Peptide Profile
Lixisenatide
Short-acting prandial GLP-1 receptor agonist for postprandial glucose control
Dose Range
10 mcg-20 mcgmcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C215H347N61O65S
Molecular Formula
4,858 Da
Molecular Weight
2.8-3 hours
Half-Life
55% subcutaneous bioavailability
Bioavailability
320367-13-3
CAS #
90472060
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 2016 (FDA approval)
Sanofi Research Team
Sanofi
Primary Benefits
Powerful postprandial glucose reduction through GLP-1 receptor activation, delayed gastric emptying, and glucose-dependent insulin secretion
Demonstrated cardiovascular safety in the ELIXA trial with no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events
Modest weight reduction through appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying, though less pronounced than long-acting GLP-1 RAs
Amino Acid Sequence
Hexanoyl-GDGQYTLTSIFTDVSSYLEG-Q-AAKEFIAWLVRGK-GDosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Administer Lixisenatide at the same time each day (or on the same day each week for weekly injections). Many users prefer morning or evening administration. Pick a time you'll remember consistently.
With food?
Lixisenatide injections can be given regardless of meal timing. However, if GI effects occur, administering on an empty stomach or with a light meal may help reduce discomfort.
If stacking
Lixisenatide should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Managing postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes
Lixisenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Improving glycemic control as add-on to oral antidiabetics
Lixisenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on improving glycemic control as add-on to oral antidiabetics. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Supporting weight management in T2DM patients
Lixisenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on supporting weight management in t2dm patients. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Combination therapy with basal insulin glargine
Lixisenatide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on combination therapy with basal insulin glargine. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to lixisenatide or excipients
- ×Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- ×Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- ×Severe gastrointestinal disease including gastroparesis
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Lixisenatide use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Lixisenatide vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
- •Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Lixisenatide (Lyxumia, Adlyxin) is an FDA and EMA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with safety data from Phase 3 trials (LEAD program, 2012-2013) involving 4,000+ patients with type 2 diabetes. Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting) are most common during dose escalation (30-40% of patients) but typically resolve after 2-3 weeks of stable dosing. The short half-life (3 hours) compared to longer-acting GLP-1 agonists means side effects have rapid onset and offset. No serious adverse events exceed background diabetes population rates in pivotal trials.
Lixisenatide safety is established through GetGoal Phase 3 trials published in Diabetes Care and American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease, demonstrating cardiovascular safety with HbA1c reductions of 0.5-1.5%. Post-marketing surveillance by EMA and FDA shows favorable tolerability profile consistent with GLP-1 agonist class. Medullary thyroid carcinoma and pancreatitis risks remain theoretical (based on preclinical data) with no clinical cases in therapy-exposed populations.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nausea
Most frequently reported side effect, affecting 25-28% of patients in clinical trials. Typically mild to moderate and most pronounced during the initial dose-titration period.
Management: Start at 10 mcg for 14 days before increasing to 20 mcg. Take before meals as directed. Symptoms typically diminish within the first 2-4 weeks of treatment.
Vomiting
Occurs in approximately 10% of patients, usually in conjunction with nausea during early treatment. Related to GLP-1 receptor-mediated gastric emptying delay.
Management: Eat smaller meals, avoid high-fat foods during initiation. Ensure adequate hydration. If persistent, consult prescriber about temporary dose reduction.
Diarrhea
Reported in 7-8% of patients. Usually transient and related to changes in gastrointestinal motility from GLP-1 receptor activation in the gut.
Management: Maintain hydration and balanced diet. Symptoms typically resolve without intervention. If severe or persistent, contact healthcare provider.
Headache
Mild headaches reported in approximately 9% of patients. May be related to metabolic changes during early treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Management: Usually resolves with continued use. Standard analgesics may be used for relief. Ensure adequate hydration and consistent meal timing.
Less Common
- •Injection Site Reactions
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Lixisenatide
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Lixisenatide should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓FDA-approved fixed-ratio combination (Soliqua 100/33) for complementary fasting and postprandial glucose control
- ✓First-line combination providing complementary mechanisms for glycemic control and insulin sensitization
- ✓Complementary glucose-lowering via insulin-independent renal glucose excretion with added cardiorenal benefits
With medications
- !Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists - Redundant mechanism of action with increased gastrointestinal side effects and no additional benefit
- !DPP-4 Inhibitors - Overlapping incretin pathway stimulation provides minimal additional glucose-lowering effect
- !Pramipexole - Potential delayed absorption of oral medications due to gastric emptying effects of lixisenatide
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Lixisenatide. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-2
What you might notice
- •Initial postprandial glucose improvements, possible nausea as the body adjusts to GLP-1 receptor activation during the 10 mcg starting dose period
What's normal
- •Nausea, mild appetite reduction, and slight changes in bowel habits are common during this initiation phase
- •Some patients notice reduced hunger after meals within days
What's next
- →After 14 days at 10 mcg, dose increases to the full 20 mcg maintenance dose with further glycemic improvement expected
Weeks 3-8
What you might notice
- •More consistent postprandial glucose control at the full 20 mcg dose, GI side effects typically diminishing, early weight stabilization or modest loss
What's normal
- •Nausea should begin to subside significantly
- •Postprandial glucose readings will show improvement
- •Fasting glucose may improve modestly
- •Weight may begin a gradual downward trend
What's next
- →Continue treatment at 20 mcg daily
- →HbA1c measurements at 12-16 weeks will reflect the cumulative glycemic benefit
Weeks 12-24
What you might notice
- •Full glycemic benefit reflected in HbA1c reduction of 0
- •0%, sustained postprandial glucose improvements, potential weight loss of 1-3 kg
What's normal
- •GI side effects should be minimal or resolved
- •Glycemic control should be stable
- •Weight loss, if occurring, tends to plateau at modest levels compared to long-acting GLP-1 RAs
What's next
- →Assess overall treatment response with HbA1c
- →If targets not met, consider addition of basal insulin or transition to fixed-ratio combination (Soliqua)
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Lixisenatide over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Lixisenatide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA)"
Pfeffer MA, Claggett B, Diaz R, et al., 2015
Finding: Research demonstrates lixisenatide's effectiveness for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.
View Study"Efficacy and Safety of Lixisenatide in Combination with Insulin Glargine"
Rosenstock J, Guerci B, Hanefeld M, et al., 2019
Finding: Research (2019) demonstrates lixisenatide's efficacy in clinical treatment and therapeutic applications.
View Study"Lixisenatide vs Liraglutide on Gastric Emptying and Postprandial Glucose"
Lorenz M, Pfeiffer C, Steinsträsser A, et al., 2017
Finding: Research (2017) on lixisenatide contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"iGlarLixi Fixed-Ratio Combination in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes (LixiLan Trials)"
Blonde L, Rosenstock J, Del Prato S, et al., 2019
Finding: Research (2019) on lixisenatide contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Lixisenatide in Type 2 Diabetes"
Raccah D, Miossec P, Esposito V, et al., 2022
Finding: Research (2022) demonstrates lixisenatide's efficacy in clinical treatment and therapeutic applications.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions