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect
your blood sugar levels.
Storing unopened Victoza injection pens: Store
in the refrigerator. Do not store near the refrigerator's cooling element.
Storing after your first use: You may keep
"in-use" injection pens in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect the
pens from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Use within 30 days. Remove the needle
before storing an injection pen, and keep the cap on the pen when not in use.
Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it).
Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not freeze Victoza, and throw away the
medication if it has become frozen.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the
Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Victoza overdose may cause severe nausea and
vomiting.
What should I avoid while using Victoza?
Never share a Victoza injection pen with another
person. Sharing injection pens can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to
pass from one person to another.
Victoza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of
these signs of an allergic reaction to Victoza: hives; difficult breathing;
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you
have a serious side effect such as:
- swelling or a lump in your throat area;
- hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, feeling
short of breath;
- pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper
stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast
heart rate; or
- signs of infection such as fever, chills,
sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding
gums), mouth sores, unusual weakness.
Less serious Victoza side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- upset stomach, loss of appetite;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose,
sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat;
- back pain;
- tired feeling;
- mild skin rash; or
- redness or rash where the medicine was
injected.
This is not a complete list of Victoza side
effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side
effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also:
Victoza side
effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Victoza?
Victoza can make it harder for your body to
absorb other medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor about all
medications you take by mouth, especially oral diabetes medications (Glucotrol,
Metaglip, Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucovance, and
others).
There may be other drugs that can interact with
Victoza. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes
prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
( Courtesy:
http://www.drugs.com/ )
More Articles:
| |
|
