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Drug interactions

Hydrocortisone + Insulin degludec-liraglutide

Severity: Moderate

Hydrocortisone and Insulin degludec-liraglutide: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Systemic corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which oppose the effect of insulin and liraglutide. Higher doses or prolonged courses can substantially worsen control, and hypoglycemia can occur when the steroid is reduced.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrocortisone and Insulin degludec-liraglutide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Insulin degludec-liraglutide belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Glucocorticoids increase hepatic gluconeogenesis and peripheral insulin resistance, antagonizing antidiabetic drugs.

What to do

Monitor blood glucose more often during systemic steroid therapy and increase the insulin dose as required. Reduce the dose again when the steroid is tapered.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydrocortisone with Insulin degludec-liraglutide?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Insulin degludec-liraglutide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Systemic corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which oppose the effect of insulin and liraglutide. Higher doses or prolonged courses can substantially worsen control, and hypoglycemia can occur when the steroid is reduced.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Insulin degludec-liraglutide?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more often during systemic steroid therapy and increase the insulin dose as required. Reduce the dose again when the steroid is tapered.

What other medicines interact with Insulin degludec-liraglutide?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin degludec-liraglutide with, for example, Albiglutide, Chlorpropamide, Clozapine. The full list is on the Insulin degludec-liraglutide page.

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