Albiglutide: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**Albiglutide is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.** It helps you release insulin when blood sugar rises and slows stomach emptying. Tanzeum, its brand name, is discontinued in the US. Its boxed warning concerns possible thyroid tumors: do not use it if you or your family have medullary thyroid carcinoma, or you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
What does it treat?
You were prescribed albiglutide alongside diet and exercise for type 2 diabetes, sometimes with medicines such as metformin. It does not treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. If it appears on your medication list, ask your clinician to review your current treatment because it is no longer available in the US.
How do you take it?
The historical FDA label starts adults at 30 mg once weekly, increasing to a maximum of 50 mg once weekly if needed. There is no daily dose. You mix the powder and liquid in a single-dose pen and inject under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites, with or without food. Take a missed dose within 3 days; after that, skip it and resume your usual schedule without doubling. Stop and call your doctor immediately for persistent severe abdominal pain. Do not restart old or expired supplies.
Side effects to know
- Common: You may have nausea, diarrhea, or redness, itching, and swelling where you inject.
- Serious: Stop using it and get immediate help for persistent severe abdominal pain spreading to your back, which can signal pancreatitis, or facial swelling and breathing trouble, which can signal a severe allergy. Repeated vomiting with little urine needs urgent assessment for dehydration or kidney injury.
Who should not take it?
Do not use it with the thyroid conditions listed above or after a serious allergy to its ingredients. Discuss previous pancreatitis, severe stomach emptying problems, kidney disease, insulin, sulfonylureas, and oral medicines with your clinician. During pregnancy, the FDA label allows use only when benefits outweigh fetal risks; discuss stopping at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy. You and your clinician should choose between breastfeeding and treatment. Ask about alcohol before drinking.
When is it an emergency?
For an overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately; severe nausea and vomiting can occur. Call 911 for collapse, breathing trouble, a seizure, or inability to wake up, including from severe low blood sugar. Severe persistent abdominal pain needs immediate medical evaluation.
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Common questions
What was the maximum dose?
The labeled maximum was 50 mg once weekly. Treatment started at 30 mg weekly. You should not take it daily.
Can I drink alcohol?
The label gives no alcohol limit. Alcohol can complicate blood sugar control. Ask your clinician whether you should avoid it, especially with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Contact your clinician before another dose. Pregnancy use requires benefits to outweigh risks. The label advises considering stopping at least 1 month before conception and choosing between treatment and breastfeeding.
Do I need food with the injection?
You could inject with or without food. Meals do not determine the weekly schedule. Follow your diabetes meal plan.
What are overdose signs?
Severe nausea and vomiting can occur. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 even without symptoms. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble.
Which medicines interact?
Insulin and sulfonylureas increase your low blood sugar risk. Slower stomach emptying can affect oral medicine absorption. Have your clinician review all medicines before changing treatment.