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Uses

What is Soliqua used for?

Soliqua (insulin glargine/lixisenatide) is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Learn more about Managing Your Blood Sugar With Soliqua.

Soliqua may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Soliqua work (mechanism of action)?

Soliqua contains two medicines: insulin glargine and lixisenatide.

Insulin glargine, a type of insulin, regulates how your body metabolizes sugar. It does this by moving sugar from your blood into your cells and by stopping your liver from making sugar.

Lixisenatide, is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works to lower your blood sugar by helping your pancreas release more insulin after you eat, prevents your liver from releasing stored sugars, and slows the movement of food through your body.  

How is Soliqua supplied (dosage forms)?

Soliqua is available in the following dosage form that is injected under the skin (subcutaneous).

  • 100 units/33 mcg per milliliter (mL) solution for injection, prefilled pens

How should I store Soliqua?

Before using Soliqua, store in a refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. After using your first dose of Soliqua, store at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for no more than 28 days. Protect from light. Store the pen without the needle when you are not using it. Replace the pen cap after each use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Soliqua?

The most common side effects of Soliqua are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Low blood sugar (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Soliqua that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Soliqua?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Soliqua are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Soliqua may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Soliqua and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Soliqua may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Soliqua and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Soliqua can cause low blood sugar, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use Soliqua and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Weakness or tiredness
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Soliqua. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Soliqua can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.

  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Constipation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Changes in heart rhythm

Gallbladder Problems. Using Soliqua can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Pain in your upper stomach area
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Soliqua?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Soliqua.

  • Soliqua
  • Insulin glargine
  • Lixisenatide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Soliqua.

Low Blood Sugar. Do not use Soliqua if you have low blood sugar, as this may cause your blood sugar to lower even more. See the Serious Side Effects section for signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. 

What should I know about Soliqua before using it?

Soliqua is injected under the skin in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is important to rotate injection sites. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Soliqua. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider or follow the Instructions for Use paper that comes with your medicine. 

If you have low blood sugar, do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination. 

Do not mix Soliqua with other types of insulin.

Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugar levels should be and how often to check your blood sugar. 

Do not use Soliqua unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Soliqua or your needles with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Soliqua out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator before you start using it, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Soliqua?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Soliqua is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Pancreatitis
  • Stones in your gallbladder
  • History of heavy drinking or alcoholism
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart problems including heart failure 
  • Stomach problems including slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or trouble digesting food 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Soliqua may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Soliqua, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Soliqua could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Soliqua while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Soliqua passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Soliqua while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Soliqua?

For more information about Soliqua, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.soliqua100-33.com or call them at 888-847-4877.

Interactions

Does Soliqua interact with foods or drinks?

Soliqua should be injected within one hour before your first meal of the day.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Soliqua, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Soliqua and may potentially cause side effects. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Soliqua interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Soliqua interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Soliqua.

  • Medicines that can affect your blood sugar
  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
  • Clonidine (Catapres-TTS and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • A birth control pill
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain
  • Sulfonamide antibiotic (sulfasalazine, sulfamethoxazole, and others), which is a medicine used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria
  • Pioglitazone (Actos), which is a medicine for diabetes

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Soliqua. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Soliqua?

If you or someone else has used too much Soliqua, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Soliqua?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.