You should not use Xultophy 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 having an episode of low blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis.
In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Xultophy if you are allergic to insulin or liraglutide. Do not use this medicine during an episode of low blood sugar, or if you have:
multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands);
a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer);
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment); or
a condition for which you use liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) or a medicine like liraglutide (albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, Adlyxin, Byetta, Bydureon, Tanzeum, Trulicity).
To make sure Xultophy is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
pancreatitis;
kidney or liver disease;
stomach problems causing slow digestion;
alcoholism;
gallstones; or
if you also use a meal-time insulin.
In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using insulin if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
Xultophy is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Xultophy?
Use Xultophy exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Xultophy is injected under the skin, usually once daily at the same time each day. A healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Use only the injection pen supplied with this medicine. Do not dilute or mix other medicines in the injection with Xultophy.
You may use Xultophy with or without food.
Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject this medicine. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Do not inject Xultophy into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea. You can easily become dehydrated while using Xultophy which lead to kidney failure.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Never share an Xultophy injection pen with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
Keep Xultophy in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.
Storing unopened (not in use) Xultophy:
Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
Store at room temperature and use within 21 days (3 weeks).
Storing opened (in use) Xultophy:
Store at room temperature away from heat and light, and use within 21 days; or
Store in a refrigerator and use within 21 days.
Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.
Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy or has changed colors. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
