Endocrine System Drug Information

Insulin Aspart

Insulin

Brand name: Novolog

Type of Insulin: Fast-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Insulin Lispro

Insulin

Brand name: Humalog

Type of Insulin: Fast-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH)

Insulin

Brand name: Humulin N/Novolin N

Type of Insulin: Intermediate-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Insulin Glargine (U-100)

Insulin

Brand name: Lantus

Type of Insulin: Long-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Insulin Detemir

Insulin

Brand name: Levemir

Type of Insulin: Long-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Insulin Degludec

Insulin

Brand name: Tresiba

Type of Insulin: Long-Acting

Therapeutic effect: Insulin works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

SE:

Lipohypertrophy: Lump of fatty tissue under your skin caused by repeated injections in the same place

Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar less than 70 mg/dL; may happen very quickly

• Confusion, unusual behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Loss of coordination

• Slurred speech

• Blurry vision or tunnel vision

• Nightmares, if asleep

• Fast heart rate

• Sweating

• Weakness

• Headache

• Shakiness

Liraglutide

Non-insulin Injectable Antidiabetic Agent GLP-1 Agonist (Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonist)

Brand name: Victoza

Therapeutic effect: Mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. When blood sugar levels start to ride after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin, therefore, decreasing blood sugar levels.

1. Slows food absorption/gastric emptying

2. Decreases the amount of glucose produced by liver

3. Increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas

4. Used in type 2 diabetes

SE: N/V, diarrhea, dizziness, HA, **weight loss due to drug giving a sensation of fullness

***Weight Loss Drug: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Sepbound (tirzepatide)

Taken daily

Dulaglutide

Non-insulin Injectable Antidiabetic Agent GLP-1 Agonist (Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonist)

Brand name: Trulicity

Therapeutic effect: Mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. When blood sugar levels start to ride after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin, therefore, decreasing blood sugar levels.

1. Slows food absorption/gastric emptying

2. Decreases the amount of glucose produced by liver

3. Increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas

4. Used in type 2 diabetes

SE: N/V, diarrhea, dizziness, HA, **weight loss due to drug giving a sensation of fullness

***Weight Loss Drug: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Sepbound (tirzepatide)

Taken weekly

Semaglutide

Non-insulin Injectable Antidiabetic Agent GLP-1 Agonist (Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Agonist)

Brand name: Ozempic

Therapeutic effect: Mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. When blood sugar levels start to ride after someone eats, these drugs stimulate the body to produce more insulin, therefore, decreasing blood sugar levels.

1. Slows food absorption/gastric emptying

2. Decreases the amount of glucose produced by liver

3. Increases the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas

4. Used in type 2 diabetes

SE: N/V, diarrhea, dizziness, HA, **weight loss due to drug giving a sensation of fullness

***Weight Loss Drug: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Taken weekly

Glyburide

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Sulfonylurea (gl____ide

Brand name: Diabeta

Therapeutic effect: Promotes release of insulin from the pancreas, which directly lowers blood glucose levels

SE: Risk of hypoglycemia, nausea, weight gain

Type II diabetes only

Take with food

Low risk of cross sensitivity to sulfa allergy

Glipzide

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Sulfonylurea (gl____ide

Brand name: Glucotrol

Therapeutic effect: Promotes release of insulin from the pancreas, which directly lowers blood glucose levels

SE: Risk of hypoglycemia, nausea, weight gain

Type II diabetes only

Take with food

Low risk of cross sensitivity to sulfa allergy

Glimepiride

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Sulfonylurea (gl____ide

Brand name: Amaryl

Therapeutic effect: Promotes release of insulin from the pancreas, which directly lowers blood glucose levels

SE: Risk of hypoglycemia, nausea, weight gain

Type II diabetes only

Take with food

Low risk of cross sensitivity to sulfa allergy

Metformin

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Biguanide

Brand name: Glucophage

Therapeutic effect: Works by preventing the production of glucose in the liver; improving the body’s sensitivity towards insulin, making cells more responsive to it; decreases intestinal glucose absorption, which leads to lower blood sugar levels

BW: Lactic acidosis (build up of lactic acid in the bloodstream, can lead to cardiac output suppression which leads to organ failure or death); signs/sx: fatigue, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal discomfort

SE: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea; decrease SE by taking with food and titrate dose

CI: Kidney and liver dysfunction

DI: Alcohol (increases chance of lactic acidosis)

Most frequently prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes (initial therapy)

B12 deficiency with long-term use, may need to take a B12 supplement

Pioglitazone

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Thiazolidinediones (-glitazone)

Brand name: Actos

Therapeutic effect: Lowers blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity by enhancing the uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues (muscle and fat); decreases glucose production in the liver

SE: Fluid retention, weight gain, increased risk of heart failure

Not recommended in patients with heart failure

Do not drink alcohol

Sitagliptin

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor)

Brand name: Januvia

Therapeutic effect: Signals the liver to stop glucagon release and signals the pancreas to increase insulin production

SE: HA, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections

Saxagliptin

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Dipetidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor)

Brand name: Onglyza

Therapeutic effect: Signals the liver to stop glucagon release and signals the pancreas to increase insulin production

SE: HA, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections

Canaglifozin

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Sodium-Glucose Linked Transporter-2 (SGLT-2 inhibitor)

Brand name: Invokana

Therapeutic effect: Works with your kidneys to stop some excess sugar from being absorbed back into your body, and to help you lose approximately 100 grams of sugar a day through the process of urination

SE: Increases risks of genital/UTIs, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance

CI: Kidney impairment

Dapaglifozin

Oral Hypoglycemic Agent; Sodium-Glucose Linked Transporter-2 (SGLT-2 inhibitor)

Brand name: Farxiga

Therapeutic effect: Lowers blood sugar by promoting the excretion of glucose through the urine

SE: Increases risk of genital/UTIs, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances

CI: Kidney impairment

Levothyroxine

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Brand name(s): Levoxyl, Synthroid (synthetic)

BW: Do not use for weight reduction

SE: Very few if dose correctly; HA, irritability, weight loss, nervousness, watch for signs of hyperthyroidism

DI: Avoid iron, calcium, and antacids within 2 hours of taking

Take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before other food and medications at the same time everyday in the morning

Thyroid

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Brand name(s): Armour Thyroid (dessicated pig thyroid)

BW: Do not use for weight reduction

SE: Very few if dose correctly; HA, irritability, weight loss, nervousness, watch for signs of hyperthyroidism

DI: Avoid iron, calcium, and antacids within 2 hours of taking

Take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before other food and medications at the same time everyday in the morning

Methimazole

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Brand name: Tapazole

SE: N/V, metallic taste in the mouth

If on methimazole and you develop sore throat or fever let MD know, may cause agranulocytosis

Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding

Tends to have fewer side effects than PTU

Propylthiouracil (PTU)

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Brand name: Propycil

SE: N/V, metallic taste in the mouth

Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding

Estrogen

Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms

Brand name: Premarin

BW: Increased risks of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease

SE: Edema, HA, mood changes, breast tenderness

Progesterone

Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms

Brand name: Prometrium

BW: Increased risks of breast cancer and CV disorders

SE: Edema, HA, mood changes, breast tenderness

Ethinyl Estradiol and Drospirenone

Hormonal Contraceptive (BCP)

Brand name: YAZ

Therapeutic effect: Manipulates hormones to prevent ovulation and changes the texture of cervical mucus

Compromised of ethinyl estradiol (synthetic estrogen), synthetic progestin or both

Progestins: Norethindrone, desogestrel, drospirenone, levonorgestrel

SE: Weight gain, N/V, increased appetite, fatigue

CI: Patients with clotting disorders because oral contraceptives increase formation of blood clots

DI: Decreased effectiveness when taking antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungals, and benzodiazepines

Take at the same time every day

Testosterone

Brand name: Androgel

Therapeutic effect: Treats decreased testosterone levels

BW: Secondary Exposure to Testosterone

• Virilization has been reported in children who were secondarily exposed to testosterone gel

• Children should avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites in men using testosterone gel

• Healthcare provides should advise patients to strictly adhere to recommended instructions for use

SE: Increase hair growth, acne, nausea, increased blood pressure

CI: Patients who have had breast or prostate cancer and patients with blood clots

Apply once daily

Wash hands after application

Available as crean, patch, and injection

Schedule III - Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990