Generic
Liraglutide
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus. It increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
Description
Liraglutide is an acylated human GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous GLP-1(7-37). It activates the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, increasing intracellular cAMP leading to insulin release in the presence of elevated glucose concentrations. It also decreases glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner and delays gastric emptying.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus - as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control (adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older)
- To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease
Therapeutic class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Pharmacological class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Pharmacology
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, increasing cAMP to stimulate insulin release in the presence of elevated glucose, decreases glucagon secretion, and delays gastric emptying.
Mechanism of action
Controls blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion, decreasing glucagon secretion, and delaying gastric emptying.
Dosage
Adult Dose (SC):
- Initiate: 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week
- Then increase to 1.2 mg once daily
- If needed, increase to 1.8 mg once daily (after 1 week on 1.2 mg)
- Consider dose reduction of insulin secretagogues
Pediatric (10 years+): Start 0.6 mg daily, increase to 1.2 mg and up to 1.8 mg if needed
Administration
- Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
- Any time of day, independently of meals
- Administer as separate injection from insulin
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (≥5%):
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia (with sulfonylurea or insulin)
Precautions & warnings
- Discontinue promptly if pancreatitis is suspected
- Risk of hypoglycemia (dose reduction of sulfonylurea or insulin may be needed)
- Use caution when initiating or escalating doses in renal impairment
- Discontinue if serious hypersensitivity reactions occur
- Do not use during pregnancy
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Serious hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipients
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia with insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas) or insulin
- Potential impact on absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying
- Oral contraceptives: Cmax decreased by 12-13% for ethinyloestradiol and levonorgestrel
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Liraglutide is unsafe (risk of hypoglycemia).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Liraglutide is unsafe during pregnancy (weight loss may cause fetal harm). Discontinue if pregnancy occurs.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No data on presence in human milk; present in rat milk. Use with caution.
Pediatric use
Dose established for children 10 years and older; safety not established in children under 10 years.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment needed in elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed, but caution in patients who may require dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; not recommended in severe liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose: severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe hypoglycemia; symptomatic supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store between 2-8°C; do not freeze; after first use, can be stored at 15-30°C for 30 days; protect from heat and light.
Chemical structure
Liraglutide