If you have issues with your thyroid or have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe a synthetic hormone. Your body may not be producing enough of your thyroid’s hormones or enough insulin. In this article, we will be discussing Basaglar, a synthetic hormone that aids in the treatment of diabetes, and Liotrix, a synthetic hormone that can aid in the treatment of thyroid problems.
About Basaglar
Basaglar helps you control your levels of insulin if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You will need to combine Basaglar with a short-acting insulin if you have type 1 diabetes, and may be able to only take Basaglar if you have type 2 diabetes. Basaglar is injected intravenously once a day.
Best Practices For Basaglar Safety
Basaglar comes in a Kwikpen injection. Do not share Kwikpens with anyone, even if you have changed out the needle. Basaglar can also give you hypokalemia (too little potassium in your blood) which can lead to arrhythmia or death. Allergic reactions may also occur. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications and what those reactions look like so you will be able to tell if you’re allergic to Basaglar. Additionally, inform your doctor about any other medications that you may be taking. Do not stop taking Basaglar or change your dosage without talking to your doctor. Patients have also reported mixing up Basaglar with other insulin medications, so make sure always to check the label to ensure that your medication is Basaglar before taking it. Basaglar is relatively safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding, but Basaglar does get excreted in breast milk so its total safety cannot be fully confirmed. Additionally, do not drive if you suspect your blood sugar may be low as you can have an increased risk of a car crash.
Basaglar’s Side Effects
Some common side effects of taking Basaglar include anxiety, feeling drunk, getting the chills, blurred vision, cold sweats, seizures, pale skin, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tingling in your extremities, shakiness, nightmares, fast heartbeat, excessive appetite, and restless sleep. Less common side effects include sweating, rashes, and trouble breathing. You also may have a fever, sore throat, or a stuffy or runny nose. While taking the medication, if you experience any side effects, even though they may not feel serious, inform your doctor right away. People over 65 are at risk for more side effects than younger patients.
Hypoglycemia
You may also experience hypoglycemia as an adverse reaction. See a doctor immediately if you are having any symptoms of hypoglycemia (seizures or impaired reaction time). You may be at higher risk for hypoglycemia if you have changes in your meal contents, changes in medication, or exercise. The best way to target the onset of hypo or hyperglycemia is to monitor your blood sugar consistently. Inform your doctor if you see any sharp changes in your blood sugar.
About Liotrix
Liotrix is a man-made hormone that is a synthetic of a hormone produced by your thyroid. This hormone is responsible for regulating your energy and your metabolism. It’s a medication that is taken orally, usually before eating breakfast. Liotrix treats or helps to manage issues such as enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer.
Best Practices For Liotrix Usage
As with taking any medication, alert your doctor to any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you may be taking, as well as medications that you are allergic to. As with any medication, do not stop taking it or change your dosage of Liotrix without first consulting with your doctor. If you are on medications like warfarin or have diabetes, you will have to monitor your blood sugar and blood pressure more carefully while taking Liotrix. It should be stored in your refrigerator. Liotrix is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Since Liotrix is just a synthetic version of a hormone that your body produces naturally, many people do not experience any side effects while taking Liotrix. If you are, in fact, having side effects, such as signs of an allergic reaction (hives, wheezing, swelling), chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, headache, change in mood, shakiness, leg cramps, fever, muscular weakness, changes in weight, changes in your period, or changes in appetite, notify your doctor immediately. Children may experience hair loss while taking Liotrix, and people over 65 are at risk for more side effects.
