Frequently asked questions

To help with your weight management. If you are an adult (over 18 years old) who is considered obese according to your BMI (≥30 kg/m²) or has health problems from being overweight with a BMI of ≥27 kg/m²  Nevolat^® can be given alongside regular exercise and eating healthy foods. Possible health problems may include diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood or breathing problems during sleep (known as obstructive sleep apnoea).¹

In adolescents (12 years and older) who have obesity or excess body weight (60 kg or over), Nevolat^® can be given alongside regular exercise and eating healthy foods to help with weight loss.¹

You do not have to have diabetes to be prescribed Nevolat^®. If you are an adult or adolescent, the criteria above regarding BMI and bodyweight will determine whether Nevolat^® could help you manage your weight.¹

Nevolat^® is similar to a natural occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is released from the intestine after a meal. Nevolat^® works by acting on receptors in the brain that control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. This may help you eat less food and reduce your body weight.¹

You can work out your BMI (which alters depending on your sex and age) here: Calculate your body mass index (BMI) – NHS – NHS²

Yes, you should schedule a check-up after 3 months with your doctor to ensure you are taking the medicine correctly, it is helping you to lose weight and any minor side effects are under control.¹

Addressing and managing obesity usually requires long-term treatment, but you can support this treatment by following a healthy, calorie-reduced diet and exercising regularly (see Small changes, big difference section).

Nevolat^® is a self-injectable medicine that is supplied in a prefilled pen. Once prescribed, your (or your teen’s) health care provider will demonstrate how to inject it. After this, you can follow the guidance on this website Using the liraglutide pre-filled pen and the Patient Information Leaflet to remind you of the steps. If you (or your teenager) have questions or do not understand the instructions, ask your health care providers or pharmacists for guidance.¹

Nevolat^® can be taken at any time, independent of meals. However, it is easiest to take it at the same time every day, to make sure it’s convenient and simple to remember.

As with most medicines, there can be some interactions with other medications. Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about any medicines you are taking (including those bought over the counter) before you start using Nevolat^® . Read the package leaflet for further information.¹

There have been rare cases of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) reported in patients using Nevolat^® . Symptoms include breathing problems, swelling of face and throat and fast heartbeat. Anaphylactic reactions may potentially be life threatening. If you or someone you are with is having an anaphylactic reaction, contact 999 immediately and follow the steps below. Discontinue Nevolat^® and do not restart treatment.^1,3,4

• Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions should be included on the side of the injector.
• Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
• Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
• If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
• Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.

If you know you are hypersensitive to liraglutide or any other ingredients of this medicine please tell your doctor before it is prescribed. The other ingredients in Nevolat^® are sodium citrate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) in water.³

Prior to first use, Nevolat^® should be stored in a refrigerator(2–8˚C), but kept away from the freezer compartment. Do not freeze.¹

The shelf-life of Nevolat^® is 24 months, but after first use, should be stored below 30˚C and used within 30 days.¹ Do not use after the expiry date which can be found on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.¹

Remember to keep Nevolat^® (and all medicines) out of the sight and reach of children.¹ When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on to protect the medication from the light.¹ Do not use Nevolat^® if the solution is not clear and colourless or almost colourless.¹

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect yourself and the environment.¹

Ideally yes, but there are sometimes unavoidable occasions, during travel, when Nevolat^® will be out of a temperature-controlled environment. Although evidence has shown that the active ingredient of Nevolat^®, liraglutide, should still be effective for several days at room temperature, refrigerating it whenever possible ensures it is effective.  When travelling by plane, car or train, store your medication in an insulated bag with cold packs to help keep it stored within the correct temperature range (before first use store between 2–8˚C. Once in use, store at up to 30˚C). Position the cold packs carefully so they don’t directly touch the Nevolat^® pen. Remember to also keep the pen out of direct sunlight.⁵

All medications, supplies, and medical devices are allowed through airport security screenings. You are allowed to fly with your Nevolat^® pen, along with the disposable needles and any other medical supplies you may need during your travel. Do not pack any medication in your checked luggage.  Hazardous temperature and atmospheric conditions during the flight could damage your meds and you may need access to them.⁵

Although there are no known interactions between liraglutide and alcohol, alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consuming alcohol during treatment could possibly worsen some of the drug’s side effects, for example, worsened headache or diarrhoea. If you have questions about drinking alcohol whilst taking Nevolat^®, please discuss with your doctor.⁶