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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)

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Lantus

(insulin glargine)

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Summary for Victoza

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.

Indications for Victoza

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Victoza

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

Common Side Effects for Victoza

Warnings for Victoza

  • 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

Summary for Lantus

Prescription only

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Lantus

Pros and Cons for Lantus

Pros

  • Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
  • Injected once daily
  • Approved for both adults and children
  • Available as a vial and prefilled pen

Cons

  • Given as an injection under the skin
  • Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe

Common Side Effects for Lantus

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
  • Other infection (10%)
  • Eye problem (6%)

Warnings for Lantus

  • Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
  • Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low potassium levels
  • Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Victoza vs. Lantus

Price Card Drug Icon
Liraglutide (Victoza)1 carton / 3 pens of 18mg/3ml
$201.30$923.83
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Lantus1 carton / 5 solostar pens of 3ml
$35.00-
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