Drug interactions
Insulin degludec + Pentamidine
Severity: Major
Insulin degludec and Pentamidine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Pentamidine can damage pancreatic beta cells, causing early hypoglycemia from insulin release and later hyperglycemia or diabetes. Glucose control in patients on insulin degludec may be unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin degludec and Pentamidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Insulin degludec belongs to Endocrine; Pentamidine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Pentamidine causes pancreatic beta-cell toxicity, with initial insulin release followed by insulin deficiency.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose frequently during and after pentamidine treatment. Adjust the insulin degludec dose in both directions as readings change.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Insulin degludec
Other interactions of Pentamidine
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Moxifloxacin + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Nortriptyline + Pentamidine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin degludec with Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Insulin degludec and Pentamidine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Pentamidine can damage pancreatic beta cells, causing early hypoglycemia from insulin release and later hyperglycemia or diabetes. Glucose control in patients on insulin degludec may be unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin degludec and Pentamidine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose frequently during and after pentamidine treatment. Adjust the insulin degludec dose in both directions as readings change.
What other medicines interact with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin degludec with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Glimepiride-pioglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin degludec page.
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