albiglutide

albiglutide

Tanzeum

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (effect on HBA1c)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

• pancreatitis (life-threatening)
• diarrhea (most frequent)
• nausea (most frequent)
• delayed gastric empyting
• dyspepsia
• reflux

Genitourinary

• renal impairment (in association with nausea, vomiting, dehydration)

Endocrinologic

• hypoglycemia (↑ with insulin/sulfonylureas) (most frequent)
• ↑ risk of thyroid C-cell tumors

Local

• injection site reactions (most frequent)

Miscellaneous

• hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Observe patient taking concurrent insulin for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemic reactions (sweating, hunger, weakness, dizziness, tremor, tachycardia, anxiety).
• If thyroid nodules or elevated serum calcitonin are noted, patient should be referred to an endocrinologist.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (pruritus, rash, dyspnea). If signs and symptoms occur, discontinue therapy and treat symptomatically.
• Monitor for pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue albiglutide; if confirmed, do not restart albiglutide.
• Lab Test Considerations: Monitor serum HbA_1c periodically during therapy to evaluate effectiveness.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Patients stabilized on a diabetic regimen who are exposed to stress, fever, trauma, infection, or surgery may require administration of insulin.
• Albiglutide is not indicated to patients with diabetes type I or for diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Subcutaneous: Administer once weekly at any time of the day, without regard to food. Day of the week may be changed as long as last dose was administered 4 or more days before. Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Solution should be clear and colorless; do not administer solutions that are discolored or contain particulate matter.
  • Consider decreasing dose of concurrently administered insulin secretagogues (e.g. sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce risk of hypoglycemia.
  • Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully regarding use of pen for administration. Use within 8 hrs of reconstitution.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient on use of Tanzeum pen and to take albiglutide as directed. Pen should never be shared between patients, even if needle is changed. Store pen in refrigerator; do not freeze. After initial use, pen may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated up to 30 days. Keep pen cap on when not in use. Protect from excessive heat and sunlight. Remove and safely discard needle after each injection and store pen without needle attached. Advise patient to read the Patient Medication Guide before starting albiglutide and with each Rx refill.
• If a dose is missed take as soon as possible within 3 days of missed dose. If longer than 3 days are missed, instruct patient to wait and take next dose at usual weekly time.
• Inform patient that nausea is the most common side effect, but usually decreases over time.
• Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long-term.
• Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and notify health care professional.
• Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
• Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during periods of stress or illness, and health care professional should be notified if significant changes occur.
• Advise patient to tell health care professional what medications they are taking and to avoid taking new Rx, OTC, vitamins, or herbal products without consulting health care professional.
• Advise patient to notify discontinue albiglutide and health care professional immediately if signs of pancreatitis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) occur.
• Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.
• Inform patient of risk of benign and malignant thyroid C-cell tumors. Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms of thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath) or if signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; fainting or feeling dizzy; very rapid heartbeat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching) occur.
• If pregnancy is planned, consider stopping albiglutide at least 1 mo before a planned pregnancy. Insulin is the preferred method of controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
• Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times.
• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Improved glycemic control.