LIRAGLUTIDE

Liraglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes satiety. Liraglutide is available in injectable form and is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss.

Indications

-Type 2 Diabetes: Liraglutide is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes, often in conjunction with diet and exercise. -Weight Management: Liraglutide is also indicated for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight, particularly when there are weight-related health issues such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

Dosage

-1.2-1.8 mg once daily subcutaneously, irrespective of meals. Maximum dialy dose : 1.8 mg. -Type 2 Diabetes: The usual starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily, which may be increased to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg once daily depending on the patient's response and tolerability. -Weight Management: For weight loss, the starting dose is also 0.6 mg once daily, increasing gradually to a target dose of 3.0 mg once daily. -Liraglutide is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Contra-Indications

In patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2.

Special Precautions

In patients with reanl failure, hepatic impairment and history of pancreatitis.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight gain, pancreatitis, bladder pain, low incidence of hypoglycaemia, formation of anti-liraglutide antibodies,acute tubular necrosis have been recently reported severe allergic reactions may occur.

Drug Interactions

Hormonal contraceptives, bosentan, barbiturates, felbamate, griseofulvin, carbamazapine, phenytoin, rifampicin, topiramate.