Drug interactions
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart + Lithium
Severity: Minor
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Lithium: minor 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
Lithium can alter glucose tolerance and has been reported to either raise or lower blood glucose in people with diabetes. This can make the response to insulin less predictable, with episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Lithium affects insulin secretion and peripheral glucose handling, though the exact effect is variable and not well defined.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more frequently when lithium is started, stopped or its dose changed. Adjust insulin dose according to readings.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin degludec / insulin aspart with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Lithium have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Lithium can alter glucose tolerance and has been reported to either raise or lower blood glucose in people with diabetes. This can make the response to insulin less predictable, with episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more frequently when lithium is started, stopped or its dose changed. Adjust insulin dose according to readings.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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