What is this medicine?
L-carnitine (lee voe KAR ni teen)
L-carnitine is a natural metabolic compound (or amino acid) that facilitates mitochondrial energy production and fatty
acid metabolism.
- It may be used for weight management in overweight or obese patients.
Liraglutide (lir a GLOO tide)
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. - It may be used for weight management in overweight or obese patients.
- It may be used for blood sugar management in overweight or obese patients.
- It may help regulate appetite and food reward signaling in the brain.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Compounded Drug Forms: Subcutaneous injection
What products are available?
L-carnitine/Liraglutide 25/10mg/mL injectable solution
- 5 mL fill volume in 5 mL amber vial
What should the injectable product look like?
Upon visual inspection, the vial contents should appear as a clear colorless solution with no visible particles.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to liraglutide or l-carnitine
- History of medullary thyroid cancer or other thyroid C-cell cancer
- History of pancreatitis
- History of kidney or liver disease
- History of hypersensitivity to other GLP-1 medications
- History of tachycardia
- History of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions
- History of severe stomach problems, like gastroparesis
- History of seizure disorder
- History of uremia
- Upcoming surgery or medical procedure involving anesthesia or deep sedation
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Medication is contraindicated in pregnancy
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
Injectable medications should be given subcutaneously or intramuscularly as directed by your healthcare provider.
See recommended administration guide for further instruction.
- For Injectable — This medication should be given by subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection
(SQ) delivers medicine into the fatty layer between skin and muscle, used to give a small quantity of certain
kinds of medications.- Rotating your injection site is recommended. Commonly used injection sites include: the outer area of the upper arm, the abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch circle around the navel), or the front of the thigh.
- Wash hands and sanitize the injection site with alcohol prior to administration. Do not use the solution if it becomes cloudy, has particles, or changes color. Dispose of used needles in a Sharps
container. Do not use past the beyond use date indicated on the prescription label. - Discard 28-days after initial puncture.
What if I miss a dose?
- Skip the missed dose. Do not take double the dose at once.
- If more than 3 days have passed since the last dose, start daily dosing again at lower dose.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue throat, trouble breathing.
- Signs of injection site reaction: redness or itching around the administration site.
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Signs of new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Renal function as well as signs of increased abdominal pain or gallbladder problems
- Regular check-ups with your provider are recommended.
What may interact with this medicine?
- Due to the nature of the medication, liraglutide may slow gastric emptying. This could interfere with the
breakdown of other medications. - General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation while on GLP-1 therapy
- Consult your provider before any medical surgery or procedure due to risk of pulmonary aspiration.
- Drug interactions exist with this medication.
- Discuss your medication regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as
- Abdominal pain or stomach upset
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling less hungry
- Injection site irritation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Nose or throat irritation
- Change in body odor
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Change in taste
What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Neck mass
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Vocal hoarseness that will not go away
- Kidney problems or urinary complications
- Gallbladder problems
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Severe dizziness or passing out
- Signs of low blood sugar
- Pancreas problems
- Worsening behavioral or mood changes like depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Slurred speech
- Infection
- Signs of high calcium
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Severe headache
- Seizures
- Burning or numbness
- Significant loss of strength or energy
- Bruising or bleeding
- Vision changes
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and/or trouble breathing.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any component of the formulation. Liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a
personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC); Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2);
pregnancy.
Where should I keep my medicine?
- Follow the storage recommendations found on your prescription label.
- Store injectable liraglutide at refrigeration, between 36 to 46 degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
- Protect injectables from light.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal
business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to
take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to
decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe,
effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general
information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings,
precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of
any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific
medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the
healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the
best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Clinical Resource, Comparison of GLP-1 Agonists. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. August 2024.
- Liraglutide. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed May 2025
- Levocarnitine. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed May 2025
