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Adlyxin

lixisenatide
Used for Diabetes Type 2, Management with Incretin-based Therapies
Used for Diabetes Type 2, Management with Incretin-based Therapies

Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is an add-on medication to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. As of 2023, the medication is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
James Ogbeide, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 3, 2020
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Adlyxin (lixisenatide)?

What is Adlyxin (lixisenatide) used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes

How Adlyxin (lixisenatide) works

Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It tells your body to release more insulin, stops the body from releasing more sugar, and slows down digestion.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdlyxin
Drug ClassGLP-1 agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$689.54(save 1.43%)
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$679.68
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What are the side effects of Adlyxin (lixisenatide)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Queasy feeling (25%)
  • Vomiting (10%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Diarrhea (8%)
  • Dizziness (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas

Source: FDA

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Adlyxin (lixisenatide)

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Pros

Lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) up to 1%.

Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as glyburide or insulin.

Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is injected once daily.

Adlyxin (lixisenatide) comes as a pre-filled injectable pen that doesn't make you measure out the dose, so you may find this easier to use than other types of injections.

Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other diabetic medications.

Less risk of nausea compared to other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

There is an insulin and Adlyxin (lixisenatide) combination product available on the market.

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Cons

Not good enough by itself if you have really high blood sugars. It needs to be combined with other oral anti-diabetic medicines or insulin.

Commonly causes upset stomach.

Can make your birth control pills not work as well. Separate them by taking your birth control pill 1 hour before or 11 hours after injecting Adlyxin (lixisenatide).

Oral diabetes medications can work just as well and are cheaper.

There isn't a generic form of Adlyxin (lixisenatide) available, which means this drug may be pricey.

You'll need to remember to take Adlyxin (lixisenatide) 1 hour before the 1st meal of the day.

Only available as an injection.

Slows stomach emptying which may affect how other medications are absorbed by your body.

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Adlyxin (lixisenatide)

pharmacist

  • Before injecting the first dose of Adlyxin (lixisenatide) you must activate the new pen. Follow the instructions that come with the pen to activate it or ask your pharmacist to show you how.

    • Inject Adlyxin (lixisenatide) into your belly, thighs, or upper arm within 1 hour of your first meal of the day.

      • If you miss a dose, wait until the next meal to inject your dose.

        • Store unused pens in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. Keep the used pen at room temperature and away from light.

          • Throw away the used Adlyxin (lixisenatide) pen after 14 days, even if there's still medicine inside.

            • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to prevent kidney damage.

              • Don't put Adlyxin (lixisenatide) in the freezer.

                • Replace the needle in the pen after each use.

                  • Throw away Adlyxin (lixisenatide) pens in a sharps disposal container or in a heavy duty household container.

                    • Never share your pens with anyone else.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Adlyxin (lixisenatide)

                      What do I do if I forget to activate the Adlyxin (lixisenatide) pen or inject myself before activation?
                      If you have injected yourself before activating the pen, don't correct this by giving yourself a second injection. Contact your provider for advice on checking your blood sugar.
                      What do I do if there are air bubbles in the container?
                      Small air bubbles in the container are normal and they will not hurt you. Your dose will be correct and you can keep following the instructions.
                      How do you use Adlyxin (lixisenatide)?
                      Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is given subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily, within one hour before the first meal of the day. If a dose is missed, Adlyxin (lixisenatide) should be given within one hour before the next meal.
                      What do I do if it is hard to press the injection button all the way in?
                      The needle may be blocked or not properly attached. Pull the needle out of your skin and remove the needle from the pen. Attach a new needle and try again. If it is still hard to press in the injection button, your Adlyxin (lixisenatide) pen may be damaged. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have problems.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Adlyxin (lixisenatide)?

                      Adlyxin (lixisenatide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS (PANCREATITIS)

                      • Risk factors: History of pancreatitis | History of gallstones | alcoholism | Elevated triglycerides

                        Rarely, Adlyxin (lixisenatide) can cause inflammation of your pancreas, which can be dangerous. Let your provider know right away or go to the emergency room if you have severe stomach or back pain, vomiting, a high fever, and a fast pulse or heartbeat.

                        risk-warning

                        SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

                        Rarely, Adlyxin (lixisenatide) can cause severe allergic reactions, such as rash, blistering, trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat. Go to the emergency room right away and stop using Adlyxin (lixisenatide) if this happens.

                        risk-warning

                        KIDNEY DAMAGE

                        • Risk factors: Kidney disease | End-stage renal disease (ESRD) | Dehydration

                          Adlyxin (lixisenatide) can cause or worsen kidney damage. Let your provider know if you can't urinate or aren't urinating normally. If you've had kidney problems, talk to your provider before using Adlyxin (lixisenatide) since your provider might check your kidneys or give you another medication.

                          risk-warning

                          LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)

                          • Risk factors: Use of insulin(s) | Use of insulin-secreting medications.

                            The risk for low blood sugar can be higher when people take Adlyxin (lixisenatide) with medications that raise the amount of insulin in the body, like sulfonylureas. If this happens, you'll need to eat or drink a fast-acting sugar right away to bring your blood sugar back up. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to treat low blood sugar, and if you need to change the doses of your other diabetes medications when starting Adlyxin (lixisenatide).

                            dosage

                            Adlyxin (lixisenatide) dosage forms

                            The average cost for 1 carton of two 3ml pens of 20mcg of Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is $679.68 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 1.43% off the average retail price of $689.54.
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                            Carton
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            two 3ml pens of 20mcg1 carton$679.68$679.68

                            Typical dosing for Adlyxin (lixisenatide)

                            The typical starting dose for Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is 10 mcg injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your belly, thigh, or upper arm once a day for 14 days. After 14 days, the dose should be raised to 20 mcg daily.

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                            How much does Adlyxin (lixisenatide) cost?

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                            Adlyxin (brand)
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                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Adlyxin (lixisenatide)?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Adlyxin (lixisenatide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
                            Used for:

                            • Type 2 diabetes

                            $679.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Januvia (sitagliptin)
                            Used for:

                            • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                            $335.54 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Metformin
                            Used for:

                            • Type 2 diabetes

                            $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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