Codeine Phosphate and Victoza

• Generic Name: codeine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ascomp with Codeine, Cheratussin AC, Codar GF

Symptomatic relief of mild to moderately severe pain that is not relieved by a nonopiate analgesic.

Combinations of codeine and aspirin or acetaminophen may produce additive analgesic effects because of differing mechanisms of action.

In symptomatic treatment of acute pain, reserve opiate analgesics for pain resulting from severe injuries, severe medical conditions, or surgical procedures, or when nonopiate alternatives for relieving pain and restoring function are expected to be ineffective or are contraindicated. Use smallest effective dosage for shortest possible duration since long-term opiate use often begins with treatment of acute pain. Optimize concomitant use of other appropriate therapies. (See Managing Opiate Therapy for Acute Pain under Dosage and Administration.)

Generally use opiates for management of chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting >3 months or past the time of normal tissue healing ) that is not associated with active cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care only if other appropriate nonpharmacologic and nonopiate pharmacologic strategies have been ineffective and expected benefits for both pain relief and functional improvement are anticipated to outweigh risks.

If used for chronic pain, opiate analgesics should be part of an integrated approach that also includes appropriate nonpharmacologic modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, functional restoration, exercise therapy, certain interventional procedures) and other appropriate pharmacologic therapies (e.g., nonopiate analgesics, analgesic adjuncts such as selected anticonvulsants and antidepressants for certain neuropathic pain conditions).

Available evidence insufficient to determine whether long-term opiate therapy for chronic pain results in sustained pain relief or improvements in function and quality of life or is superior to other pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic treatments. Use is associated with serious risks (e.g., opiate use disorder, overdose). (See Managing Opiate Therapy for Chronic Noncancer Pain under Dosage and Administration.)

Symptomatic relief of nonproductive cough, alone or in combination with other antitussives or expectorants.

Not indicated for management of cough in patients <18 years of age. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.)

• Generic Name: liraglutide
• Dosage Forms: injection
• Other Brand Names: Saxenda, Victoza

Victoza (liraglutide) is similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and helps control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion.

Victoza is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Victoza may also help reduce the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack or stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is usually given after other diabetes medicines have been tried without success. Victoza is not for treating type 1 diabetes.