Soliqua Solostar Inj

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ by SANOFI INDIA LTD.

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ is a combination medication used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise when existing treatments, such as metformin alone or with other oral glucose-lowering medications or basal insulin, are insufficient.

Composition

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR contains a fixed ratio of two active ingredients:

• Insulin Glargine (100 units/mL): A long-acting insulin that helps regulate glucose metabolism.
• Lixisenatide: A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that stimulates insulin release after meals and slows gastric emptying.

It is available in different pen strengths, such as the 10-40 pen (50 mcg/mL lixisenatide) and the 30-60 pen (33 mcg/mL lixisenatide).

Uses

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR is indicated for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to achieve better blood sugar control.

Dosage and Administration

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR is administered via subcutaneous injection once daily, within one hour prior to any meal. The dosage is individualized based on the patient's clinical response and needs, with a maximum daily dose of 60 units (60 units insulin glargine and 20 mcg lixisenatide). Injection sites should be rotated within the abdomen, deltoid, or thigh.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), nausea, diarrhea, headache, and upper respiratory tract infections.
• Serious Side Effects: Severe hypoglycemia, serious allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema), acute pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting), kidney problems/dehydration, and low potassium levels.

Precautions

• Not for use in type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Exercise caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis; discontinue if acute pancreatitis is suspected.
• Not recommended for patients with severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis) or severe renal impairment.
• Never share pens, even if the needle is changed, due to the risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens.
• Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid fluid depletion due to potential gastrointestinal adverse reactions leading to dehydration.

Storage

• Unopened Pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze and protect from light by keeping in the outer carton.
• Opened (In-Use) Pens: Store at room temperature (below 25°C/77°F) for up to 28 days (or 14 days, depending on specific instructions; generally 28 days). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Remove the needle after each use and replace the pen cap.

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ is a combination medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is administered as an injection.

What is SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ used for?

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly when other oral medications or basal insulin alone do not provide adequate control. It is used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise.

How does SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ work?

This medicine combines two active components: insulin glargine and lixisenatide. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that helps move sugar from the blood into body tissues for energy and reduces the liver's production of sugar. Lixisenatide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high, slows stomach emptying, and can help decrease appetite.

What is the usual dosage?

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ is typically injected once daily within one hour prior to the first meal of the day. The starting dose is usually 15 units if you are new to insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or currently using less than 30 units of basal insulin. If you are already taking 30 to 60 units of basal insulin, your doctor might start you on 30 units. The maximum daily dose is 60 units. Your doctor will individualize and adjust the dose based on your needs and blood sugar monitoring. It comes in pre-filled pens with different dose ranges (10-40 units or 30-60 units).

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea, headache, nasopharyngitis (common cold-like symptoms), and upper respiratory tract infections. More serious but less common side effects can include severe hypoglycemia, allergic reactions (such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Limited human studies exist, and animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on a developing baby during pregnancy. It is also probably unsafe to use while breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the benefits against potential risks if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ can interact with various medications, including other diabetes drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, and steroids, which may necessitate dose adjustments or close monitoring of blood glucose. Lixisenatide, one of the components, may delay the absorption of orally administered medications, especially those with a narrow therapeutic range, so it's important to discuss all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking with your doctor. It is not recommended for use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or with prandial insulin.

What precautions should be taken?

Do not use SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Exercise caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease like gastroparesis, or severe kidney impairment. Always rotate injection sites within the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to reduce the risk of skin problems. Do not share your pen with others, even if the needle is changed, due to the risk of transmitting infections. Consume alcohol with caution, as it can affect blood sugar levels.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ, you should inject the missed dose within one hour prior to your next meal. Do not take an extra dose or increase your dose to make up for the missed dose on the same day, as this can increase the risk of low blood sugar.

How should it be stored?

Unused SOLIQUA SOLOSTAR INJ pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light. Do not freeze the pen. After the first use, store the pen at room temperature, typically no higher than 25°C (77°F), and discard it after 28 days. Do not put the pen back in the refrigerator after its first use, and always store it with the pen cap on and without the needle attached.