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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Victoza
Generic Name
Liraglutide
Active Ingredient
LiraglutideCategory
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [EPC]
Variants
3
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mg/mL | INJECTION | SUBCUTANEOUS | 50090-2853 |
| 6 mg/mL | INJECTION | SUBCUTANEOUS | 50090-4503 |
| 6 mg/mL | INJECTION | SUBCUTANEOUS | 0169-4060 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Victoza, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Victoza
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management. It works by mimicking incretin hormones to regulate insulin, glucagon, and appetite.
Dosage for Liraglutide is highly individualized and depends on the specific condition being treated. A "start low and go slow" titration (gradual increase) schedule is utilized to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal (kidney) impairment. However, because gastrointestinal side effects can lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney function, healthcare providers monitor renal function closely during titration.
No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with hepatic (liver) impairment. Clinical data in patients with severe hepatic impairment is limited, so caution is advised.
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between patients 65 years and older and younger patients, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 12 hours since your scheduled time, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take an extra dose or increase the dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss more than three days of Liraglutide, call your doctor to discuss whether you should restart the medication at the 0.6 mg dose to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Signs of a Liraglutide overdose may include severe nausea, severe vomiting, and severe hypoglycemia (if used with other diabetes medications). If an overdose is suspected, contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive, focusing on hydration and monitoring blood glucose levels.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions precisely. Do not adjust your dose or stop the medication without medical guidance.
The most frequent side effects associated with Liraglutide involve the gastrointestinal system. These are typically most severe during the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is increased.
Liraglutide is a powerful metabolic modifier that requires careful monitoring. Patients must be aware of the risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. It is essential to maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, which is a leading cause of secondary kidney complications associated with this drug class.
Conditions where Liraglutide must NEVER be used include:
It is not known whether Liraglutide is excreted in human milk. In animal studies, Liraglutide was present in the milk of lactating rats at low concentrations. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Liraglutide is an acylated human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The primary molecular modification is the attachment of a C16 fatty acid (palmitic acid) to the lysine residue at position 26. This fatty acid chain allows Liraglutide to bind non-covalently to albumin, protecting the molecule from rapid degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and reducing renal filtration.
Once bound to the GLP-1 receptor, Liraglutide activates the adenylyl cyclase pathway, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). In the pancreas, this leads to insulin release from beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner. It also suppresses glucagon secretion. In the brain, it activates receptors in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, promoting satiety and reducing caloric intake.
Liraglutide lowers fasting and postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose. The insulin secretion effect is strictly glucose-dependent; as blood glucose concentrations decrease toward euglycemia (normal levels), insulin secretion diminishes. It also causes a minor delay in gastric emptying, which reduces the rate at which postprandial glucose appears in the circulation.
Common questions about Victoza
Liraglutide is used for two primary medical purposes depending on the brand prescribed by your doctor. Under the name Victoza, it is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major heart problems in adults with diabetes and heart disease. Under the name Saxenda, it is used for chronic weight management in adults and children 12 years and older who meet specific BMI criteria. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates insulin, appetite, and digestion. It is always intended to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
The most common side effects of Liraglutide are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms are most frequent when you first start the medication or when your healthcare provider increases your dose. Many patients also report feeling decreased appetite, which is a known effect of the drug's mechanism. Other common issues include headache, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Most of these side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication over several weeks.
There is no direct drug interaction between Liraglutide and alcohol, but caution is highly recommended. Alcohol can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you are also taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Furthermore, both Liraglutide and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Drinking alcohol may also worsen the nausea and stomach upset commonly caused by Liraglutide. It is best to discuss your alcohol consumption habits with your doctor before starting treatment.
Liraglutide's safety during pregnancy depends on the reason you are taking it. For weight management (Saxenda), it is strictly contraindicated and should never be used because weight loss provides no benefit during pregnancy and may harm the developing fetus. For type 2 diabetes (Victoza), it is generally not recommended as first-line therapy because there is limited data on its effects on human pregnancy. Most healthcare providers recommend switching to insulin, which has a well-established safety profile for managing gestational or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Liraglutide, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Liraglutide begins to affect your blood sugar levels and appetite shortly after the first dose, but the full clinical benefits take time to manifest. For blood sugar control, you may see improvements in your daily glucose readings within the first week, but it typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to see the full effect on your HbA1c levels. For weight loss, noticeable results usually appear within the first 4 to 8 weeks as the dose is gradually increased. Clinical guidelines suggest that if you haven't lost a significant amount of weight after 16 weeks on the full maintenance dose, the medication may not be effective for you.
You can technically stop taking Liraglutide suddenly without experiencing a withdrawal syndrome, as it is not an addictive substance. However, stopping the medication will likely result in a rapid return of higher blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, or a reversal of weight loss progress. If you stop for more than three days and then decide to restart, you should not go back to your previous high dose immediately, as this can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Instead, you should contact your doctor to discuss restarting at the lowest dose (0.6 mg) and titrating back up slowly.
If you miss a dose of Liraglutide, you should take it as soon as you remember, provided that your next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose entirely and resume your normal schedule the following day. Never take two doses at the same time or an extra dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss your dose for three days or more, do not take the full dose; call your healthcare provider to ask about restarting the titration process to avoid severe stomach upset.
No, Liraglutide does not cause weight gain; in fact, it is specifically designed and FDA-approved to promote weight loss. By slowing gastric emptying and acting on the hunger centers in the brain, it helps patients feel full sooner and stay full longer, leading to a reduction in calorie intake. In clinical trials for diabetes (Victoza), patients often experienced modest weight loss as a secondary benefit. In trials for obesity (Saxenda), patients achieved significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. If you experience unexpected weight gain while on Liraglutide, you should consult your doctor to look for other underlying causes.
Liraglutide can be taken with many other medications, but some combinations require close monitoring. It is frequently prescribed alongside Metformin for diabetes. However, if it is used with insulin or sulfonylureas, your doctor may need to lower the doses of those drugs to prevent dangerously low blood sugar. Because Liraglutide slows down your digestion, it can also change how your body absorbs other oral medications. Always provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking to ensure there are no dangerous interactions.
As of early 2024, the first generic versions of Liraglutide (specifically for the Victoza brand) have received tentative or final approval from the FDA, but widespread availability may vary based on patent settlements and manufacturing timelines. For many years, Liraglutide was only available as the brand-name products Victoza and Saxenda. Generic availability typically leads to lower costs for patients and insurance providers. You should check with your pharmacist or insurance company to see if a generic version is currently available and covered under your specific prescription plan.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Liraglutide)
> Warning: Stop taking Liraglutide and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious conditions.
With prolonged use, Liraglutide has been associated with a potential increase in heart rate (tachycardia). Patients should have their heart rate monitored regularly. Additionally, there is ongoing research regarding the long-term impact on bone density and muscle mass, particularly in patients losing significant weight rapidly.
Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors: In animal studies (rats and mice), Liraglutide caused dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Liraglutide causes MTC in humans. Liraglutide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Healthcare providers typically monitor the following:
Liraglutide generally does not affect the ability to drive. However, if used in combination with other diabetes medications that cause hypoglycemia, dizziness or lack of concentration may occur. Use caution until you know how Liraglutide affects you.
Alcohol can affect blood glucose levels. While there is no direct chemical interaction between Liraglutide and alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and may worsen gastrointestinal side effects or increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Liraglutide does not typically require a tapering schedule. However, if discontinued, blood glucose levels may rise, and weight regain is common if dietary and exercise changes are not maintained. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may advise immediate discontinuation.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially history of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or kidney disease, with your healthcare provider before starting Liraglutide.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers and cold medicines.
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
There is a potential for cross-sensitivity among GLP-1 receptor agonists. If a patient has had a severe allergic reaction to semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or dulaglutide (Trulicity), they should not be started on Liraglutide without specialist consultation and possible allergy testing.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including your family history of cancer, before prescribing Liraglutide.
In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients 65 years and older and younger patients. However, elderly patients may be more prone to gastrointestinal side effects and subsequent dehydration. Renal function should be monitored closely in this population, especially during the titration phase.
Liraglutide can be used in patients with renal impairment, including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, there is limited experience in these populations. Because most renal issues reported with Liraglutide are secondary to dehydration from GI side effects, patients with existing kidney disease must be exceptionally vigilant about maintaining hydration.
No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment. Liraglutide is not metabolized by the liver in a way that is affected by liver enzyme changes, but clinical data for patients with severe cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score >9) is limited.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and more frequent follow-up with a healthcare team.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | ~55% (Subcutaneous) |
| Protein Binding | >98% (Primarily Albumin) |
| Half-life | ~13 hours |
| Tmax | 8 to 12 hours |
| Metabolism | Endogenous proteolysis (No specific CYP enzymes) |
| Excretion | Minimal renal/fecal (primarily as metabolites) |
Liraglutide is a member of the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [EPC] class. It is categorized as a "long-acting" GLP-1 agonist, distinct from "short-acting" agents like Exenatide (Byetta). Other medications in this therapeutic class include Semaglutide (Ozempic), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro - which is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist).