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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › DRUGS USED IN DIABETES › BLOOD GLUCOSE LOWERING DRUGS, EXCL. INSULINS › Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues
liraglutide
A10BJ02
Forms & Strengths
- Subcutaneous solution in pre-filled pen: 6 mg/mL (3 mL delivers 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg doses; 18 mg total)
- Subcutaneous solution in pre-filled pen (Saxenda): 6 mg/mL (3 mL delivers doses from 0.6 mg up to 3.0 mg daily)
Adult Dosing
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Initial 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for 1 week, then increase to 1.2 mg daily; if needed, may increase to 1.8 mg daily for additional glycemic control.
- Chronic Weight Management: Initial 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily, titrate by 0.6 mg weekly intervals over 4 weeks to a target dose of 3.0 mg once daily.
Pediatric Dosing
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Pediatric patients ≥10 years): Initial 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for at least 1 week, may increase to 1.2 mg daily, and further to 1.8 mg daily if additional glycemic control is required.
- Chronic Weight Management (Pediatric patients ≥12 years): Initial 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily, titrate by 0.6 mg weekly intervals over 4 weeks to a target dose of 3.0 mg once daily (or maximum tolerated dose).
Indications
- Improvement of glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
- Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
- Chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with an initial BMI in specific overweight/obesity thresholds.
Mechanism of Action
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
- Decreases inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion.
- Slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety via hypothalamic signaling, leading to reduced appetite and caloric intake.
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipient in the product.
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dyspepsia.
- Hypoglycemia (particularly when used concurrently with insulin or insulin secretagogues).
- Increased heart rate, fatigue, dizziness, and headache.
- Acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis.
Drug Interactions
- Insulin and insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas): Increased risk of hypoglycemia; dose reduction of these agents may be required.
- Oral medications with narrow therapeutic index or requiring rapid gastrointestinal absorption: Liraglutide delays gastric emptying and may impact absorption rates.
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use