Xultophy 100/3.6 (insulin degludec/liraglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Xultophy is prescribed along with exercise and diet, and it’s typically used as a long-term treatment.

Here are some fast facts about Xultophy 100/3.6:

As with other drugs, Xultophy 100/3.6 can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Xultophy 100/3.6, see this article.

Xultophy 100/3.6 can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Xultophy 100/3.6 in clinical trials:

* For additional information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Xultophy 100/3.6 use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For additional details, you can refer to Xultophy 100/3.6’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Xultophy 100/3.6 include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Xultophy 100/3.6 and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For additional information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Xultophy 100/3.6 may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For additional details, you can refer to Xultophy 100/3.6’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Xultophy 100/3.6, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* An allergic reaction is possible after using Xultophy 100/3.6. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials.
† To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Xultophy 100/3.6 has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Xultophy 100/3.6 may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do Xultophy 100/3.6’s side effects compare with side effects of other kinds of insulin?

Xultophy 100/3.6’s side effects are similar to some side effects of taking insulin. This is because Xultophy 100/3.6 contains insulin degludec, a long-acting insulin.

For example, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most common side effect of drugs that contain insulin. This includes Xultophy 100/3.6. Drugs that contain insulin are used to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. However, hypoglycemia can occur when insulin lowers blood sugar too much.

If you have questions about the possible side effects of Xultophy 100/3.6, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Xultophy 100/3.6 help with weight loss?

No, Xultophy 100/3.6 isn’t used to help with weight loss. It’s approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. In fact, some people may have slight weight gain while taking Xultophy.

One of the active ingredients in Xultophy 100/3.6 is liraglutide. This is also the active ingredient in other diabetes drugs, such as Victoza and Saxenda. These drugs are known to cause weight loss as a side effect. However, Xultophy is not known to cause weight loss. Xultophy also contains a long-acting insulin called insulin degludec. And all insulins may cause weight gain because of how they work to lower blood sugar.

Keep in mind that Xultophy is meant to be used along with exercise and diet.* If you’re interested in losing weight, consistent physical activity and diet may help you reach your goal weight.

You can also talk with your doctor if you have questions about managing your weight while taking Xultophy.

* To learn more about the approved use of Xultophy, see this article.

Does Xultophy 100/3.6 cause liver problems?

It’s unlikely for Xultophy 100/3.6 to cause liver problems. Liver problems weren’t reported as side effects in clinical trials of the drug.

There have been reports of liver problems in people using Xultophy 100/3.6 since it became available for use. However, it isn’t clear how often this happened or if the drug was the cause. Examples of liver problems include increased liver enzymes and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

It’s still important to tell your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms that could indicate a liver problem. Symptoms can include:

If you have any of the symptoms above, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Xultophy 100/3.6 may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xultophy 100/3.6.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of all drugs that contain insulin, including Xultophy 100/3.6. However, not everyone who takes the drug experiences weight gain. And in clinical trials, the total weight gain, on average, was not more than 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds).

What you can do

While taking Xultophy 100/3.6, consider adding the following tips to your routine to help manage your weight:

  • Food swaps. Try to replace one high calorie food or drink with a lower calorie one. For example, replace one sugary drink with water each day.
  • Buddy system. Set up a regular fitness date with a friend, such as a daily walk or weekly aerobics class. This way, you can keep each other accountable.
  • Track your calories. Consider using a calorie-tracking app. Monitoring what you’re eating can help you avoid exceeding your daily calorie goal.

If you have questions or need help managing your weight, talk with your doctor. They may suggest a visit with a dietitian or personal trainer.

Injection site reactions

Xultophy 100/3.6 is given as a subcutaneous injection.* So it’s possible to have injection-related side effects. In clinical trials of Xultophy 100/3.6, the following symptoms were somewhat common at injection sites:

  • pain
  • bruising
  • redness or discoloration
  • swelling
  • itchiness
  • warmth
  • nodule (small bump) or lump under the skin
  • lipodystrophy (pitting [the appearance of small dimples or craters] or thickening of your skin)

What you can do

Injection site reactions with Xultophy 100/3.6 are usually mild and temporary. They should go away with continued use of the drug. However, if your symptoms are bothersome or severe, tell your doctor. They’ll review your injection technique to make sure you’re injecting the drug correctly.

* To learn about how to take Xultophy 100/3.6, see this article.

Gallbladder problems

Gallbladder problems are possible side effects of using Xultophy 100/3.6. In clinical trials, this side effect was less common. Gallbladder problems included gallstones and acute cholecystitis (short-term inflammation of the gallbladder).

Symptoms can include:

What you can do

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you have the above listed symptoms. Gallbladder problems may require surgery or treatment in a hospital. However, most people recover within a few days or weeks.

If you have questions about gallbladder problems, talk with your doctor.

Hypoglycemia

As with other drugs that contain insulin, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is one of the more common side effects of Xultophy 100/3.6. The drug contains insulin degludec, a long-acting insulin. This works to lower blood sugar levels in your body throughout the day. However, it’s possible for your blood sugar level to become too low.

Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia can include:

  • feeling shaky or dizzy
  • headache
  • feeling nervous or anxious
  • sweating or clamminess
  • hunger

If your blood sugar level continues to drop, more severe symptoms may occur. These can include blurred vision, slurred speech, confusion, seizures, coma, and, in rare cases, death.

What you can do

Before you start Xultophy 100/3.6, you and your doctor will go over all of the drugs you currently take. This is important because taking certain medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia during Xultophy treatment.

When your doctor prescribes Xultophy, they’ll provide a plan for monitoring your blood sugar. The plan will also include what to do if you experience low blood sugar. You’ll likely consume glucose tablets or a sugary drink, such as orange juice. This will help to quickly raise your blood sugar. Or they may prescribe glucagon, a drug that’s injected to treat hypoglycemia.

You can talk with your doctor to learn more about how to manage hypoglycemia.

Risk of thyroid cancer

Xultophy 100/3.6 has a boxed warning for an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Boxed warnings are the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One of the active ingredients in Xultophy 100/3.6 is liraglutide. In animal studies, liraglutide increased the risk of thyroid cancer in rats and mice. Due to this risk, Xultophy 100/3.6 is not prescribed to people who have:

It isn’t known for sure if the risk of thyroid cancer applies to humans. MTC has been reported in some people who took liraglutide. This is because MTC was reported after Xultophy became available for use. Even so, it’s still important to watch for possible symptoms of thyroid tumors while taking Xultophy 100/3.6.

Symptoms can include:

What you can do

If you’re prescribed Xultophy 100/3.6, be sure to watch for the above symptoms of thyroid tumors. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you have questions about your risk of thyroid cancer while using Xultophy 100/3.6, talk with your doctor. They can help you compare the risks and benefits of using this drug to help manage your diabetes.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Xultophy 100/3.6 can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Xultophy 100/3.6. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

This drug comes with several precautions.

Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

This drug has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Xultophy 100/3.6. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Xultophy 100/3.6 or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xultophy 100/3.6. Ask your doctor what other drugs may be better options for you.

Low or high blood sugar. Xultophy 100/3.6 is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes. However, the drug may lower blood sugar levels too much, causing hypoglycemia. Due to this risk, doctors will not prescribe you this drug if you experience hypoglycemia often. And if you are experiencing an active episode of hypoglycemia, you should not take Xultophy 100/3.6.

If you frequently have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), Xultophy can make this worse. Your doctor may recommend you check your blood sugar levels more often while using this drug. They’ll also recommend this if they change your dosage of Xultophy. Or they may prescribe you a different drug altogether.

Hypokalemia. Xultophy 100/3.6 may cause hypokalemia (low potassium level in your blood). If you already have a medical condition or take a drug that causes low potassium, using this drug may worsen your condition. Talk with your doctor about this before starting treatment with Xultophy 100/3.6. If they prescribe it, they’ll likely monitor your potassium level closely during your treatment.

Gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas problems. Xultophy 100/3.6 may cause side effects in the gallbladder, kidneys, or pancreas. If you have a medical condition that affects any of these organs, taking Xultophy 100/3.6 may worsen your condition. Tell your doctor about any gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas problems you have. They’ll help you determine whether it’s safe for you to take Xultophy 100/3.6. If they prescribe you the drug, they’ll monitor you closely during treatment.

Alcohol and Xultophy 100/3.6

It’s best to avoid alcohol during treatment with Xultophy 100/3.6.

Alcohol can affect how well Xultophy 100/3.6 works to lower blood sugar. So, drinking any amount of alcohol while using the drug can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can also cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Xultophy 100/3.6, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how much alcohol, if any, is safe to consume while taking the drug.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Xultophy 100/3.6

It isn’t known for sure if it’s safe to take Xultophy 100/3.6 while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

There isn’t enough information about this drug in human pregnancy to know if it’s safe to take during pregnancy.

In animal studies, congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) and death occurred in some fetuses whose mothers received liraglutide. (Liraglutide is one of the active ingredients in Xultophy 100/3.6.) Insulin degludec (the other active ingredient in Xultophy) isn’t known to cause these effects. However, animals studies don’t always predict what could happen in humans.

Also, liraglutide and insulin degludec are known to pass into the breast milk of animals that were given the drugs. However, there isn’t enough data available to know how human breast milk or a breastfed child could be affected.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can tell you more about the safety of Xultophy during pregnancy. They can also tell you about other diabetes treatment options. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, your doctor can advise you on whether it’s safe to take Xultophy.

Xultophy 100/3.6 can cause side effects in some people, most of which are usually mild or manageable.

If you’d like to learn more about Xultophy 100/3.6, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Xultophy 100/3.6. For details about other aspects of Xultophy 100/3.6, refer to this article.
  • Dosage. To learn about the dosage of Xultophy, see this article.
  • Drug comparison. Learn how Xultophy 100/3.6 compares with Soliqua 100/33 and Lantus.
  • A look at type 2 diabetes. For details about your condition, see our diabetes hub and these related articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.