Victoza: Advanced GLP-1 Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Control
| Product dosage: 6mg | |||
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Synonyms | |||
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. This injectable medication mimics the action of endogenous GLP-1, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, and delaying gastric emptying. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels while offering the potential for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Features
- Active ingredient: liraglutide 6 mg/mL
- Delivery: pre-filled, multi-dose pen injector
- Administration: subcutaneous injection once daily
- Available in two pen sizes: 3 mL (delivering 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg per dose) and 6 mL (delivering 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3.0 mg per dose)
- Requires refrigeration (2°C to 8°C) before first use; stable at room temperature for up to 30 days after initial use
- Not recommended for use with insulin (except basal insulin under careful monitoring)
Benefits
- Significantly reduces HbA1c levels through glucose-dependent mechanisms
- Promotes weight loss by enhancing satiety and delaying gastric emptying
- Demonstrates cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with established cardiovascular disease
- Lowers the risk of hypoglycemia compared to sulfonylureas and insulin when used as monotherapy
- Offers flexible once-daily dosing without strict mealtime requirements
- May improve beta-cell function and preserve pancreatic insulin secretion capacity
Common use
Victoza is primarily prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus whose glycemic control remains inadequate despite lifestyle modifications and other oral antihyperglycemic agents. It is commonly used in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, or SGLT2 inhibitors when additional glycemic control is needed. The medication is also indicated for patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death.
Dosage and direction
Initiate treatment with 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for at least one week to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. Increase to 1.2 mg once daily. If additional glycemic control is needed after at least one week, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 1.8 mg daily for glycemic control, though some pen devices allow administration up to 3.0 mg daily for weight management indications (under separate branding). Administer at any time of day, with or without meals. Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy. Do not mix with other medications in the same syringe.
Precautions
Monitor renal function periodically, as cases of acute renal failure and worsening chronic renal failure have been reported, typically in association with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting). Discontinue promptly if pancreatitis is suspected. Not recommended in patients with a history of pancreatitis. May cause dizziness or blurred vision, affecting ability to drive or operate machinery. Monitor for allergic reactions and discontinue if severe hypersensitivity occurs. Thyroid C-cell tumors have been observed in rodent studies; relevance to humans remains uncertain.
Contraindications
Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). History of hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any product components. Do not use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Possible side effects
Common (≥5%): nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, headache. Hypoglycemia (when used with sulfonylureas or insulin). Less common: decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, injection site reactions. Serious: pancreatitis, allergic reactions, acute kidney injury, gallbladder disease, increased heart rate. Thyroid C-cell tumors reported in rodents; human significance unknown.
Drug interaction
May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas); dose reduction of these agents may be necessary. May delay gastric emptying, potentially affecting absorption of orally administered medications (particularly those requiring rapid gastrointestinal absorption or with a narrow therapeutic index). Monitor drugs such as warfarin (INR monitoring recommended when initiating or changing Victoza dose) and oral contraceptives (consider alternative contraception methods or additional barrier protection).
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible on the same day. Do not administer two doses on the same day. Resume the regular dosing schedule the following day. Do not administer extra doses to make up for missed doses.
Overdose
Effects may include severe nausea, vomiting, and hypoglycemia. In clinical trials, doses up to 15 mg daily (approximately 8 times the maximum recommended dose) have been administered and resulted in gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypoglycemia may occur, particularly when used with other glucose-lowering medications. In case of suspected overdose, provide supportive treatment including glucose administration if hypoglycemia occurs. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be effective due to high protein binding.
Storage
Store unused pens refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. After first use, store at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) or refrigerated. Discard after 30 days, even if medication remains. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if frozen, exposed to excessive heat, or if the solution appears discolored or contains particles.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient responses may vary. Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing Victoza, considering the patient’s complete medical history, current medications, and therapeutic goals. Always follow approved prescribing information and local guidelines. Patients should not adjust their dosage or discontinue medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Victoza’s efficacy in reducing HbA1c by 1.0% to 1.5% when used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents. The LEAD (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes) clinical trial program, involving over 4,000 patients, showed consistent glycemic control with weight reduction of 2-3 kg. The cardiovascular outcomes trial (LEADER) demonstrated a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and a 22% reduction in cardiovascular mortality in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. Real-world evidence supports maintained efficacy over 2 years of treatment, with patient-reported satisfaction regarding weight management and flexible dosing. Gastrointestinal side effects typically diminish after the first 4-8 weeks of treatment.