
What is Xultophy?
Xultophy (insulin degludec) is a prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It should not be used with other liraglutide products or GLP-1 receptor agonists and is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Xultophy is contraindicated for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It should also be avoided if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or experiencing low blood sugar.
Before starting Xultophy, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have issues with your pancreas, kidneys, liver, or heart, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Does Xultophy Work?
Xultophy works by combining two medications to help manage blood sugar levels.
It contains insulin degludec and liraglutide. Insulin degludec helps lower blood sugar by allowing your body to use glucose more effectively and reducing glucose production in the liver. It also helps store fat and build protein.
Liraglutide, a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist, increases insulin release in response to meals, reduces the release of another hormone called glucagon that raises blood sugar, and slows down how quickly food moves through the stomach.
Together, these effects help lower blood sugar levels throughout the day and after eating.
Dosage Information and Usage
Dosage Form and Strengths of Xultophy
Xultophy is available as a pre-filled, disposable pen injector containing 100 units/mL of insulin degludec and 3.6 mg/mL of liraglutide.
This clear, colorless solution comes in a 3 mL pen designed for single-patient use.
Each pen delivers doses in units that combine both insulin degludec and liraglutide.
The maximum daily dose is 50 units, which provides 50 units of insulin degludec and 1.8 mg of liraglutide.
Usage
Read Instructions: Begin by reading the Instructions for Use that come with Xultophy. This will guide you through proper usage and handling.
Prepare the Pen:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Check the pen label to ensure it is your Xultophy pen.
- Ensure the solution is clear and colorless. Do not use it if it appears cloudy or discolored.
- Attach a new needle to the pen, ensuring it is tight.
Prime the Pen:
- Turn the dose selector to the priming symbol.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. Tap gently to move air bubbles to the top.
- Press the dose button until the dose counter shows “0” and a drop of Xultophy appears at the needle tip. Repeat if necessary.
Set Your Dose:
- Turn the dose selector to choose the prescribed dose.
- Ensure the dose pointer aligns with the desired dose. If needed, adjust the dose by turning the selector forward or backward.
Inject the Medication:
- Select your injection site (abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm).
- Clean the site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Insert the needle into your skin.
- Press and hold the dose button until the counter shows “0”. Make sure the needle remains in place during the injection.
Post-Injection Care:
- Remove the needle and dispose of it properly.
- Check the pen’s dose counter to ensure you have the correct amount of Xultophy left.
- Rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of skin issues.
Additional Tips:
- Use Xultophy at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Do not mix Xultophy with other insulins or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- If you miss a dose, resume your regular schedule at the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
- Change (rotate) injection sites within the same area to prevent skin problems.
Storage Information
Before using Xultophy 100/3.6, keep it in the original sealed carton and store it in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until the expiration date on the label.
Avoid placing it in the freezer or near the refrigerator’s cooling element. After first use, keep the pen at room temperature (below 30°C / 86°F) for up to 21 days. Do not refrigerate after first use.
Make sure to store the pen without a needle attached to prevent contamination and leakage. Always use a new needle for each injection to ensure proper dosing and avoid infection.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood levels of lipase
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
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- Severe stomach pain
- Pain may radiate to the back
- Vomiting
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- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
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- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sweating
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
- Hunger
- Weakness
- Feeling jittery
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- Kidney problems
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- Worsening or sudden kidney failure
- Dehydration from diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
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- Serious allergic reactions
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- Hives
- Rash
- Itching
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Sudden coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
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- Gallbladder problems
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- Pain in upper stomach
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Clay-colored stools
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- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Heart failure
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- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Swelling of ankles or feet
- Sudden weight gain
Warnings and Precautions
- Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Xultophy may cause thyroid tumors in animal studies. The risk for humans is unknown. It’s important to avoid using Xultophy if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2). Watch for symptoms like a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.
- Pancreatitis: Xultophy can cause inflammation of the pancreas, which can be severe. Symptoms include persistent, severe stomach pain that may spread to your back and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, stop using Xultophy and see your doctor immediately.
- Never Share a Xultophy Pen Between Patients: Sharing your Xultophy pen can spread infections. Always use your own pen and never share it, even if the needle is changed.
- Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Changing insulin types or injection sites can affect blood sugar levels. This may lead to high or low blood sugar. Always make insulin changes under medical supervision and monitor your blood sugar closely.
- Overdose due to Medication Errors: Using more than the recommended dose of Xultophy can cause an overdose, especially of the liraglutide component. Avoid exceeding the maximum dose and ensure you use the correct insulin product to prevent mix-ups.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is a common issue with insulin products like Xultophy. It can lead to serious symptoms such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Monitor your blood sugar regularly, especially if you have reduced symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Acute Kidney Injury: Xultophy may cause kidney issues, particularly if you have nausea, vomiting, or dehydration. Stay hydrated and watch for signs of kidney problems.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions, including severe ones like anaphylaxis, can occur with Xultophy. If you experience severe allergic symptoms, stop using Xultophy and seek medical help right away.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Xultophy can lead to gallbladder problems, such as gallstones. If you have symptoms of gallbladder disease, such as abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin), consult your doctor.
- Hypokalemia: Xultophy can cause low potassium levels in the blood. This can lead to serious health issues. Monitor your potassium levels if you are at risk, especially if you use medications that lower potassium.
- Fluid Retention and Congestive Heart Failure with PPAR Gamma Agonists: Using Xultophy with PPAR gamma agonists (a type of diabetes medication) can cause fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Watch for signs of heart failure and consult your doctor if they develop.
Overdosage
Taking more Xultophy than needed can lead to serious problems. An overdose can cause severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which might be life-threatening.
If you have low blood sugar, you may need to eat or drink something with glucose or get medical treatment, such as glucagon injections or intravenous glucose.
Overdose may also cause gastrointestinal issues like severe nausea and vomiting due to liraglutide, one of Xultophy’s components.
If an overdose occurs, seek immediate medical help and follow your doctor’s advice to manage and treat these effects.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
- Antidiabetic Agents, ACE Inhibitors, Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, Disopyramide, Fibrates, Fluoxetine, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, Pentoxifylline, Pramlintide, Salicylates, Somatostatin Analogs, Sulfonamide Antibiotics: These medications may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with Xultophy. You may need to lower the dose of Xultophy and monitor your blood sugar levels more often.
- Atypical Antipsychotics (e.g., Olanzapine, Clozapine), Corticosteroids, Danazol, Diuretics, Estrogens, Glucagon, Isoniazid, Niacin, Oral Contraceptives, Phenothiazines, Progestogens, Protease Inhibitors, Somatropin, Sympathomimetic Agents (e.g., Albuterol, Epinephrine, Terbutaline), Thyroid Hormones: These drugs might reduce how well Xultophy lowers blood sugar. You may need to increase the dose of Xultophy and check your blood sugar more frequently.
- Alcohol, Beta-Blockers, Clonidine, Lithium Salts, Pentamidine: These can either increase or decrease the blood sugar-lowering effect of Xultophy. Adjustments in dosage and more frequent blood sugar monitoring might be necessary.
- Beta-Blockers, Clonidine, Guanethidine, Reserpine: These medications can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar. It’s important to check your blood sugar levels more often if you use these drugs with Xultophy.
- Liraglutide and Delayed Gastric Emptying: Liraglutide can slow down how fast the stomach empties, which might affect how well other oral medications are absorbed. Even though it generally doesn’t impact absorption significantly, be cautious when taking oral medications with Xultophy.
Alternative Medications
- Soliqua (insulin glargine / lixisenatide)
- Victoza (liraglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Lantus (insulin glargine)
- Toujeo (insulin glargine)
- Levemir (insulin detemir)
- Tresiba (insulin degludec)
Cost & Coupons
At Pharma Giant, we believe that your health comes first, and accessing the right treatment should not add to your stress.
This is particularly true for medications like Xultophy, which is important for many people managing diabetes.
Xultophy helps control blood sugar levels effectively, making it a vital part of daily health for those who need it. We aim to provide high-quality medications at prices that everyone can manage.
Exclusive Discount on Xultophy
At Pharma Giant, we are dedicated to bringing down the costs of necessary medications so you can focus on living well. While in the U.S., the cost of Xultophy can exceed $1500 for 5 pens, we offer much more affordable options to make this vital medication accessible.
Current Xultophy (3.6mg/mL-100unit/mL) Pricing:
| Quantity | Price (Canada) |
|---|---|
| 5 pens | $499.00 |
| 10 pens | $980.00 |
| 15 pens | $1455.00 |
With Pharma Giant, you can get important medications without worrying about your budget!
Special Discount Opportunity
Coupon Code: Use PGSAVE10 at checkout to receive a 10% discount on your Xultophy order. This special offer is a great chance to save on essential medications without sacrificing quality.
Offer Details: This discount can be used one time per customer, so don’t miss out on this chance to save!
Easy Ordering Process
- Prescription Required: Xultophy requires a valid prescription to ensure your safety and adherence to health guidelines.
- Bulk Ordering: Patients can conveniently order up to a 90-day supply, which allows for easy management of treatment without frequent re-orders.
Commitment to Quality and Fast Delivery
Pharma Giant prides itself on delivering high-quality medications straight to your location promptly.
- Quick Shipping: We offer express shipping from Canada to anywhere in the US within 3-5 business days, so you won’t have to wait long for your order.
- Safe Packaging: Each order is carefully packaged in secure, tamper-proof containers, making sure your medication stays safe throughout shipping.
With Pharma Giant, you can focus on taking care of your health without worrying about high costs. We provide excellent service and great value, making it easy for you to start prioritizing your well-being today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.






