Xultophy® Prefilled Pen for Type 2 Diabetes Care

What Xultophy® Is and How It Works

The Xultophy® Prefilled Pen combines a long‑acting basal insulin (insulin degludec) with a GLP‑1 receptor agonist (liraglutide). It is used once daily to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The pen delivers both medicines in one injection and supports fasting and post‑meal glucose control. Many customers search for Xultophy without insurance and value a single, convenient device.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

This co‑formulation is dosed in “units.” Each unit contains 1 unit of insulin degludec and 0.036 mg of liraglutide. Typical initiation and titration are gradual to reduce gastrointestinal effects and hypoglycemia risk. Xultophy Prefilled Pen is injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once daily, with or without food, at a consistent time. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis and is not used with other GLP‑1 agents.

Patients transitioning from basal insulin or liraglutide may start at a lower unit dose and titrate to fasting glucose goals. The maximum daily dose is capped by the device. See the prescribing information and prescriber guidance for individualized plans. For background on type 2 diabetes therapies, see Type 2 Diabetes and the article Xultophy Prefilled Pen Insulin Glp 1 For Diabetes Care.

Dosage and Usage

• Inject once daily at the same time each day, with or without meals.
• Starting dose is generally low and titrated in small steps to reach fasting glucose targets.
• Do not exceed the device’s maximum daily units.
• Do not use with other GLP‑1 receptor agonists or prandial insulin unless directed by a prescriber.
• Missed dose: take the missed daily dose when remembered on the same day; if not taken that day, resume the regular schedule the next day. Do not double doses.
• Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce lipodystrophy.

• Check the pen label and expiration date before each use.
• Attach a new needle for every injection.
• Prime per device instructions until a drop appears at the needle tip.
• Dial the prescribed units. Confirm the window displays the full dose.
• Insert the needle into subcutaneous tissue at 90 degrees (or per training).
• Press and hold the button until the dose counter returns to zero, then keep the needle in place for several seconds.
• Remove and safely discard the needle. Recap the pen.
• Never share pens or needles.

• Unopened pens: refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• In‑use pens: store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) or refrigerated. Discard after 21 days of first use.
• Keep caps on to protect from heat and light.
• Do not expose to direct sun, heaters, or car interiors.
• Travel: carry pens in an insulated pouch with cool packs, not in direct contact with ice.
• Keep medication in carry‑on luggage during flights. Pack spare needles and a backup pen.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, colored, or has particles.

Benefits and Savings

This fixed‑ratio pen simplifies therapy by combining basal insulin and a GLP‑1 agent in one device. Clinical studies show robust A1C reductions compared with basal insulin alone, with less hypoglycemia than intensifying to basal‑bolus regimens. Many patients also see less weight gain than with basal insulin alone; some experience modest weight loss due to the GLP‑1 component.

Convenience is another advantage. One daily injection and a single titration schedule can help reduce complexity compared with separate pens. The device’s fine dose steps support gradual adjustments toward fasting glucose goals.

Value matters. Many customers save 60–80% versus typical U.S. retail prices. Those paying cash often compare the Xultophy Prefilled Pen cost without insurance to separate products and supplies.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Xultophy Prefilled Pen coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, abdominal pain.
• Injection‑site reactions: redness, itching, or mild swelling.
• Headache, dizziness, fatigue, nasopharyngitis.
• Hypoglycemia risk increases when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Indigestion, belching, or bloating as doses escalate.

Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration with possible kidney injury, and allergic reactions. Liraglutide carries a boxed warning for risk of thyroid C‑cell tumors; avoid use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Discuss cancer history, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal disease with a healthcare professional. Monitor glucose closely when changing doses or adding agents.

Onset Time

Fasting glucose often improves within days as titration begins. Gastrointestinal effects, if present, are usually most noticeable early and tend to lessen over time. Meaningful A1C changes are typically assessed after 8–12 weeks of stable dosing. Weight effects, when they occur, may take 4–12 weeks to appear and can evolve as doses reach maintenance levels.

Compare With Alternatives

Xultophy combines basal insulin with a GLP‑1 agent. Alternatives include basal insulin plus a separate GLP‑1 receptor agonist, or GLP‑1 therapy alone. Once‑weekly injectables and oral GLP‑1 options may suit some patients who do not need basal insulin support.

Trulicity® (dulaglutide)

A once‑weekly GLP‑1 injection used for type 2 diabetes. Trulicity does not include basal insulin, so hypoglycemia risk is generally lower unless combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. It may be preferred for patients seeking weekly dosing without basal insulin initiation.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)

A once‑weekly GIP/GLP‑1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. It offers substantial A1C and weight reductions in trials. Like other incretin therapies, it is not insulin, so background insulin may still be needed for some patients.

Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)

An oral GLP‑1 option taken once daily on an empty stomach. It can suit those who prefer tablets. It does not replace basal insulin when basal support is required.

Some patients do well with a separate basal insulin plus a weekly GLP‑1. Others prefer the simplicity of a single daily pen. Choice depends on glycemic needs, tolerability, dosing preference, and cost considerations.

Combination Therapy

• Often used with metformin as background therapy.
• Can be combined with SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin) for complementary effects on weight and cardiovascular/renal outcomes.
• Avoid combining with DPP‑4 inhibitors due to overlapping pathways with GLP‑1.
• When used with sulfonylureas or background insulin, consider dose reductions to limit hypoglycemia.
• Do not use with another GLP‑1 receptor agonist.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

This pen is for adults with type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin plus GLP‑1 support in one device. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It should not be used in those with a personal or family history of MTC or with MEN 2. Use caution in severe gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis history, or significant renal impairment.

Practical ways to reduce costs include selecting multi‑month quantities when appropriate and aligning refills with clinic visits to reduce shipping frequency. Set gentle reorder reminders so supplies do not lapse. CanadianInsulin partners with licensed, vetted pharmacies for authentic brand medications, a broad selection, and value‑focused pricing.

Authoritative Sources

Novo Nordisk Xultophy Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Xultophy

FDA Label and Medication Guide

Order Xultophy® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for diagnosis, treatment, and individualized dosing.