An accidental liraglutide overdose: Case report

Abstract

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist that is 97% homologous to the endogenous human GLP-1. By mimicking the effects of native GLP-1, it enhances the glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from beta cells of pancreatic islets, suppresses elevated glucagon secretion, and slows down gastric emptying and increases satiety. It results in a 0.5-1.5% reduction in HbA1c and can be used as a monotherapy or as an add-on therapy to metformin, sulfonylurea, thiazolinediones, and/or insulin. It was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2009 and by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010. © 2014 Rafik R. Elmehdawi and Abdulwahab M. Elbarsha.