Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Victoza vs. Lantus

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Victoza (liraglutide) and Lantus (insulin glargine) are both injectable medications used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of diabetes. Victoza is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps your body release more insulin, stop releasing extra sugar, and slow down digestion, making it useful for Type 2 diabetes and reducing heart-related risks. On the other hand, Lantus is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by providing a steady release of insulin throughout the day. Victoza is typically injected once daily and can help with weight management, while Lantus is also injected once daily but is more focused on maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Victoza can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting, whereas Lantus may lead to low blood sugar and weight gain. Additionally, Victoza is not insulin, but Lantus is a form of insulin.

Victoza (liraglutide)
Lantus (insulin glargine)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Lantus (insulin glargine)
Summary of Victoza vs. Lantus
Summary for GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.
Summary for Insulin
Prescription only
Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin, typically once daily or as directed by your healthcare team. Your care team will determine your dose of Lantus (insulin glargine) based on different factors, such as your diet and blood sugar levels. Lantus (insulin glargine) comes as a vial and a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects of this medication include redness and swelling at the injection site, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Indications of Victoza vs. Lantus
Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise

•Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Indications for

•Type 1 diabetes (T1D)

•Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
Pros and Cons of Victoza vs. Lantus
Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year

•Can take with or without food at any time of day

•Available as an injectable pen

Cons

•Must inject once a day

•Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache

•Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body

Pros and Const for Insulin
Pros

•Can control your blood sugar levels for about 24 hours

•Typically injected once daily

•Approved for children and adults

•Available as a vial and pre-filled pen

Cons

•Given as an injection

•Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels

•Might cause weight gain

•Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe
Common Side Effects of Victoza vs. Lantus
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (up to 20%)

•Diarrhea (up to 12%)

•Headache (up to 11%)

•Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)

•Lower appetite (up to 10%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Indigestion (up to 7%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)

•Constipation (5%)

Common Side Effects for
Type 2 diabetes (T2D)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 29%)

•Swelling in the hands or feet (20%)

•High blood pressure (20%)

•Flu, sinus infections, or bronchitis (up to 19%)

•Cataract (15%)

•Joint pain (14%)

•Pain in the hands and feet (13%)

•Back pain (13%)

•Cough (12%)

•Urinary tract infection (11%)

•Diarrhea (11%)

•Depression (11%)

•Headache (10%)

Note: People with T1D typically experienced less side effects than people with T2D, but are at higher risk for hypoglycemia.
Warnings of Victoza vs. Lantus
Common Side Effects for

•Possible risk of thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

•Kidney damage

•Allergic reactions

•Gallbladder problems

•Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of serious infections

•Risk of high and low blood sugar levels

•Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)

•Low blood potassium levels

•Swelling and heart failure

•Severe allergic reactions
Prices with our coupons for Victoza vs. Lantus
Learn more about Victoza
Learn more about Lantus

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Victoza vs. Lantus

Key takeaways

Summary of Victoza vs. Lantus

Indications of Victoza vs. Lantus

Pros and Cons of Victoza vs. Lantus

Common Side Effects of Victoza vs. Lantus

Warnings of Victoza vs. Lantus

Prices with our coupons for Victoza vs. Lantus

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox