
Soliqua 100/33
Soliqua 100/33 is an injectable medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin) and lixisenatide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist). It helps manage blood sugar levels along with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise. Soliqua 100/33 comes as a prefilled pen. The medication is injected under the skin once a day within 1 hour before you eat your first meal of the day. Soliqua 100/33 can cause stomach-related side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
What is Soliqua 100/33?
What is Soliqua 100/33 used for?
- Type 2 diabetes in adults
How Soliqua 100/33 works
Soliqua 100/33 is a combination of two medications. They work together to lower blood sugar.
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Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin. It helps your body absorb and store sugar from your blood. This helps control your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
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Lixisenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works in a similar way to GLP-1, a hormone your body normally makes. It helps your pancreas release more insulin and tells your liver to make less sugar. It also slows down your gut and helps you feel more full after you eat.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Soliqua 100/33 |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Insulin / GLP-1 agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Soliqua 100/33 essentials
Side effects of Soliqua 100/33
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
- Nausea (10%)
- Low blood sugar (8%)
- Cold symptoms (7%)
- Diarrhea (7%)
- Headache (5%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Lower appetite
- Feeling gassy
- Bloating
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
- Weight gain
- Injection-site reactions
Soliqua 100/33 serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: rash; hives; swelling of face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, nausea, vomiting
- Very low blood sugar: dizziness, shakiness, feeling confused, feeling irritable or anxious, feeling faint, sweating, extreme hunger, can't think clearly
- Kidney damage: tiredness, urinating less often, bloody or foamy urine, swelling in your feet or ankles, muscle cramping
- Low potassium: weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, tiredness, trouble breathing, abnormal heartbeat
- Gallbladder problems: severe upper stomach and back pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, nausea, vomiting
The following Soliqua 100/33 side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Soliqua 100/33
Pros
Cons
- Must inject within 1 hour before your first meal of the day
- Risk of low blood sugar, especially if meals are skipped or delayed
- Can cause nausea and diarrhea
Pharmacist tips for Soliqua 100/33
- Use Soliqua 100/33 once a day within 1 hour before you eat your first meal of the day. Try to be consistent to help the medication work the best it can to control your blood sugar. You can set an alarm on your phone every day to help remind you.
- Don't share your Soliqua 100/33 pen with anyone, even if you change the needle. Sharing can put both you and others at risk of serious infections.
- Ask your prescriber how often you should check your blood sugar levels while using Soliqua 100/33. Keep a record of your blood sugar readings and share them with your care team. This helps them adjust your dose if needed.
- Soliqua 100/33 can sometimes cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Learn to recognize symptoms like sweating, shakiness, anxiety, confusion, and hunger. Be sure you know how to treat it quickly and when to call for help.
- Soliqua 100/33 often causes stomach-related side effects like nausea and diarrhea. This can happen when you first start the medication, but it should get better over time. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. But contact your care team if these side effects become serious or bothersome.
- It's best to limit or avoid alcohol while using Soliqua 100/33. It can cause low blood sugar. Alcohol can also make some side effects like nausea worse and raise your risk of dehydration. Talk to your prescriber about your drinking habits and how much alcohol might be safe for you to drink.
- If you use other types of insulin, ask your diabetes care team or pharmacist how to use them safely with Soliqua 100/33. Don't mix Soliqua 100/33 with other insulins. Always check the label before each injection to make sure you're using the right medication. This can help prevent mix-ups and low blood sugar.
- Tell your healthcare team about all the medications you take. Soliqua 100/33 can interact with many medications. Some, like beta blockers, can hide signs of low blood sugar like shaking or a fast heartbeat. Others, including some water pills and steroids, can raise your blood sugar. Your care team can help check that your medications are safe to take together.
- How to store Soliqua 100/33: Store unopened Soliqua 100/33 pens in the refrigerator until the expiration date. Be careful not to let the medication freeze. Once you start using a pen, keep it at room temperature and use within 28 days. Protect the medication from light.
- Get pen needles separately. Pen needles aren't included with Soliqua 100/33. Be sure to get needles that are compatible with the medication. If you're not sure which needles to buy, ask your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Make sure Soliqua 100/33 is at room temperature before you inject. If you're using a new Soliqua 100/33 pen, take it out from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before your injection. Letting it warm to room temperature can help make the injection more comfortable.
- Attach a new needle to the Soliqua 100/33 pen before each injection. Wipe the rubber seal of the pen with an alcohol swab, and then attach a new needle to the pen. This is important for preventing infections and blocked needles.
- Do a safety test before you inject Soliqua 100/33: Turn the dose selector to 2 units and press the injection button all the way in. You'll know the pen is ready to use when you see some medication come out of the needle tip. If you don't, repeat the test up to 3 times or replace the needle. If it still doesn't work, use a new pen. Doing this safety test checks that the pen and needle are working as they should. It also helps make sure you inject the right dose.
- Where to inject Soliqua 100/33: Inject the medication under the skin of your stomach (2 inches away from your belly button), thigh, or back of your upper arm. Choose a different spot for each Soliqua 100/33 injection. Don't inject into skin that's thick, lumpy, bruised, sore, scarred, or damaged. This helps the medication work the best it can. It can also help prevent skin irritation and other skin problems.
- How to inject Soliqua 100/33: Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose (between 15 and 60 units) and check that it's the right dose. Then, insert the needle into your skin and press and hold the injection button all the way in. When you see the dose window go back to "0," keep holding the button down while you slowly count to 10. Then, let go of the button and remove the needle from your skin. Ask your care team or prescriber if you have questions about how to use the pen.
- After each Soliqua 100/33 injection: Throw away used needles in a sharps container or a sturdy plastic container. This can be an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Also place used Soliqua 100/33 pens in this container. Don't throw used needles and pens away in your trash can. This helps keep you and others safe from getting hurt from needles.
Risks and warnings for Soliqua 100/33
Soliqua 100/33 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.
Don't share Soliqua 100/33 pens
Don't share your Soliqua 100/33 pens with anyone, even if you use a new pen needle. Sharing the pen can spread germs and cause infection.
Severe allergic reactions
Although rare, Soliqua 100/33 can cause a severe allergic reaction. This can include anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include a widespread rash, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or dizziness. If you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop using Soliqua 100/33 and get medical help right away.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Although rare, some people using medications like Soliqua 100/33 have had pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Signs can include severe, long-lasting stomach pain that can spread to your back. This can happen with or without nausea or vomiting. If any of these signs happen, stop using Soliqua 100/33 and get medical help right away.
Risk of too high or too low blood sugar with changes to your insulin regimen
Changing your insulin routine can affect your blood sugar levels. These changes include where you inject Soliqua 100/33, which has insulin glargine in it. It can also happen if you switch to a different insulin. Depending on the change, it can make your blood sugar get too high or too low.
Also, if you inject Soliqua 100/33 too often into thick or pitted skin, your body might not absorb as much insulin. This can make the medication not work as well to control your blood sugar. Then when you suddenly inject into healthier skin, it can put you at risk of low blood sugar.
Always talk to your diabetes care team before making any changes to your Soliqua 100/33 dose or routine. If they say it's okay, be sure to check your blood sugar more often. This helps you see how the changes affect your blood sugar.
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Risk factors: Changes to diet, meal patterns, or exercise routine | Changes in other medications | Liver or kidney problems
Soliqua 100/33 can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This can be serious if it isn't treated right away.
Check your blood sugar regularly to make sure it stays in a safe range. If you make any changes to your diet, meal patterns, exercise routine, or other medications, check your blood sugar more often. This is because these changes can affect your blood sugar. Also let your care team know so they can see if they need to adjust your Soliqua 100/33 dose.
It's important to know the signs of low blood sugar. You might feel shaky, nervous, sweaty, dizzy, or very hungry. Always carry a fast source of sugar, like glucose tablets, to treat low blood sugar. Get medical help right away if your blood sugar doesn't improve after treatment.
Severe stomach side effects
Soliqua 100/33 can cause side effects like stomach upset. This includes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes, it can be severe. Because of this, Soliqua 100/33 isn't the best choice for people with severe stomach issues, like gastroparesis (slowed emptying of your stomach).
Kidney damage due to dehydration
- Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Dehydration
Soliqua 100/33 can sometimes cause serious kidney problems. This is more likely to happen if you become dehydrated from side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Before starting Soliqua 100/33, tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems. They can make sure the medication is safe for you to use. Soliqua 100/33 isn't recommended for people with advanced kidney problems.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while using Soliqua 100/33, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and tell your care team. Since you're at risk of dehydration and kidney damage, they might check your kidneys with a blood test. Also tell your prescriber right away if you have trouble urinating or are urinating less than usual. These can be signs of kidney problems.
Low potassium levels
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower potassium
Soliqua 100/33 can cause low potassium levels, which can sometimes be dangerous. Your risk might be greater if you also take other medications that lower potassium, like certain diuretics (water pills). If needed, your prescriber might check your potassium levels with blood tests.
Watch out for signs of low potassium while using Soliqua 100/33. This can include weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, or an uneven heartbeat. If you notice these signs during treatment, tell your care team right away.
Fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Taking glitazones together with Soliqua 100/33 | History of heart failure
Be careful when using Soliqua 100/33 with diabetes medications called glitazones, like pioglitazone (Actos). It can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. This can put stress on your heart and lead to or worsen heart failure.
Before starting Soliqua 100/33, tell your prescriber if you have heart failure. Also let them know about all your diabetes medications. Your prescriber can make sure Soliqua 100/33 is safe for you.
If you're taking a Soliqua 100/33 with a glitazone, be sure to watch for signs of fluid buildup or heart failure. Call your care team right away if you notice swelling, sudden weight gain, tiredness, or trouble breathing.
Gallbladder problems
Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, are rare but can happen with medications like Soliqua 100/33. Tell your prescriber right away if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of a gallbladder problem. Because of this, your prescriber might need to check your gallbladder.
Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
Soliqua 100/33 can slow how quickly your stomach empties. In rare cases, this can raise the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs during surgery or procedures that use general anesthesia or deep sedation. This can happen even if you follow instructions not to eat or drink before the procedure.
Tell your prescriber if you have any surgery or procedure requiring anesthesia planned. And make sure you tell the surgery team that you're taking Soliqua 100/33. It helps the medical team watch out for this lung problem and keep you safe.
Soliqua 100/33 dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 solostar pens of 3ml | 1 carton | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Typical dosage for Soliqua 100/33
Your Soliqua 100/33 starting dose depends on the diabetes medications you're taking now.
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If you're new to long-acting insulin or a GLP-1 agonist, use a GLP-1 agonist, or use less than 30 units of long-acting insulin each day: The typical starting dose of Soliqua 100/33 is 15 units injected under the skin once a day.
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If you're using 30 to 60 units of long-acting insulin each day (with or without a GLP-1 agonist): The typical starting dose of Soliqua 100/33 is 30 units injected under the skin once a day.
Inject Soliqua 100/33 within 1 hour before your first meal of the day. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels. The maximum dose is 60 units a day.
How much does Soliqua 100/33 cost?
$35.00
Soliqua 100/33 contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Soliqua 100/33 will not be safe for you to take.
- Using Soliqua 100/33 during episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
What are alternatives to Soliqua 100/33?
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