Erly Prefilled Pen

Erly prefilled pen is a high-potency, metabolic intervention containing liraglutide which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 standing for glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist is a hormone that is naturally produced in the gut that regulates blood sugar and appetite. 

Key Features

How does Erly’s prefilled pen work?

Erly prefilled pen consists of liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Liraglutide binds to the GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus that signal the brain that it is full and reduce cravings. It also slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, keeping you feeling satisfied longer. 

Directions for use

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Check the medication inside the pen through the pen’s clear window. It should be clear and colourless. 
• Peel the protective tab off the new pen needle and screw it directly to the Erly pen until tight. 
• Remove both the inner and outer needle cap.
• Prime the pen and turn the dosage dial to the exact prescribed dose. 
• Clean the site of injection and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. Press the injection button completely.
• Keep the button fully pressed and wait for at least 6 to 10 seconds before withdrawing the needle to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Carefully replace the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle counter-clockwise and throw it away in a safe environment. Store it as instructed. 

Dosage

Use as and when instructed by the healthcare provider. 

Uses

Erly prefilled pen is used for:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Weight management
• Cardiovascular protection

Side effects

Most common side effects are:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc. 
• Decreased appetite that can lead to weight loss
• Site of injection: Bruising, pain, irritation, itching or redness where the pen is used
• Other: Headache, fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms

Serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gall bladder problems
• Thyroid tumours
• Kidney problems
• Severe allergic reactions

Interactions 

• Medications like glimepiride or glipizide carry a higher risk when combined with liraglutide. 

• Con-combinant use of  two GLP-1 agonists can lead to hypoglycemia. 

• Medications like digoxin or blood thinners like warfarin require careful monitoring because even minor absorption changes can lead to complications.

• Medications like corticosteroids, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers can reduce the effectiveness of liraglutide by reducing blood sugar levels. 

• The pen can worsen or trigger inflammation of the pancreas.

Precautions & Warnings

• Do not use the medication if you are pregnant as the medication can harm the baby. 
• Do not use this medication if you or your family has a history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma(MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. 
• Do not use the medication if you are allergic to liraglutide or any other ingredient of the injection. 
• Never share needles or injection pens with anyone even if the needle is changed.
• Remove the needle immediately after each injection and never store the pre-filled pen with the needle attached. 
• Do not inject the injection in muscles or veins. 
• Discard the solution if it is cloudy or discolored. 
• Store unopened pens or solutions in the refrigerator but do not freeze. 
• Liraglutide should not be combined with insulin as a mixture for injection. 

Conclusion

Erly prefilled pen is a GLP-1 agonist that consists of liraglutide. It should be injected under the skin of the abdomen or high everyday at the same time. Do not administer intravenously or intramuscularly. Use the pen as recommended by the healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose. 

FAQ’s