Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection

Uses of Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

How does Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection work?

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist.
• Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses elevated glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.

Side Effects of Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection

• Common side effects (>10%): Nausea, hypoglycemia.
• Less common side effects (1-10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, and others.

Quick Suggestions:

• Continue taking  Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection even if blood sugar levels are controlled until the doctor advises stopping it. This suggests that the decision to discontinue the medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
• Recommend monitoring blood sugar levels frequently. Regular monitoring is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the medication and making necessary adjustments.
• Monitoring of pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase) is recommended. This is likely to ensure early detection of any potential pancreatic issues, as some diabetes medications may affect pancreatic function.
• Take short, frequent meals, and avoid prolonged fasting when taking  Fitaro 0.25mg/0.5ml Injection. This advice is likely aimed at helping to stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.
• Beware of hypoglycemia symptoms, including sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination.
• In case of hypoglycemia symptoms, immediate consumption of 5-6 candies, three glucose biscuits, or three teaspoons of honey/sugar is recommended.
• Individuals are advised to get in touch with their physician whenever experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Carry candies, glucose biscuits, or honey/sugar at all times, especially during long travels. This ensures that individuals have access to a quick source of glucose to address potential hypoglycemia.

Indications:

Semaglutide lowers body weight through decreased calorie intake and an overall reduced appetite. It also stimulates insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

Pharmacology

Stimulation of Insulin Release: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin plays a crucial role in facilitating the uptake of glucose by muscle and fat cells.

Enhanced Glucose Uptake: Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by muscle and fat cells, where it is used for energy production. This action helps to lower blood glucose levels.

Suppression of Glucagon Release: Semaglutide also suppresses the release of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that typically raises blood glucose levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver. By inhibiting glucagon release, semaglutide further contributes to the overall reduction of blood glucose.

In summary, semaglutide's dual action of stimulating insulin release and suppressing glucagon release helps to regulate blood glucose levels, making it an effective treatment for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dosage & Administration:

Adult Dose:

• Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Start with 0.25 mg SC once weekly for 4 weeks; then increase the dosage to 0.5 mg once weekly.
• If glycemic control is not achieved after at least 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, the dosage can be increased to 1 mg once weekly.
• No dosage adjustment is required for hepatic impairment.

Child Dose:

• Safety and efficacy are not established for individuals below 18 years.

Renal Dose:

• No dosage adjustment is required for renal impairment.

Administration:

• Subcutaneous (SC) administration to the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Administer once weekly on the same day each week, at any time, with or without meals.
• The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary, with at least a 2-day ( >48 hours) interval between doses.
• Use a different injection site each week when injecting in the same body region.

Interaction

• Coadministration with insulin secretagogues or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Exercise caution when concomitantly administering oral medications, as it may impact their oral absorption due to delayed gastric emptying.

Contraindications

• Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the product components.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy:

• Limited data; potential risks to the fetus; use during pregnancy only if benefits justify risks.
• Discontinue treatment at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
• Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases maternal and fetal risks.

Lactation:

• No data on the presence of semaglutide in human milk; its effects on the infant or milk production are unknown.
• Detected in rat milk at lower levels than in maternal plasma.

Precautions & Warnings

• Semaglutide may cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including MTC, based on findings in rodents; human relevance not determined.
• Acute pancreatitis confirmed in some cases; monitor for signs and symptoms.
• Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy may face an increased risk of complications.
• Semaglutide pens must not be shared between patients.
• Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses, especially in patients reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions.

Storage Conditions

• Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.