GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Xultophy 100/3.6

insulin degludec + liraglutide · Basal insulin + GLP-1 receptor agonist combination · Novo Nordisk

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Xultophy (insulin degludec + liraglutide) is a basal insulin + GLP-1 receptor agonist combination made by Novo Nordisk, used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Schedule: once daily. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormPrefilled pen
How oftenOnce daily
United StatesFDA-approved.
CanadaCheck the Drug Product Database.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Xultophy dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Xultophy label dosing schedule
1DoseSet in units by your prescriber; injected at the same time each day

How to take it

Once daily, same time each day, with or without food.

Storage

Refrigerate before use; after first use, up to 21 days at room temperature or in the fridge.

How it works

How GLP-1 medicines workGLP-1 medicines raise insulin after meals, lower glucagon, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite.1More insulinreleased after meals,only when sugar is high2Less glucagonso the liver makesless sugar3Slower stomachfood leaves the stomachmore slowly4Less appetitethe brain signalsfullness sooner
The four main actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists, as described on their labels.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Brand-only; check manufacturer programs.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Xultophy legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Frequently asked questions

Can Xultophy be combined with another GLP-1?

No. It already contains liraglutide.

Also searched as: insulin degludec and liraglutide, Xultophy pen, IDegLira

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

GLP-1 & incretin medicinesSoliqua 100/33insulin glargine + lixisenatide · Once dailyInsulinsInsulin degludec: Tresibainsulin degludec · Once dailyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesVictoza (and generic liraglutide)liraglutide · Once daily
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