Lirafit Inj

LIRAFIT INJ by GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS

Name

• Brand Name: Lirafit Solution for Injection, Lirafit INJ, Lirafit Dispopen
• Generic Name: Liraglutide (r-DNA Origin)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Liraglutide (6mg/ml)
• Other Components: Phenol I.P. (as preservative), Water for injection I.P. qs

Uses

Lirafit Injection is primarily used to:

• Lower blood sugar levels in adults and children (above 10 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alongside diet and exercise.
• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart or blood vessel disease.
• Aid in weight management for overweight or obese individuals as an add-on therapy with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program.

Dosage and Administration

• Lirafit Injection is administered once daily as a subcutaneous injection.
• It should be injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject intravenously or intramuscularly.
• The starting dose for adults with type 2 diabetes is typically 0.6 mg daily, which can be gradually increased to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg, depending on individual response and tolerability.
• For weight management, the usual starting dose is 0.6 mg, which can be gradually increased up to 3 mg per day.
• It can be used at any time of the day, with or without food, but ideally at the same time each day for maximum benefit.
• Rotate injection sites to avoid swelling or lumps.
• If combining with insulin, inject Lirafit and insulin separately at different sites.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Decreased appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue
• Injection site reactions (bruising, pain, irritation, itching, rash)
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), bronchitis, common cold

Serious Side Effects:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Kidney failure, gallbladder problems
• Possible thyroid tumors; not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors.

Precautions

• Thyroid Tumors: Not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Report neck lumps, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath to a doctor.
• Pancreatitis: Inform your doctor if you experience severe, persistent upper abdominal pain and vomiting.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lirafit Injection is not recommended during pregnancy and is probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
• Other Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of pancreas or stomach problems, severe dehydration, kidney or liver diseases, and gallstones.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
• Driving: May cause hypoglycemia, which can affect alertness. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Do not share injection pens, cartridges, or syringes with others.

Storage

• Store unused pens in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Do not freeze Lirafit Injection.
• Once in use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (less than 30°C) for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 30 days.
• Keep out of reach of children.

LIRAFIT INJ by GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS is a medication used primarily for managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It contains the active ingredient Liraglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonist.

What is Lirafit INJ used for?

Lirafit INJ is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, often alongside diet and lifestyle modifications. It can also help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or death in Type 2 diabetic patients with existing heart conditions. Additionally, it may be used as an add-on therapy for weight management in overweight or obese individuals.

How does Lirafit INJ work?

Lirafit INJ works by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. It increases the release of insulin from the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high, decreases hormones that raise blood sugar levels, slows down digestion (gastric emptying), and reduces appetite, which can contribute to weight loss.

What is the usual dosage of Lirafit INJ?

Lirafit INJ is typically administered once daily as a subcutaneous injection. The dose depends on your condition and other diabetes medicines you are taking. For Type 2 diabetes management, the starting dose is usually 0.6 mg daily, which can be gradually increased to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg based on clinical response and tolerability. For weight management, the starting dose is generally 0.6 mg, potentially increasing up to 3 mg per day. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment and administer it at approximately the same time each day, with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of Lirafit INJ?

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness. More serious side effects, though rare, can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), severe allergic reactions, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, and gallbladder issues. There is also a potential risk of thyroid tumors, and it is not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

Is Lirafit INJ safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Lirafit INJ is generally considered unsafe to use during pregnancy as studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor, as a safer alternative like insulin may be recommended. During breastfeeding, Lirafit INJ is probably unsafe, as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breastmilk and could harm the baby. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Can Lirafit INJ be taken with other medications?

Lirafit INJ can be used with other antidiabetic medications like metformin or sulfonylureas, or insulin. However, when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin, the dosage of these concomitant medications may need to be reduced to lower the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonists like exenatide or lixisenatide. Lirafit INJ can also slow gastric emptying, which might affect the absorption of some oral medications, but clinical trials suggest this impact is generally not clinically relevant. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken when using Lirafit INJ?

Inform your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis, stomach problems (like gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease), severe dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis, heart failure (NYHA class IV), or thyroid disease, especially medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Avoid consuming alcohol as it can alter blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Rotate injection sites (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm) and do not share your injection pen with others to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

What happens if a dose of Lirafit INJ is missed?

If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 12 hours since the missed dose, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule the next day. Do not take an extra dose or increase the next dose to compensate for the missed one. If you miss doses for 3 or more consecutive days, contact your doctor.

How should Lirafit INJ be stored?

Unused Lirafit INJ pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze it. After the first use, the pen can be stored for up to 30 days at room temperature (below 30°C) or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Keep the pen cap on to protect it from light and out of reach of children. Do not use if it has been frozen or if the solution does not appear clear and colorless.