Frequently Asked Questions
About Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide
What are Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide used for?
- Liraglutide Biocon: Liraglutide Biocon is a non-insulin injectable used to help manage type 2 diabetes mellitus by controlling blood sugar levels, slowing the passage of food through the stomach, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Biolide: Biolide is a weight management injection indicated for chronic obesity and weight-related conditions in adults and adolescents, helping users achieve weight loss through appetite regulation.
What is the difference between Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide?
- Liraglutide Biocon focuses on managing type 2 diabetes, working to control blood glucose levels and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Biolide is primarily prescribed for weight loss in obese adults or overweight individuals with weight-related health issues, reducing appetite to promote sustained weight loss.
Indications and Usage
Who can use Liraglutide Biocon?
- Liraglutide can be used as a monotherapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are insufficient, or in combination with other oral antidiabetics like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or insulin.
Who is Biolide prescribed for?
- Biolide is intended for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or those with a BMI of 27 and above, who also have weight-related health conditions. It can also be prescribed for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity and a weight over 60 kg.
How long should Biolide treatment continue?
- Treatment with Biolide should be assessed after 12 weeks at the 3.0 mg/day dose. Continuation is recommended if patients have lost at least 5% of their initial body weight. Adolescents should see a reduction of at least 4% in BMI within this time frame.
Dosage and Administration
How is Liraglutide Biocon administered?
- Liraglutide Biocon is a subcutaneous injection administered once daily in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, regardless of meal timing. Starting dosage is 0.6 mg daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 1.8 mg, based on doctor’s recommendation.
How should Biolide be administered?
- Biolide is administered subcutaneously in the same areas as Liraglutide Biocon and is also independent of meal timing. The starting dose is 0.6 mg daily, increasing to a maximum dose of 3.0 mg.
Are injection needles included with the pens?
- No, injection needles are not included with either Biolide or Liraglutide Biocon pens. Compatible needles, such as BD Ultra-Fine® or NovoFine® disposable needles as thin as 32 G with length up to 8 mm are recommended.
Possible Side Effects
What are the common side effects of Liraglutide Biocon?
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, indigestion, constipation, and injection site reactions like bruising and irritation. Serious side effects like pancreatitis or hypoglycaemia are rare but require immediate medical attention.
What are the common side effects of Biolide?
- Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and fatigue, which often resolves over time. Severe reactions, including pancreatitis, gallstones, or allergic reactions, should be addressed with a healthcare provider.
How can injection site reactions be managed?
- Patients may reduce injection site reactions by following the doctor’s instructions for injection technique and alternating the injection area. Mild reactions usually resolve over time.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there any precautions for using Liraglutide Biocon?
- Liraglutide Biocon should not be used by patients with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe heart failure. It should be avoided in those with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetic gastroparesis, or a history of pancreatitis without physician guidance.
Who should not use Biolide?
- Biolide is contraindicated for individuals with hypersensitivity to any ingredient, as well as those with severe heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders like gastroparesis, or liver or kidney impairment. Always consult a doctor regarding potential risks.
Can Liraglutide Biocon or Biolide interact with other medications?
- Minimal significant interactions have been noted with common medications (e.g., warfarin, paracetamol, atorvastatin). However, when using insulin or sulfonylureas, dosage adjustments may be required to reduce hypoglycaemia risk. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Drug Storage and Handling
How should Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide pens be stored?
- Both medications should be stored in a refrigerator (2˚C–8˚C) before first use, and once opened, may be kept at a temperature below 30˚C for up to one month. Keep away from the freezer compartment, and avoid freezing. The pens should be capped when not in use to protect from light. Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear and colorless or almost colorless.
What is the correct way to dispose of used pens and needles?
- Dispose of used pens without needles attached, following local regulations for medical waste. Used needles should be disposed of in designated sharps containers.
Contact and Additional Information
Who should I contact if I experience side effects?
- Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you experience side effects. You may also report adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or through the MHRA Yellow Card app available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Are there specific resources for healthcare professionals?
- Yes, healthcare professionals can access prescribing information, dosing guidelines, and patient resources for both Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide. Additional resources are available through our HCP portal.
Where can I find a detailed prescribing information?
- Detailed prescribing information for both Liraglutide Biocon and Biolide, including clinical studies, administration, and contraindications, is accessible on our website under the “Prescribing Information” section.