Albiglutide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is albiglutide for?

Albiglutide is an injection intended for patients with type two diabetes. Treatment using albiglutide will be prescribed if other types of drugs are no longer able to control blood sugar levels better. The use of this drug injection is not intended for patients with type 1 diabetes or those who have diabetes ketoacidosis.

Albiglutide is an injection that falls in the mimetic incretin treatment class. That means this drug works like incretin which will help the pancreas to release a certain amount of insulin into the blood when the sugar levels in it increase (as happens in the after-meal state). In addition, this injection also plays a role in slowing down the movement of food towards the intestines for digestion.

Albiglutide usage rules

Albiglutide is an injection with a powder initial preparation. Albiglutide powder must first be mixed with water in an injection pen before being injected into the subcutaneous layer (the lower layer of the skin). Usually, this medicine is given once a week without having to be accompanied by meals.

The dose given has adjusted to your health condition. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

To help you remember, give this medication the same day. You are allowed to have the injection at any time, either before eating or after eating. If you wish to change the day of injection, make sure that the injection you are given is at least four days from the last injection given.

Albiglutide injection can be done in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach area. Do not inject directly into a vein or muscle to prevent drastic changes in blood sugar levels. You can inject albiglutide and insulin in the same area, but don't inject them right next to each other.

Always check the Albiglutide injection fluid before injecting it into your body. Ensure that the liquid remains a clear yellow and free of solid particles. This drug can help control diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use albiglutide if you feel better. Follow the directions for use and the prescription recommended by your doctor. Do not reduce or increase the dose before you discuss it with your doctor.

Albiglutide storage method

Store this medication at room temperature for up to four weeks or in the refrigerator. However, don't freeze it. Keep away from direct light and rooms with high humidity. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Observe the drug storage instructions listed on the packaging or consult your pharmacist.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting medication.

The dose for adult patients with type two diabetes is 30 mg, once a week. The dosage can be increased up to a maximum of 50 mg once per week

Side effects

What side effects might occur from using albiglutide?

Albiglutide might cause changes in blood sugar levels. Watch for signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Tell your doctor if any of the following symptoms don't go away:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Heat and pain in the chest (heartburn)
• Inflammation, swelling, or itching at the injection point
• Flu-like and cough-like symptoms

Some of the side effects that can be caused can be very serious as listed below. Stop the albiglutide injection and contact your doctor for further treatment.

• Left or middle abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Gag
• Itchy rash
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing

These side effects may not occur in everyone. Not all of the side effects that occur are listed above. Talk to your doctor about other side effects that may arise.

Warnings and Precautions

What should be known before using albiglutide?

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to the drug Albiglutide, or to any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking or will take, whether prescription / nonprescription or herbal medicines. Be sure to mention any insulin or oral diabetes medications you are currently taking, in particular the sulfonylurea class of drugs, including chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide, tolazamide, and tolbutamide.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had pancreatitis, a digestive problem, including gastroparesis (slow movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine).
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding and need blood sugar control. Not all diabetes drugs are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Talk to your doctor about possible treatments that you can get.
• Ask your doctor what to do if you are sick, have an infection or fever, and are injured. These conditions can affect your blood sugar levels and the dose of this medicine you may need.

Important warning

Albiglutide injection may increase your risk of thyroid gland cancer, including medullary thyroid cancer. Tell your doctor if you or your family have a family history of cancer.

Note

This drug stopped being produced at the end of July 2018 in the United States. If you are still using this medication, consult your doctor for a possible drug change. Discontinuation of this drug is not for safety reasons, but rather an increasingly rare prescription from doctors in the United States.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially:

• Chlopropramide
• Glimepiride
• Glipizide
• Glyburide
• Tolazamide
• Tolbutamide

The above list does not include the entire list of drugs that may interact with albiglutide. Doctors may continue to prescribe two drugs that interact with each other if absolutely necessary. Follow your doctor's directions for taking the drug to minimize the risk of side effects.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of an overdose can include severe nausea and vomiting.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, get the injection as soon as possible. However, if it is more than three days from the scheduled time, skip the missed dose and stick to the original schedule. Don't double the dose.