What is Xultophy: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Xultophy

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

• Store your new, unused medicine pen in the refrigerator, in its original carton, and protect it from light. Do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen. You may store the opened medicine pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 21 days. Throw away your used pen after 21 days, even if it still has medicine in it. Remove the needle from the pen before you store it.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in your stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

• Check the liquid inside the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or liquids. Do not use this medicine in an insulin infusion pump.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. Then take your next daily dose as usual on the following day. Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose for 3 days or more, call your doctor to talk about how to restart your treatment.

• Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

• Store your new, unused medicine pen in the refrigerator, in its original carton, and protect it from light. Do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen. You may store the opened medicine pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 21 days. Throw away your used pen after 21 days, even if it still has medicine in it. Remove the needle from the pen before you store it.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in your stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

• Check the liquid inside the pen. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or liquids. Do not use this medicine in an insulin infusion pump.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you remember. Then take your next daily dose as usual on the following day. Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose for 3 days or more, call your doctor to talk about how to restart your treatment.

• Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xultophy

Xultophy contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin degludec or liraglutide, or you have a multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or anyone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer.

Xultophy warnings

• This medicine can cause low blood sugar. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of thyroid tumorPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the bloodKidney problems, including kidney failureGallbladder problemsFluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, digestion problems (including gastroparesis), gallbladder disease, or a history of pancreas problems or angioedema (swelling of the arms, face, hands, mouth, or throat).

• Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Xultophy interactions

• Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.