GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Victoza (and generic liraglutide)

liraglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · Novo Nordisk; generics available

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk; generics available, used for blood sugar control in adults and children 10+ with type 2 diabetes and lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Schedule: once daily. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormPrefilled multi-dose pen
How oftenOnce daily
United StatesFDA-approved; generic liraglutide (Victoza equivalent) is available.
CanadaApproved in Canada.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults and children 10+ with type 2 diabetes
  • Lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Victoza dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Victoza label dosing schedule
1Week 10.6 mg daily (starter)
2Week 2 on1.2 mg daily
3If needed1.8 mg daily
Victoza dose stepsWeek 1: 0.6 mg; Week 2 on: 1.2 mg; If needed: 1.8 mg0.6 mgWeek 11.2 mgWeek 2 on1.8 mgIf needed
Victoza label titration, step by step. Doses go up only as tolerated and as your prescriber decides.

How to take it

Inject once daily at any time, independent of meals.

Storage

Refrigerate before first use; after first use up to 30 days at room temperature or in the fridge.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Generic liraglutide is typically far cheaper than branded weekly GLP-1s. Check discount programs.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Victoza legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Frequently asked questions

Is Victoza the same as Saxenda?

Same molecule. Saxenda uses higher doses (up to 3 mg) for weight management.

Also searched as: liraglutide, generic liraglutide, Victoza pen, Victosa, liraglutide injection

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

GLP-1 & incretin medicinesSaxenda (and generic liraglutide 3 mg)liraglutide · Once dailyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic (injection)semaglutide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesTrulicitydulaglutide · Once weekly
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