Xultophy Prefilled Pen (Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide)

Xultophy Prefilled Pen is a once-daily, fixed-ratio injection pen that combines a basal insulin (insulin degludec) with a GLP-1 receptor agonist (liraglutide) for adults living with type 2 diabetes. This product page explains what the medicine is, how the pen is typically used, what dosing terms mean, and what to know about storage and safety so the listing is easier to understand before starting the pharmacy process. It also outlines how prescription referral fulfillment works for cash-pay patients, including US shipping from Canada, and notes common paperwork steps for people managing diabetes care without insurance.

What Xultophy Prefilled Pen Is and How It Works

This medicine contains two established glucose-lowering components in one device: insulin degludec (a long-acting “basal” insulin) and liraglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist, also called an incretin mimetic). CanadianInsulin.com operates as a prescription referral platform. Insulin degludec supports baseline (fasting) glucose control over a full day, while liraglutide can increase glucose-dependent insulin release, reduce glucagon, and slow stomach emptying, which may reduce after-meal glucose rises.

Because the two medicines are delivered together in a fixed proportion, the treatment is designed to simplify therapy for certain adults who need both basal insulin support and a GLP-1–based medication. Clinical use is tied to the diagnosed condition and current regimen, so it is commonly discussed alongside broader type 2 diabetes care planning. For related background and condition-level context, browse the Type 2 Diabetes hub.

The pen format is meant for subcutaneous (under-the-skin) use. It is not intended for intravenous or intramuscular administration. The product monograph and local prescribing guidance define who can use it, how titration is approached, and which situations require special caution.

Who It’s For

Indication and eligibility are determined by a licensed prescriber, based on diagnosis, current A1C/blood glucose trends, and prior medication use. In general terms, this fixed-ratio combination is used for adults with type 2 diabetes when additional glycemic control is needed and a prescriber considers that both a basal insulin and a GLP-1 receptor agonist are appropriate. It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Contraindications and key exclusions may include a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and known hypersensitivity to any component. Careful review is also typical for people with a history of pancreatitis, significant gastrointestinal disease, or certain kidney or gallbladder problems. For a broader view of diabetes therapies that may be considered in care plans, the Diabetes Medications category can be browsed by class. Xultophy Prefilled Pen should only be used under ongoing clinical supervision, with monitoring goals set by the treating clinician.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing for this medicine is expressed in “dose steps,” reflecting the fixed combination delivered with each dialed setting. Prescribers typically choose a starting dose step based on the patient’s prior therapy and then adjust over time according to fasting glucose patterns and tolerability. If needed, the prescription is verified with the prescriber. Adjustments are usually made gradually rather than day-to-day, and the labeled maximum dose limit must be respected because it also limits the liraglutide exposure.

The insulin degludec/liraglutide injection pen is administered subcutaneously once daily, commonly at the same time each day. Injection sites are generally rotated between areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to reduce skin thickening (lipohypertrophy). Needles are single-use, and the pen should be checked for clarity and proper function per manufacturer instructions before each injection.

Why it matters: Because the ratio is fixed, raising the dose step increases both medicines together.

For general insulin concepts—such as why fasting readings matter and how titration is discussed in clinical visits—see the Insulin Dosage Chart resource. Patients should not change the dose step without prescriber direction, particularly if other glucose-lowering medicines are used at the same time.

Strengths and Forms

This product is a prefilled, multi-dose pen that delivers insulin degludec and liraglutide in a fixed ratio. It is commonly referenced as Xultophy 100/3.6, meaning insulin degludec 100 units/mL combined with liraglutide 3.6 mg/mL in the solution. The pen is often described as a “FlexTouch” style device in some markets, and it is intended for subcutaneous injection only.

Xultophy Prefilled Pen is typically supplied as a 3 mL prefilled pen; pack configuration may vary by dispensing pharmacy and jurisdiction. Because insulin degludec is also available as a standalone basal insulin in other products, some patients may see it referenced by ingredient rather than by brand. For naming and brand context for this insulin component, review Insulin Degludec Brand Names.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens are generally stored refrigerated at 2–8°C and protected from light, and they should not be frozen. If freezing occurs, the pen should be discarded. The pharmacy label and manufacturer instructions should be followed for the allowed time at room temperature after first use (often called “in-use” time), because it can differ among products and regions.

When traveling, temperature control is the main practical concern. Pens should be kept away from direct heat sources, sunlight, and closed vehicles where temperatures can rise quickly. The device should also be protected from physical damage that could affect the dose dial or cartridge.

Quick tip: Keep the carton and pharmacy label during travel for storage instructions.

Xultophy Prefilled Pen should be stored with the cap on when not in use, and used needles should be disposed of in a sharps container according to local guidance. For more diabetes management articles that cover practical routines, visit Diabetes Articles.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects can reflect either component of the combination. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, reduced appetite, diarrhea, or constipation are commonly associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially during dose increases. Injection-site reactions can also occur. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a key safety risk with insulin-containing regimens, and the risk can increase when combined with other medicines that lower glucose.

Serious risks that require urgent medical assessment may include severe allergic reactions, suspected pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back), and symptoms suggesting gallbladder disease. Liraglutide-containing products carry thyroid tumor warnings/precautions, and they are not recommended for people with certain thyroid cancer histories. Kidney problems may worsen in settings of dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, so fluid status and monitoring plans should be discussed with a clinician.

For a focused overview of what is commonly monitored and what to report promptly, see Xultophy Side Effects. Xultophy Prefilled Pen safety also depends on correct technique, consistent dosing time, and reviewing all current medicines at each clinical visit.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Because this therapy includes insulin, any medication that affects blood glucose can matter. Drugs such as sulfonylureas and other insulins can increase hypoglycemia risk when used together. Corticosteroids, some antipsychotics, and certain diuretics may raise glucose and complicate control. Alcohol can also increase the risk of low blood sugar, particularly when food intake is reduced.

Liraglutide can slow gastric emptying, which may affect how quickly some oral medicines are absorbed. Extra caution is often considered with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs where timing and absorption are critical. A complete medication list, including over-the-counter products and supplements, should be reviewed by the prescriber and dispensing pharmacist. For class-level context on how common agents fit together, read Common Diabetes Medications.

Compare With Alternatives

Clinicians may compare this fixed-ratio combination to other approaches that also pair basal insulin support with a GLP-1 receptor agonist effect. One alternative in the same general category is a different fixed-ratio pen that combines insulin glargine with lixisenatide. Another approach is to use a standalone basal insulin and add a separate GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, which allows independent dose adjustments but increases the number of pens.

Basal insulin options can differ by molecule, duration profile, device design, and titration approach. For example, insulin degludec is also available as a standalone basal insulin pen, and insulin glargine products are available in multiple concentrations. For browsing by insulin class, the Long Acting Insulin category can help organize options.

Related prescription products on this site include Soliqua Solostar Pens and Tresiba Flextouch Pens. Xultophy Prefilled Pen comparisons should be made using the official labeling and a clinician’s assessment of comorbidities, hypoglycemia risk, and treatment goals.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket pricing can vary based on pack size, dispensing pharmacy, and the broader supply chain for temperature-sensitive medicines. Some people search for Xultophy price information because they are paying cash rather than using a benefits plan, and costs can differ from local retail quotes. Licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense medications after required documentation is received. When that documentation is complete, the workflow supports cross-border fulfillment as part of cash-pay access pathways.

For patients researching Xultophy cost without insurance, the main practical factors are prescription validity, clinical appropriateness, and whether the prescription can be transferred or rewritten to match the dispensed product. CanadianInsulin.com may contact the prescriber’s office when prescription details need confirmation. The site also maintains a page for site-wide programs at Promotions (availability and rules can change).

Category browsing can help identify related classes a prescriber might discuss, such as GLP 1 Agonists. Shipping logistics vary by product type and season, and some orders may be routed as Ships from Canada to US in accordance with dispensing requirements. At checkout, prescription details can be submitted; eligible temperature-sensitive orders may use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

Authoritative Sources

For prescribing, contraindications, and dosing limits, consult official labeling and regulator information:

• FDA listing and prescribing documents: Drugs@FDA Xultophy application overview
• Canadian regulator database entry point: Health Canada Drug Product Database

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.