How should I use lixisenatide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Lixisenatide is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Lixisenatide is usually injected once per day within 60 minutes (1 hour) before your first meal of the day. Try to use the medicine at the same time each day.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject lixisenatide. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Lixisenatide is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Storing unopened (not in use) lixisenatide: Refrigerate and protect from light. Take the injection pen out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before using.
Do not freeze lixisenatide, and throw away the medicine if it has been frozen.
Storing opened (in use) lixisenatide: Store at room temperature in the original package with the pen cap attached. Do not store with a needle attached.
The prefilled injection pen contains 14 pre-set doses for daily use. Throw the pen away after 14 days even if there is still medicine left inside.