Diabetes-related Diseases

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Victoza Injection

Victoza injections should only be administered under strict medical

supervision. They must only be prescribed by a specialist due to their dangerous side effects that will be mentioned later on.

They are licensed and authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
It is important to warn patients not to be tricked by certain marketing schemes that make deceptive statements with no scientific basis. These injections have been falsely marketed by some as a treatment that can cure diabetes completely.

Usage:

• Victoza injections can be used as a contributing factor (along with a healthy diet and exercise) to help adult type 2 diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels more efficiently.

• Victoza along with your current treatment for cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks, strokes, or death).

Restrictions of use:

Victoza injections are not an alternative to insulin, and they should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or as a treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
It remains unknown whether Victoza injections are safe and effective for children.

General instructions:

Read the usage instructions that come with the Victoza injection.
Only use Victoza injections if they are prescribed by a doctor and make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions.
Victoza injections are administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (same injection sites as insulin). Victoza injections should not be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
There is no need to adjust the dose if the injection site and timing are changed.
Do not use the injection if the solution is not clear and colorless or if it has any particles stuck in it.
Do not mix insulin and Victoza together in the same injection.
Victoza is administered subcutaneously once-daily at any time, independent of mealtime.
At the beginning, take only small doses for a week, then the doctor can increase your dose.
Do not share your Victoza injection with other people.
Caution should be exercised when oral medications are administered at the same time as a Victoza injection.
Avoid taking two doses at the same time if you miss a dose.

Contraindications:

Do not use Victoza if you or any member of your family has ever had medullary thyroid cancer or if you have an endocrine system condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
Do not use Victoza if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
Pregnancy
Children

When to see a doctor?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
If you have problems with your pancreas, kidneys, or liver;
If you have problems with digesting food;
Inform your doctor about all the medications you take including vitamins and others;
Discuss how to deal with low blood sugar.

Most common side effects:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headache
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Indigestion

Serious side effects:

Thyroid tumors, including cancer. For this reason, it is essential for the patient to immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
Swelling in the neck
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath;
Acute pancreatitis. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting
Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
Low blood sugar. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing symptoms of low blood sugar.
Kidney problems (kidney failure), which can develop due to loss of fluid (dehydration) caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Increased heart rate
Skin rash or itching
Gallbladder problems. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms
Pain in the upper right or mid-abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
The whites of the eyes get a yellow tint