What is Victoza?
Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children over 10 years old. It belongs to a class of drugs called incretin mimetics that work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps to lower blood sugar levels.
Victoza is taken once a day and comes in two doses, 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg, injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dose of Victoza is usually started at 0.6 mg for one week before being increased to 1.2 mg daily. In some cases, the dose may be further increased to 1.8 mg daily to achieve better blood sugar control.
In addition to its effect on blood sugar levels, Victoza may also help with weight loss by reducing appetite and causing feelings of fullness. It is important to note that Victoza should not be used as a weight loss medication, as it is indicated only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Victoza is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and injection site reactions. In rare cases, Victoza may also cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or thyroid tumors.
Victoza is available by prescription only and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully and report any side effects to your doctor. Victoza may interact with certain medications, so it is important to let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking before starting Victoza.
Frequently Asked Questions about victoza
What is Victoza®? Victoza® is a noninsulin diabetes medication used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes. Victoza® starts to lower blood sugar levels in as soon as 2 weeks, lowers A1C, and keeps it down.
What is the difference between insulin and Victoza? Both insulin and Victoza treat diabetes. However, they are not the same thing. Insulin is a hormone your pancreas produces to control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream, while Victoza directs your body to release more insulin when needed.
Both drugs work to lower blood sugar by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Victoza is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists.
Victoza® (liraglutide) injection 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal ...
Victoza® must be taken every day. It's best to get into a routine so you remember to take Victoza® once a day, at the same time every day.
Victoza is typically used once per day. If possible, you should inject Victoza at the same time every day. Injections can be given under the skin of your: abdomen (belly)
Victoza® helps lower blood sugar for most nonpregnant adults in as soon as 2 weeks, and has been shown to keep it down in a 2-year medical study. Victoza® 1.8 mg taken alone or in combination with other diabetes medications lowered A1C in adults by 1.0% to 1.5%, on average, in medical studies.
Victoza ® (liraglutide) injection 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used: along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Effectiveness for type 2 diabetes
Victoza has been found effective in improving blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 2 diabetes. For details on the effectiveness of Victoza, see the “Victoza uses” section below.
The most common side effects of Victoza® may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation. Talk to your health care provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Victoza®.
It is taken once a day and is delivered with the Victoza® pen. Victoza® can be taken any time of day, with or without food. It's best to get into a routine so you remember to take it at the same time every day. You do not have to adjust your dose based on what you eat or how active you are.
Pen in use: Use a Victoza pen for only 30 days. Throw away a used Victoza pen 30 days after you start using it, even if some medicine is left in the pen. Store your Victoza pen at 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC), or in a refrigerator at 36ºF to 46ºF (2°C to 8°C).
Each Victoza pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide, which can be delivered in doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. Each pen will last 30 days, with 0.6 mg, 15 days with 1.2 mg, and 10 days with 1.8 mg. This medication may be taken at any time of the day.
Victoza® can be taken any time of day, with or without food. For best results, it's best to get into a routine where you take it at the same time every day.
What is the most important information I should know about Victoza®? Victoza® may cause serious side effects, including: Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Victoza is a GLP-1 agonist that's FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. It's an injection that's given underneath the skin daily. In studies, it's been shown to help with weight loss in people with and without diabetes. But it's not specifically FDA approved for this reason.
