What Is Victoza (Liraglutide)?
Victoza is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains liraglutide, a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. At the 1.2mg and 1.8mg diabetes doses, Victoza improves blood sugar control by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying. It is the same active ingredient as Saxenda, which uses a higher 3mg dose for weight management.
LEADER Cardiovascular Outcomes
The LEADER trial enrolled 9,340 adults with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. Over a median follow-up of 3.8 years, patients on liraglutide 1.8mg had a 13% reduction in the combined rate of cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, and nonfatal stroke compared to placebo. Victoza was one of the first GLP-1 medications to demonstrate this kind of cardiovascular benefit, which is especially important for type 2 diabetes patients who often have elevated heart disease risk.
Victoza vs Saxenda
Both contain liraglutide but at different doses for different purposes. Victoza is dosed at 1.2mg or 1.8mg daily and is approved for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is dosed at 3mg daily and is approved for chronic weight management. They should never be used together. If your primary goal is weight loss rather than blood sugar control, your clinician may recommend Saxenda or a weekly GLP-1 option instead.
How to Use Victoza
- Form: Pre-filled multi-dose pen for subcutaneous injection.
- Frequency: Once daily, at the same time each day.
- Sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites.
- With food: Can be given with or without food.
- Storage: Refrigerate unused pens. In-use pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.
| Period | Daily Dose | Purpose |
|---|
| Week 1 | 0.6mg | Starter dose to reduce GI side effects. Not a therapeutic dose. |
| Week 2 onward | 1.2mg | First therapeutic dose. Many patients stay here. |
| If more needed | 1.8mg | Maximum dose for additional A1C and CV benefit. Used in LEADER trial. |
Important Safety Information for Victoza
This is not a complete list. Always review the full Prescribing Information and speak with a licensed clinician.
Boxed Warning: Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Do not use if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Report any neck lump, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
Common Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, and headache. Usually worst when starting and tend to improve. Serious risks include pancreatitis, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Victoza
Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also one of the few diabetes medications proven to reduce cardiovascular risk in the LEADER trial.
Both contain liraglutide. Victoza is dosed at 1.2mg or 1.8mg daily and is approved for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is dosed at 3mg daily and is approved for chronic weight management. They should not be used together.
Some patients lose weight on Victoza as a secondary benefit, but the weight loss is generally modest (2 to 4 kg). For dedicated weight loss, Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) or injectable semaglutide options like Wegovy produce significantly greater results.
Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes. Victoza (liraglutide) is injected once daily, while Ozempic (semaglutide) is injected once weekly. Ozempic generally produces greater A1C and weight reductions in clinical comparisons. Your clinician will recommend the best option based on your profile.
Yes. Through Vitercure, a licensed clinician reviews your medical history through our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform and can prescribe Victoza if appropriate. Prescriptions are fulfilled by licensed US and UK pharmacy partners.
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation. These are usually worst during the first few weeks. Victoza carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, the same as other GLP-1 medications.
