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INSULIN DEGLUDEC Drug Interactions: What You Need to Know

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Drug Interactions (FDA Label)

INTERACTIONS

7.1 Medications that Can Affect Glucose Metabolism A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 and particularly close monitoring <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]</span>.

Drugs That May

Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics Intervention: Dosage reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is coadministered with these drugs.

Drugs That May

Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dosage increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is coadministered with these drugs.

Drugs That May

Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dosage adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is coadministered with these drugs.

Drugs That May Blunt

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is coadministered with these drugs.

7.2 Effects of Delayed Gastric Emptying on Oral Medications Liraglutide-containing products, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6, cause a delay of gastric emptying, and thereby have the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. In clinical pharmacology trials, liraglutide did not affect the absorption of the tested orally administered medications to any clinically relevant degree <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when oral medications are concomitantly administered with liraglutide containing products.

Contraindications

XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is contraindicated:

Related Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors Liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6, causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and/or carcinomas) at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]</span> . Malignant thyroid C-cell carcinomas were detected in rats and mice. It is unknown whether XULTOPHY 100/3.6 will cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as the human relevance of liraglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in humans. XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with XULTOPHY 100/3.6. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to low test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values &gt;50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated.

5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]</span>. After initiation of XULTOPHY 100/3.6, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back) and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue XULTOPHY 100/3.6 and initiate appropriate management.

5.3 Never Share a XULTOPHY 100/3.6 Pen Between Patients XULTOPHY 100/3.6 pen must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing of the pen poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

5.4 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]</span> or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.3 )]</span>. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. Adjustments in concomitant oral anti-diabetic treatment may be needed. When initiating XULTOPHY 100/3.6, follow dosing recommendations <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 )]</span> .

5.5 Overdose due to Medication Errors XULTOPHY 100/3.6 contains two drugs: insulin degludec and liraglutide. Administration of more than 50 units of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 daily can result in overdose of the liraglutide component. Do not exceed the 1.8 mg maximum recommended dose of liraglutide or use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between XULTOPHY 100/3.6 (an insulin containing product) and other insulin products, instruct patients to always check the label before each injection.

5.6 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin containing products, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span> . Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). XULTOPHY 100/3.6 (an insulin-containing product) or any insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see C ontraindications ( 4 ) ]</span> . Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, in patients using drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) ]</span> , or who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. The long-acting effect of insulin degludec may delay recovery from hypoglycemia compared to shorter acting insulins.

Risk

Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with intensity of glycemic control. The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulin containing products, the glucose lowering effect time course of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 may vary among different patients or at different times in the same patients and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] .

Risk Mitigation

Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.

5.7 Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, in some cases requiring hemodialysis, in patients treated with liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]</span> . The majority of the reported events occurred in patients who experienced gastrointestinal reactions leading to dehydration such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span>. Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions to XULTOPHY 100/3.6 that could lead to volume depletion, especially during dosage initiation and escalation of XULTOPHY 100/3.6.

5.8 Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6, has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]</span>. In a XULTOPHY 100/3.6 clinical trial severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported among patients receiving XULTOPHY 100/3.6 (0.8 %) and patients receiving the active comparators liraglutide (2.9%) and insulin degludec (0.2%) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]</span> . Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have also been reported postmarketing with GLP-1 receptor agonists. XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.

5.9 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock can occur with insulins, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6. Allergic reactions (manifested with signs and symptoms such as urticaria, rash, pruritus) have been reported with XULTOPHY 100/3.6. There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema) in patients treated with liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]</span> . If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue XULTOPHY 100/3.6; treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Use caution in a patient with a history of anaphylaxis or angioedema with another GLP-1 receptor agonist because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to these reactions with XULTOPHY 100/3.6. XULTOPHY 100/3.6 is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin degludec, liraglutide or one of the excipients of these products <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications (4) ]</span>.

5.10 Acute Gallbladder Disease Acute events of gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis have been reported in GLP-1 receptor agonist trials and postmarketing. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial (LEADER trial) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]</span> , 3.1% of patients treated with liraglutide, one of the components of XULTOPHY 100/3.6, versus 1.9% of placebo treated patients reported an acute event of gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]</span> . If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated.

5.11 Hypokalemia All insulin-containing products, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).

5.12 Fluid Retention and Congestive Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of a PPAR Gamma Agonist Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists can cause dose related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin containing products, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients treated with insulin containing products, including XULTOPHY 100/3.6 and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.

5.13 Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation XULTOPHY 100/3.6 delays gastric emptying <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )]</span> . There have been rare postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation who had residual gastric contents despite reported adherence to preoperative fasting recommendations. Available data are insufficient to inform recommendations to mitigate the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation in patients taking XULTOPHY 100/3.6, including whether modifying preoperative fasting recommendations or temporarily discontinuing XULTOPHY 100/3.6 could reduce the incidence of retained gastric contents. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers prior to any planned surgeries or procedures if they are taking XULTOPHY 100/3.6.

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