Tanzeum
(albiglutide)
Lowers blood sugar.
Our bottom line
Tanzeum (albiglutide) is good for controlling blood sugar levels if other medications haven't worked for you, but it increases your risk of thyroid cancer.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- You only need to take Tanzeum (albiglutide) once a week.
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) can help you lose weight.
- It causes fewer stomach and intestinal side effects than other medications in its class.
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What to expect from Tanzeum, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) may not be the best option if you have severe stomach or intestinal problems.
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) isn't the first choice medication for diabetes.
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) isn't a substitute for insulin or oral diabetes medications, and has to be taken in addition to it.
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) is expensive and a generic option isn't available.
- It may not lower your A1C levels as much as other medications like it.
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What to expect from Tanzeum, on one page
Download Fact SheetTanzeum (albiglutide) helps your body release more insulin and slows down digestion to prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too high.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
What to expect when you take Tanzeum (albiglutide) for Type 2 diabetes
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Reaction at the injection site
- Joint pain
Side effect rates for Tanzeum (albiglutide)
- Mild constipation56%56%
- Moderate constipation37%37%
- Low blood sugar with minor symptoms17%17%27%27%
- Upper respiratory tract infection14%14%13%13%
- Diarrhea13%13%11%11%
- Low blood sugar with minor symptoms13%13%7%7%
- Nausea11%11%10%10%
- Reaction at the injection site11%11%2%2%
- Low blood sugar with minor symptoms10%10%6%6%
- Cough7%7%6%6%
- Back pain7%7%6%6%
- Joint pain7%7%6%6%
- Severe constipation7%7%
- Sinus infection6%6%6%6%
- Flu5%5%3%3%
- Vomiting4%4%3%3%
- Acid reflux4%4%2%2%
- Indigestion3%3%3%3%
- Low blood sugar with minor symptoms3%3%4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Tanzeum.
People taking Tanzeum felt side effect more
People taking Tanzeum felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Tanzeum (albiglutide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of MTC
- › History of MEN 2
Taking Tanzeum (albiglutide) increases the risk of thyroid cancer. You may need regular labwork or imaging to check for thyroid changes. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) shouldn't use Tanzeum (albiglutide). Speak to your doctor right away if you have a neck mass, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness that won't go away.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Tanzeum (albiglutide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Tanzeum (albiglutide) can cause or worsen kidney damage. Let your doctor know if you're unable to pee or can't do it as often. If you have a history of kidney problems, ask your doctor if Tanzeum (albiglutide) is right for you.
- Tanzeum (albiglutide) can help you lose weight.