[Diabetes-talk] Victoza.
limestone lady
limestonelady at samobile.net
Sat Mar 16 21:09:42 UTC 2013
yes, i know that with every medication, you pays your money, and you
takes your choice so the saying goes but I'm not sure about this drug,
after reading the following.
Linda.
What is Victoza?
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. This medication is not for
treating type 1 diabetes. Victoza may also be used for other purposes
not listed in this medication guide.
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 H I V 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 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. F D A 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 happen
to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger,
sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble
concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you
have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include fruit juice,
crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close
friends know how to help you in an emergency.
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 Victoza
overdose may cause severe nausea and vomiting.
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;
-urinating less than usual or not at all;
-weakness, confusion, increased thirst, loss of appetite, pounding
heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; -swelling, weight gain, 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 F D A at 1-800-F D A-1088.
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.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to liraglutide: subcutaneous solution
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting,
constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, anorexia, dyspepsia,
and pancreatitis.
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have included hypoglycemia, especially when
combined with a sulfonylurea. Postmarketing side effects have included
dehydration from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included headache and dizziness.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included nasopharyngitis, upper
respiratory tract infection, and sinusitis.
General
General side effects have included influenza and fatigue.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects have included hypertension.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects have included urinary tract infection.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects have included back pain.
Local
Local side effects have included injection site rash and erythema.
Immunologic
Immunologic side effects have included urticaria and angioedema.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects reported postmarketing have included
angioedema and anaphylactic reactions, rash and pruritus.
Renal
Postmarketing side effects have included increased serum creatinine,
acute renal failure or worsening of chronic renal failure, sometimes
requiring hemodialysis.
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