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What is Victoza
LiraglutideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryVictoza contains liraglutide, a synthetic version of a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. This drug is made by adding a fatty acid and a spacer to a peptide precursor. It was approved by the FDA in 2010 and is used to treat diabetes.
Victozais the brand name
Victoza Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Victoza
Liraglutide
2010
6
Effectiveness
How Victoza Affects PatientsLiraglutide is a type of medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by slowly releasing a fatty acid molecule into the body over a period of time. This molecule binds to albumin, which helps to reduce the rate at which it is broken down and removed from the bloodstream. Liraglutide increases insulin production and slows down digestion, while also not affecting glucagon production when blood sugar is low.
How Victoza works in the bodyLiraglutide is a synthetic hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by activating a receptor in the body which triggers the release of insulin and limits the release of glucagon. It also slows down digestion, helping keep blood sugar levels steady.
When to interrupt dosage
The degree of Victoza is contingent upon the recognized condition, including Diet, inadequate control on monotherapy and Disease. The amount likewise deviates based on the technique of delivery (e.g. Injection, solution - Subcutaneous or Injection) indicated in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Diet
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
at least one weight-related comorbid condition
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Physical Activity
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Type 2 Diabetes
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Cardiovascular Diseases
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Chronic Weight Management therapy
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
weight ≥60kg
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
BMI >27 kg/m2
, 6.0 mg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL
Subcutaneous, Solution, , Solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Injection, Injection - Subcutaneous
Warnings
Victoza ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
Do Not Combine
Patient History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Do Not Combine
Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Liraglutide may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Victoza Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2,4-thiazolidinedione
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Liraglutide is combined with 2,4-thiazolidinedione.
AICA ribonucleotide
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Liraglutide is combined with AICA ribonucleotide.
AMG-222
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Liraglutide is combined with AMG-222.
Acetohexamide
Moderate
Liraglutide may increase the hypoglycemic activities of Acetohexamide.
Albiglutide
Moderate
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Liraglutide is combined with Albiglutide.
Victoza Toxicity & Overdose RiskLiraglutide is safe and effective for people of any race or ethnicity, and elderly patients. Women have a lower rate of drug clearance, but no dose change is necessary. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should weigh the risks and benefits before taking this medication. Animal studies suggest liraglutide may lead to fetal death or birth defects, however uncontrolled diabetes also has a 20-25% risk of birth defects. The effects of liraglutide on infants is unknown, so the risks and benefits should be considered. Liraglutide is safe and effective for patients up to 160kg,
Victoza Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Victoza?
The efficacy of Victoza is currently being assessed in 238 active studies with regard to its utility in treating Diseases, Physical Activity and Diet.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
BMI >27 kg/m2
0 Actively Recruiting
Diet
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
weight ≥60kg
0 Actively Recruiting
Cardiovascular Diseases
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Weight Management therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
0 Actively Recruiting
at least one weight-related comorbid condition
0 Actively Recruiting
Type 2 Diabetes
192 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3
Physical Activity
38 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Victoza Reviews: What are patients saying about Victoza?
5Patient Review
6/12/2014 If you can't afford Victoza, go to the website and get a coupon. That way, you'll never have to pay more than $25 for it.
5Patient Review
10/26/2016 Victoza was great while it lasted. My A1c stayed around a solid 6.1 and I even managed to lose some weight, which is always welcome. However, after two years of use it started causing my liver function levels to go out of range, so I had to discontinue use. Now the process begins anew with finding a new medication, which is both sad and stressful.
5Patient Review
8/12/2016 I've been taking this medication for two months now at the recommended 1.2 dose, and I haven't experienced any negative side effects whatsoever. In fact, I've lost weight and my numbers are all good. Can't wait to find out what my A1C is!
5Patient Review
3/29/2019 Though the beginning stages were really tough, I'm so glad I stuck it out with this medication. In just a year my A1C went from 12.8 to 4.5 and I've lost over 80 pounds!
5Patient Review
2/26/2017 I've been taking Victoza for a year now and it's really helped me. I was taking Junuvia before, but it didn't do anything for me. Metformin gave me severe diarrhea, so my doctor switched me to Lantus and Victoza. I'm very happy with Victoza - I've had no side effects and I've lost 53 pounds in the last year.
5Patient Review
4/19/2019 I saw excellent results with this treatment, reducing my A1C from 7.0 to 5.6. However, my insurance company stopped covering the cost of the medication, which is now a financial burden. If anyone else is experiencing this issue, I would love to hear what other treatments you are considering and how they are working for you. Thank you in advance!
5Patient Review
5/23/2015 Not sure if I should eat before or after giving myself this injection.
5Patient Review
2/23/2019 Victoza was great while it lasted. Not only did it help with controlling my hunger, but it also helped me lose weight. Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn't cover the costs and I couldn't justify paying $600/month out of pocket.
5Patient Review
5/23/2015 I'm not sure if I should eat before or after I give myself this injection.
5Patient Review
6/12/2014 If you can't afford Victoza, the company offers coupons that make it so you never have to pay more than $25. That's what I did and it was a huge help.
5Patient Review
2/23/2019 Victoza was great for me in terms of controlling hunger, but it's way too expensive to continue using it.
5Patient Review
10/26/2016 Victoza was great while it lasted. My A1c levels stayed around 6.1, and I even lost a few pounds. But after two years of use, it started to impact my liver function; so sadly, I had to stop taking it. Now I'm on the lookout for something new that might work just as well without the negative side effects.
5Patient Review
2/26/2017 I've been victoza for a year now and it's been great. I was previously on Junuvia and metformin, but neither of those did anything for me. Lantus and Victoza have been much better; I haven't had any side effects and I've lost 53 pounds in the last year.
5Patient Review
3/29/2019 Though the beginning was tough, I'm so glad I stuck with this medication. In just one year, my A1C went from 12.8 to 4.5 and I've lost 82 pounds. If you're considering this treatment, definitely go for it!
5Patient Review
4/19/2019 I had excellent results with this medication, bringing my A1C down from 7.0 to 5.6. However, my insurance stopped covering the cost of the medication, which is now a real problem for me. If anyone else has experienced this issue, please let me know what other medications you've tried and how they've affected your A1C levels.
5Patient Review
8/12/2016 I've been taking this medication for two months at the 1.2 dose and have found it to be really effective. I'm excited to see what my A1C is!
4.7Patient Review
12/25/2015 I began at a low dosage and gradually increased it over time. I never experienced any negative side effects, like nausea or headaches (except for the very first week). It hasn't helped me lose weight, but it has been successful in keeping my blood sugar levels stable.
4.7Patient Review
12/25/2015 I slowly increased my dosage over the course of a few weeks, and I never experienced any negative side effects like nausea or headaches. It hasn't helped me lose weight, but it has been effective in controlling my blood sugar levels.
4.3Patient Review
1/19/2018 I have found it difficult to sleep since taking this medication. I generally can't fall asleep until around 4am.
4.3Patient Review
1/19/2018 I'm having some difficulty sleeping since I started this medication. It's not ideal, but it doesn't keep me up all night.
3.7Patient Review
8/19/2022 The treatment was effective, though I did develop pancreatitis as a result. Thankfully, my gallbladder removal surgery went well.
3.7Patient Review
8/19/2022 Though this treatment was effective, I unfortunately developed pancreatitis as a result. This led to having my gallbladder removed.
3.3Patient Review
6/19/2022 I started taking Victoza a month ago. I was originally placed on Tradjenta, but it didn't do anything for me. Victoza has been better; however, I recently caught COVID and have been extremely sick with nausea, vomiting, and burning diarrhea. I'm not sure if the medicine is helping or hindering at this point.
3.3Patient Review
6/19/2022 I started taking Victoza during week one at a dosage of 0.6mg, which was then increased to 1.2mg the following week. I had been placed on Metformin prior but stopped due to the intolerable side effects it caused me. Tradjenta did nothing for my blood sugar levels whatsoever so Victoza seemed like an alright option in comparison--at least at first. My numbers looked good and I experienced suppressed appetite; however, I caught COVID not long after starting this medication and have been extremely sick since with nausea, vomiting, and burning diarrhea. Because of this, I'm not sure if I should
2.3Patient Review
1/28/2018 I was told to start at .6 for two weeks, but I started with .3 because I wanted to check for allergies. That made me so sick and nauseated that I am going back down to .1. Injecting was less painful than testing blood sugar.
2.3Patient Review
1/28/2018 I was told to start at .6 for two weeks, but I started with .3 because I wanted to check for allergies. Unfortunately, that made me so sick and nauseated that I'm going back down to .1. The injection wasn't as painful as testing my blood sugar though.
1Patient Review
1/19/2016 I had an acute pancreatic reaction that caused nonstop vomiting and diarrhea. It took me over 24 hours to recover.
1Patient Review
1/19/2016 This treatment caused me to have an acute pancreatic reaction, resulting in non-stop vomiting and diarrhea. It took me over 24 hours to recover.
Patient Q&A Section about victoza
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the average weight loss on Victoza?
"Treatment with 1.2 mg of Victoza per day leads to an average weight loss of 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs.) after one year. Treatment with 1.8 mg of Victoza per day leads to an average weight loss of 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs.) after one year. Saxenda is FDA-approved to help people lose weight."
Answered by AI
What exactly does Victoza do?
"This medication is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 2 diabetes. It starts to lower blood sugar levels in as little as 2 weeks, lowers A1C, and keeps it down."
Answered by AI
How does Victoza work for weight loss?
"Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, helps you lose weight by making your body release insulin every time blood sugar levels rise. The medication also slows down the process of the stomach emptying after you eat, which makes you feel full for longer."
Answered by AI
Is Victoza the same as metformin?
"The medications Metformin and Victoza are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin can also be used to treat conditions such as polycystic ovaries and weight gain that are caused by other medications used to treat mental disorders. Metformin is a pill taken orally, while Victoza is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously)."
Answered by AI
Is metformin the same as Victoza?
"Treatment for type 2 diabetes can include the use of Metformin and Victoza, which are both medications that work in different ways to control blood sugar levels. Metformin is a pill taken orally, while Victoza is a injection given subcutaneously, or just under the skin. Both drugs can be effective in managing diabetes, but may have different side effects."
Answered by AI
What is Victoza used to treat?
"Liraglutide is an injection used to help control blood sugar levels in adults and children 10+ with type 2 diabetes. It is usually combined with a diet and exercise program. Other diabetes medications may be used as well."
Answered by AI
Why was Victoza taken off the market?
"Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, has petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove Victoza (liraglutide) from the market. They allege that the drug's side effects—higher risks of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, serious allergic reactions, and kidney failure—outweigh any of its documented clinical benefits."
Answered by AI