taspoglutide`

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Stimulation of GLP-1 Receptors: taspoglutide stimulates GLP-1 receptors in the body. GLP-1 is a hormone secreted by the gastrointestinal tract as a reaction to food consumption, and it has several essential effects on glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. 

Spectrum: 

Type 2 Diabetes: taspoglutide was being investigated as a potential therapy for adult individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

Glucose Control: The primary focus of taspoglutide centered on its role in stabilizing blood glucose levels in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, thereby mitigating hyperglycemia and its related complications. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Abdominal pain 

Nausea 

Vomitting 

Dyspepsia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: taspoglutide should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or its components. 

Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: taspoglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting. It should be used cautiously in individuals with a history of severe gastrointestinal disorders. 

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: taspoglutide should not be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of diabetes. It is more suitable for individuals with type 2 diabetes. 

Impaired Renal Function: taspoglutide should be used with caution in individuals with impaired renal function, and dosage adjustments may be necessary. 

Pancreatitis: GLP-1 receptor agonists, including taspoglutide, have been associated with pancreatitis. If a patient has a history of pancreatitis or develops symptoms of pancreatitis while taking taspoglutide, the drug should be discontinued. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

taspoglutide belongs to the category of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Enhancement of Insulin Secretion: taspoglutide stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in response to changes in glucose levels. This means it increases insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are elevated, helping regulate blood sugar levels. 

Inhibition of Glucagon Secretion: It inhibits the secretion of glucagon, a hormone responsible for elevating blood sugar levels, thereby significantly regulating glucose levels.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

taspoglutide is absorbed relatively slowly after subcutaneous injection, with peak concentrations in the blood occurring several days after administration. 

Distribution 

It is distributed throughout the body and binds to plasma proteins. 

Metabolism 

taspoglutide undergoes enzymatic degradation in the liver to form smaller peptides, which are eventually excreted through the kidneys. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The primary route of excretion for the drug and its metabolites is through urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The specific dosage of taspoglutide would depend on the individual patient’s condition. The healthcare provider would determine the appropriate dose. taspoglutide is typically administered by subcutaneous injection. A healthcare professional can teach the patient or a caregiver how to administer the injection properly. Common injection sites include the abdomen or thigh. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: taspoglutide 

Why do we use taspoglutide?  

taspoglutide, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels by promoting the release of insulin and decreasing glucose production in the liver. 

taspoglutide can lower HbA1c levels, a long-term measure of blood sugar control, helping to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.