A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
SOLIQUA 100/33 (insulin glargine and lixisenatide) is a prescription drug for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used to treat high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and to improve glycemic control.
SOLIQUA insulin glargine/lixisenatide should be used in combination with diet and exercise.
Directions
Inject SOLIQUA 100/33 subcutaneously once daily. Inject within one hour before the first meal of the day.
The two possible starting doses are:
15 units insulin glargine and 5 micrograms lixisenatide
30 units insulin glargine and 10 micrograms lixisenatide
The prescriber will determine the starting dose, and it is based on how much insulin you normally use. Over time, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 60 units/20 micrograms.
Ingredients
SOLIQUA contains two ingredients: a long-acting insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is administered once daily to achieve glycemic control for about 24 hours.
Lixisenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by slowing down food that moves through the gastrointestinal tract and causing the pancreas to release extra insulin.
Interactions
The following medications can raise or lower blood sugar. Use caution and tell your doctor if you are taking:
Alcohol
Atypical Antipsychotics
Corticosteroids
Disopyramide
Diuretics
Estrogens/Progesterones
Fibrates
Fluoxetine
Isoniazid
Lithium
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Niacin
Oral antidiabetic agents
Pentoxifylline
Phenothiazine derivatives
Pramlintide
Propoxyphene
Protease inhibitors
Salicylates
Somatostatin Analogues
Somatropin
Sulfonamide Antibiotics
Sympathomimetic agents
Thyroid replacement medication
Certain drugs can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar. Use caution if you are taking:
Beta-blockers
Clonidine
Guanethidine
Reserpine
Lixisenatide slows down the gastrointestinal tract and may affect the absorption of some drugs. Take these drugs one hour before or 11 hours after SOLIQUA 100/33:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antibiotics
Oral contraceptives
Cautions
Your doctor should monitor kidney function, liver function, and potassium levels. Tell your doctor if you have a history of cardiovascular disease.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis.
Read the SOLIQUA 100/33 label carefully before each injection to prevent medication errors.
Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of SOLIQUA 100/33 may include:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.