Insulin Glargine/Lixisenatide
Soliqua Solostar Pen
Soliqua Solostar is a diabetic medication that doctors usually prescribe to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that patients should incorporate a proper diet and exercise program into their lifestyle while taking this medication. Soliqua is an FDA-approved liquid solution used in single-use pre-filled pens to manage sugar levels efficiently. Soliqua 100/33 is a combination of two drugs, insulin glargine, and lixisenatide, that provide steady insulin throughout the day and manage post-meal blood sugar spikes. Since Soliqua is a prescription drug, it should not be shared with other individuals, even if they share the same condition. This may increase the risk of side effects, causing fatal situations.
Product Overview
Soliqua Solostar pen is a prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar levels. It contains two active ingredients: insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin that helps regulate blood sugar throughout the day, and lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances the body’s natural ability to lower blood sugar after meals. This combination is FDA-approved, ensuring it meets strict standards for safety and effectiveness.
Soliqua Solostar pen is available as a pre-filled, disposable pen, delivering doses ranging from 15 to 60 units per injection. It should be administered subcutaneously once daily within an hour before the first meal of the day. This medication is intended for adults with type 2 diabetes who require higher glycemic control beyond what long-acting insulin or lixisenatide alone can provide. Soliqua works by providing steady insulin throughout the day while also managing post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Common side effects of Soliqua may include diarrhea, nausea & low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Patients should monitor their glucose levels regularly and consult their physician if they experience any unusual symptoms. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. If an overdose occurs, get immediate medical attention. Store the pen in the refrigerator before and after the first use, and keep it at room temperature for up to 28 days. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them for any concerns.
What Are the Uses of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
This medication is used for controlling high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It should be used with proper diet and exercise to maintain sugar levels.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Soliqua comes as a liquid solution used in pre-filled single-use pens. Each Soliqua 100/33 pen has 3 milliliters of liquid, which includes 300 units of insulin. There are five pens in one box of Soliqua Solostar pen.
What Is the recommended dosage for Soliqua Solostar Pen?
The recommended dosage of Soliqua Solostar pre-filled pen depends on various factors. This includes the severity of your medical condition, the type of condition you have, and the form of dosage you are taking. When considering treatment with a Soliqua Solostar pen, your practitioner will usually prescribe a low dose and adjust it gradually to achieve a suitable dose. This adjustment process is known as titration. It is important to note that the following dosage recommendations are only the average doses. Your dosing may differ based on your condition. So, follow the instructions and your dosing schedule as your doctor prescribes.
Starting Dose
- If you are switching from less than 30 units of long-acting insulin, your starting dose will be 15 units of Soliqua Solostar once daily.
- If you are taking 30 to 60 units of long-acting insulin, your starting dose will be 30 units of Soliqua Solostar once daily.
Maintenance Dose
After giving a starting dose, your doctor will monitor your blood glucose levels and gradually adjust the dose to reach the right maintenance dose. Your doctor will generally titrate your dose up or down by 2 or 4 units every week.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Soliqua Solostar Pen?
To use your Soliqua Solostar Pen efficiently and correctly, you need to follow the below steps:
Step 1: Prepare and Check Your Pen
- If you are using the pen for the first time, take it out from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature.
- Then, take alcohol swabs, a needle, and a disposal container.
- Before using the pen, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove its cap and check the medication. It should be clear and has no color.
- Clean the rubber seal with the alcohol swabs.
Step 2: Attach the Needle
- Take out the pen needle from its protective package.
- Keep the needle straight and attach it to the pen by twisting it.
- Once you have attached the needle to your pen, remove its cap and discard it.
- Use a new pen needle for each injection and ensure that the needle can be used with Soliqua Solostart 100/33. Ask a medical professional or pharmacist if you are unsure about the pen needle.
Step 3: Do a Safety Test
- Always perform a safety test before using the pen. This will ensure that the pen and needle are working appropriately.
- Now, adjust the dose counter to the 2 units.
- Then, press the injection button and check whether the solution is coming out of the needle tip. If everything is working seamlessly, select your dose. If not, repeat this step at least three times.
- If the drug is still not coming out after three tries, replace the needle and repeat the process.
Step 4: Dose Selection
- Now, turn the dose counter until you reach your prescribed dose.
- Step 5: Inject the Dose
- Choose the area where you want to inject the dose and wipe it with an alcohol swab. There are usually three areas where you can administer the medication. It includes your belly (2 inches away from your navel), the back of your upper arm, and your thigh.
- Now, insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle.
- Press the injection button and hold it until you see 0 in the dose window.
- Now, wait for 10 seconds before removing the needle. This step ensures the absorption of the full dose.
Step 6: Discard the Needle
- Remove the needle from your pen & discard it in a sharps container.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Soliqua Solostar Pen Work?
Generally, when you eat food, your body produces hormones known as insulin. The food has glucose (sugar) in it, which travels to your bloodstream, and insulin is the medium through which glucose reaches your body’s cells. The cells then convert the glucose/sugar into energy. Now, people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies are unable to respond to insulin the way they should. Over time, people with such conditions also stop producing enough insulin, causing various problems. One of the problems is hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level). When your body has too much glucose in the blood, it damages the organs, including nerves, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
In such situations, doctors prescribe a Soliqua Solostar pen to their patients. The product contains two active ingredients: insulin glargine and lixisenatide. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that works steadily throughout the day and night to help lower blood sugar levels. Lixisenatide, the other active ingredient in Soliqua, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by increasing the insulin release in response to meals and slowing down the absorption of sugar from your gut. This dual action helps to control post-meal blood sugar spikes, which is crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Important Safety Information for Using Soliqua Solostar Pen
What Are the Side Effects of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Common Side Effects of Soliqua Solostar Pen: This medication can cause various side effects. These reactions are usually temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks. However, if these side effects get intense or persist for a long time, reach out to your doctor. Common side effects of Soliqua Solostar may include:
- Respiratory infections
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Flatulence (gas)
- Not feeling hungry
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Mild low blood glucose
- Skin changes at the injection sites
Serious Side Effects of Soliqua Solostar Pen: Other than the above reactions, Soliqua can cause certain adverse reactions that may cause life-threatening situations. If you notice any unusual signs that seem concerning, consult a medical professional right away. Serious side effects of Soliqua Solostar may include:
- Severe allergic reaction. Its symptoms are:
- Swelling
- Itchy skin
- Rash
- Flushing
- Low blood pressure
- Trouble breathing
- Kidney Damage. Some of its signs are:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Reduced urination
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeats
- Seizures
- Pancreatitis. Symptoms can include:
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Belly pain
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Gallbladder disease. Symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Hypokalemia (low potassium). Symptoms can include:
- Muscle cramps
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Soliqua can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. So, if you are using this medication, you should remain cautious. Its warnings are as follows:
- History of Gallbladder Problems: While rare, Soliqua can cause pancreatitis in certain patients. However, it is not clear whether patients with a history of gallbladder problems have an increased risk of this side effect. So, if you have such a medical history, talk to your medical practitioner. They will suggest if the medication is safe for use or not.
- Kidney Problems: Soliqua treatment can result in kidney problems such as kidney injury or exacerbation of chronic kidney disease. People with such problems should exercise caution when taking this medication and consult a practitioner for safe use. If your doctor prescribes Soliqua, they may closely monitor you for this side effect and will prescribe a lower dose.
- Liver Problems: If you have liver problems and are using this medication, you are highly likely to experience low blood sugar. Ask your medical practitioner if Soliqua is safe for use or not, and if you have been prescribed this medication, they will keep your blood sugar levels in check.
- Problems with Stomach Emptying: Lixisenatide, one of the active drugs in Soliqua, slows the action of your stomach muscles. Patients with stomach emptying problems, like gastroparesis, meaning your body digests the food gradually, should avoid taking this medication as it can worsen the condition. Talk to a medical professional before starting your treatment with Soliqua and ask for other type 2 diabetes treatments that may be safer for use.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Boxed warnings, also called black-boxed warnings, are among the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. Soliqua does not have any boxed warnings, meaning it is safe to use. However, its safety is based on the precautions you take. Therefore, if you are taking this drug, follow the instructions provided by your medical practitioner. If you have any concerns or noticed any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with an expert.
What Are the Soliqua Solostar Pen Precautions?
When considering treatment with Soliqua Solostar pen, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using Soliqua to treat type 2 diabetes:
- Before using this medication, inform your medical provider if you are allergic to the medication’s ingredients or any other allergies. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- When considering treatment with Soliqua Solostar pen, inform your doctor about your or your family’s medical history, especially of:
- Liver problems
- Kidney diseases
- Pancreatitis (disease of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder disease
- Stomach disorders, including digestion issues and gastroparesis
- If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, tell your surgeon or practitioner about the products you use. This includes all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.
- Avoid using a Soliqua Solostar pen if you have low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. This may increase the risk of serious complications. Talk to your doctor before making any decision.
- Severe low or high blood sugar can cause dizziness and blurred vision. So, avoid driving or using any machinery that requires alertness. If possible, limit your alcohol consumption during your treatment with Soliqua, as it can increase the chances of low blood sugar.
- If you have a fever, infection, surgery, or your body is stressed, you may have difficulty managing your blood sugar. Consult with your healthcare provider; they will change your treatment plan and medicines.
- When doing exercise, remember to check your blood sugar levels.
- Older patients are extremely sensitive to the side effects of Soliqua, especially low blood sugar.
- Pregnancy may worsen your diabetes. So, if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, avoid using this medication unless it is clearly avoided. Discuss the risks & benefits with your doctor when using this medication.
- Insulin glargine passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether the other active ingredient of Soliqua, Lixisenatide, passes into breast milk. Talk to a medical practitioner to determine whether this medication is safe for use during breastfeeding.
What Are the Contraindications of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
It is contraindicated in patients with:
- Hypoglycemia episodes
- History of hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine or lixisenatide
What If You Missed a Dose of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Patients are usually advised not to miss their doses of any medication, and when it comes to controlling blood glucose levels, taking medication on time becomes more important. However, if somehow you forget to take a dose of Soliqua:
- Skip the missed dose and start following your usual dosing schedule from the next day.
- Call your doctor for specific instructions on what to do next.
- Remember not to take double doses. This will increase the risk of side effects, especially low blood sugar.
- In rare cases, a missed dose may fluctuate your sugar levels. So, keep a track on your blood glucose levels to ensure they remain stable.
- Use medication apps or set phone reminders to avoid missing doses.
- Take your medication at the same time every day to get the most benefit from it.
- Make sure to get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine. This will ensure that you do not miss any doses.
- If you have any questions or concerns about it, ask your medical practitioner. They will suggest alternate options that suit your body’s needs.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Soliqua Solostar Pen?
While patients are educated enough to know the complications of overdose, there are times when they mistakenly take an excessive amount of Soliqua. In such cases, patients can experience severe overdose symptoms. Do not take more than 60 units of Soliqua, as it can cause an overdose of the lixisenatide component, and avoid using it with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1).
The overdose symptoms Soliqua may include:
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Hypokalemia
- Gastrointestinal problems
If you are experiencing such overdose symptoms, visit the nearest clinic or get medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Soliqua Solostar Pen?
- Store the medication in the refrigerator at the temperature of 36°F-46°F or 2°C-8°C.
- Avoid freezing the product.
- If the solution freezes, discard the product.
- Keep the medication in its original container somewhere safe, away from the reach and sight of children and pets.
- Protect the medication from direct heat and light.
- After the first use, you can store the medication at room temperature below 86°F or 30°C.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Keep changing the pen cap after every use in order to protect it from light.
- Use the product within 14 days after the first use and discard it after that date, even if there is insulin in the pen.
- Avoid storing the product in damp or moist places like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Always store the product without the needle attached. Doing so will prevent the injection from contamination or any infection.
- Do not use a medication if its expiration date has passed. The expiration date is the last day of the month mentioned on the back of the prescription label or carton.
- You should dispose of the medications in such a way that children and animals cannot consume them, as it may cause accidental overdose and death if someone else consumes them.
- Ask a medical professional or a pharmacist how to dispose of the product properly without damaging the environment.
- The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Soliqua Solostar Pen?
Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are taken simultaneously. These interactions can either raise the risk of developing side effects in certain patients or affect the functioning of one of the drugs. Either way, it results in adverse reactions. Therefore, patients need to be aware of the drugs that may interact with their Soliqua medication. Below are some of the drugs that can interact with Soliqua:
- Bexarotene
- Cinoxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Delafloxacin
- Desflurane
- Enflurane
- Enoxacin
- Etomidate
- Fospropofol
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Grepafloxacin
- Halothane
- Isoflurane
- Ketamine
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Methohexital
- Methoxyflurane
- Moxifloxacin
- Nalidixic acid
- Nitrous oxide
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Propofol
- Sevoflurane
- Sparfloxacin
- Thiopental
- Trovafloxacin
What Are the Other Soliqua Solostar Pen Interactions?
Besides drugs, Soliqua has several disease interactions:
- Angioedema
- Gastroparesis
- Pancreatitis
- Renal/liver disease
- Hypokalemia
- Hypoglycemia
- End-stage renal disease
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Soliqua Solostar Pen. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Soliqua Solostar Pen Alternatives?
People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the alternatives of Soliqua are as follows:
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Soliqua Solostar Pen Cost & Coupons
It is important to note that Soliqua’s cost is not the same everywhere. The actual price of these pre-filled pens depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Soliqua, with its anti-diabetes qualities, can be expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here you can buy Soliqua Solostar Pen online from Canada in the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Soliqua coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Soliqua cause weight gain?
Soliqua may lead to slight weight gain in some individuals, but it varies by person. Weight gain is not a common side effect; instead, Soliqua is more often associated with weight loss or weight neutrality. If you experience significant changes in weight, consult your healthcare professional to discuss your treatment plan and options.
Can I use Soliqua to treat type 1 diabetes?
No, Soliqua is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It is specifically indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes who require additional control of blood sugar levels. Using Soliqua for type 1 diabetes is not recommended, and alternative treatments should be considered under a healthcare provider’s guidance.
When is the best time to use Soliqua medication?
Soliqua is best administered once daily within one hour before your first meal of the day. Consistency in the timing of your dose helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and timing to ensure the optimal effectiveness of the medication in managing your diabetes.
How fast does Soliqua work?
Soliqua begins to work within a few hours after administration, helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively throughout the day. However, the full therapeutic effect may take a few days to become noticeable. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels & consistent use of Soliqua are essential for achieving the best results.
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