Skip to main content

Compare
Victoza vs. Saxenda

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

Victoza

(liraglutide)

Get free coupons

Saxenda

(liraglutide)

Get free coupons

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 Saxenda

Prescription only

Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Indications for Saxenda

Pros and Cons for Saxenda

Pros

  • Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
  • Can take with or without food, at any time during the day
  • Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity

Cons

  • Must inject once a day
  • Can cause stomach upset
  • Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)

Common Side Effects for Saxenda

Adults:

  • Nausea (39%)
  • Diarrhea (21%)
  • Constipation (19%)
  • Vomiting (16%)
  • Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)
  • Headache (14%)
  • Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
  • Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years and up:

  • Nausea (42%)
  • Vomiting (34%)
  • Diarrhea (22%)
  • Low blood sugar (15%)
  • Stomach inflammation (13%)
  • Dizziness (10%)

Warnings for Saxenda

  • Possible risk for thyroid cancer
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Low blood sugar
  • Faster heart rate
  • Severe stomach side effects
  • Kidney problems due to dehydration
  • Allergic reactions
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Victoza vs. Saxenda

Price Card Drug Icon
Liraglutide (Victoza)1 carton / 3 pens of 18mg/3ml
$201.30$923.83
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Liraglutide (Saxenda)1 carton / 5 pens of 18mg/3ml
$372.45$994.91
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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