What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Gallbladder disease
-Have or have had pancreatitis
-Having surgery
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Often have low blood sugar
-Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
-Vision problems
-An unusual or allergic reaction to insulin, lixisenatide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your insulin dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often.
Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:
-Alcohol
-Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
-Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
-Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
-Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
-Estrogen and progestin hormones
-Other medications for diabetes
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Testosterone
-Thyroid hormones
Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:
-Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
-Clonidine
-Guanethidine
-Reserpine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.
Always keep an extra supply of insulin and related supplies on hand. Only use syringes once. Get rid of syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Do not share pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.
Do not use a syringe to take insulin out of an insulin pen. Doing this may result in the wrong dose of insulin.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Estrogen and progestin hormones that you take by mouth may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about contraceptive options. They can help you find the option that works for you.