Lixisenatide: Uses, indications and cautions when using

This is an automatically translated article.

Lixisenatide is a drug that helps control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. To be able to control blood sugar well, patients need to combine with a suitable diet and exercise.

1. What is Lixisenatide?

Lixisenatide is often used in combination with a reasonable diet and exercise to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Good blood sugar control can provide benefits such as: reducing the risk of kidney damage, nerve problems, loss of limbs, blindness, impaired sex drive, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. heart attack, stroke, etc.). Lixisenatide has a similar role to a natural hormone in the body called Incretin, it works by releasing insulin in response to high sugar levels (such as after a meal) and reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver. .
Note: Lixisenatide is not a substitute for insulin if you need insulin treatment.
MORE: Type 2 diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease

2. Dosage and usage

Lixisenatide is usually given by injection under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually 1 time per day within 1 hour before the first meal of the day.
Before use, inspect the injection solution with the naked eye for particles or traces of discoloration. If abnormalities are found, do not use the injection solution. Before injecting each dose, disinfect the injection site with alcohol. After each injection, change the injection site to another site to reduce subcutaneous damage.
Lixisenatide may slow or decrease the absorption of certain medicines such as birth control pills, antibiotics or Acetaminophen. Users should take other medicines at least 1 hour before taking this medicine. For birth control pills, take them at least 1 hour before or 11 hours after taking Lixisenatide. If you must take these medicines with food, take them with a main meal or snack when you are not taking Lixisenatide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about when to take your medicine.
Take Lixisenatide regularly to get the most benefit from it. To make it easier to remember the injection schedule, give the injection at the same time every day.
To avoid getting an infection or getting an infection, do not share the injection device with others, even if the needle has been changed. Learn more about how to safely store and dispose of medical supplies.
If your condition does not improve or gets worse (blood sugar is too high or too low), let your doctor know.

3. Lixisenatide side effects

Possible side effects of Lixisenatide are: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, dizziness or pain, itching, redness, swelling at the injection site, signs of kidney problems. as urine volume changes).
The feeling of nausea usually subsides as you continue to use Lixisenatide . If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Vomiting and diarrhea that don't stop can cause severe dehydration. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, unusual thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness or lightheadedness.
In rare cases Lixisenatide can cause serious effects on the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can even be fatal. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as: nausea, vomiting that won't stop, stomach pain, severe abdominal pain, call for medical help right away.
Lixisenatide can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you take this medicine with other diabetes medications, don't eat enough calories, or exercise too hard. Ask your doctor if the dose of other diabetes medications needs to be adjusted.
In addition, signs of low blood sugar include: Sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands or feet. It is advised to bring gel or glucose tablets for temporary treatment. If these reliable forms of glucose are not readily available, quickly raise your blood sugar by eating sweets like honey, candy, juice, etc. To prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar, eat Meals are on schedule and do not skip meals.
Signs of high glycemic index include: Thirst, drowsiness, rapid breathing, increased urination, confusion and fruity breath. If these signs occur, tell your doctor right away.

4. How to avoid side effects of Lixisenatide

Before taking Lixisenatide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to its ingredients or have any other allergic conditions. Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially of: Pancreatitis (pancreatitis), kidney disease, stomach or intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis, digestive problems). .
You may experience dizziness, blurred vision or drowsiness due to too high or too low blood sugar. Do not use machines, drive a vehicle, or perform any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you can do such activities safely.
Limit alcohol while injecting Lixisenatide as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
When your body has a fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it can be harder to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor to consider a treatment plan, medication schedule, or glycemic index (GI) testing.

During pregnancy, Lixisenatide should only be used when clearly needed, because pregnancy can make diabetes worse. Talk to your doctor about changing your diabetes treatment during pregnancy, such as adjusting your diet and medications (including insulin).
It is not known whether Lixisenatide passes into breast milk so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Lixisenatide drug interactions

Beta-blockers (such as Propranolol, Metoprolol, glaucoma eye drops such as Timolol) can stop the rapid heart rate you usually feel when your blood sugar gets too low. Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are not affected by these medications.
Many medications can affect blood sugar levels, making it even harder to control. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, talk to your doctor about its effects on blood sugar. Also check your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. If you notice signs that your blood sugar is too high or too low, let your doctor know for help adjusting your diabetes prescription, exercise or diet plan.

6. Treatment in case of overdose and how to store

If you miss your dose, but it's still within 1 hour before your next meal, you can still get the same dose. If it is past the time, skip the missed dose and inject the next dose at the usual time. Don't double the dose to catch up.
Before taking Lixisenatide for the first time, keep it in the refrigerator (not frozen). Do not take the medicine if it has been frozen. Keep the medicine in the original box. After first use, store the medicine at room temperature away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard the drug 14 days after first use, even if it is still in the injection device. Keep all medications away from small children and pets.
Patients should take Lixisenatide exactly as prescribed by the doctor to control blood sugar effectively. In addition, lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce hyperglycemia / hypoglycemia such as: Eat on time, have enough meals, exercise and check blood sugar regularly.
Currently there is no cure for diabetes, so taking medication plays an extremely important role in helping to control the disease better. In addition, during the time of taking the drug, patients should actively check their health periodically so that they can monitor their disease status in order to make appropriate adjustments.
Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a team of endocrinologists with many years of experience. Customers in the process of taking drugs or having health abnormalities, can contact the hospital for advice and appropriate indications with their current health status.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com