liraglutide
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.
What is Victoza (liraglutide)?
What is Victoza (liraglutide) used 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
How Victoza (liraglutide) works
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, or GLP-1 agonist for short. It works in a similar way to GLP-1, which is a hormone your body naturally makes.
Victoza (liraglutide) tells your body to release more insulin from the pancreas. Insulin helps move glucose (sugar) from the blood and into your cells for energy. The medication also keeps the stored form of sugar in the body from getting into the blood. These actions help lower your blood sugar levels.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Victoza (liraglutide)?
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Other Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Injection site reaction (e.g., rash, redness)
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat
- Pancreatitis or gallstones: severe stomach or back pain, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes
Source: DailyMed
More on Victoza (liraglutide) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
chills
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
hoarseness
joint pain
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
muscle aches and pains
shivering
sweating
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
Blurred vision
dizziness
nervousness
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
Rare
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
increased hunger
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
loss of consciousness
nightmares
redness of the skin
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
Incidence not known
Agitation
clay-colored stools
confusion
dark urine
decreased awareness or responsiveness
decreased urine output
difficulty with swallowing
hostility
irritability
muscle twitching
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
severe sleepiness
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
tightness in the chest
unpleasant breath odor
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Victoza (liraglutide)
Pros
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
Pharmacist tips for Victoza (liraglutide)
Inject Victoza (liraglutide) once every day. Pick a time that works best for you. It doesn't matter if you inject close to a meal or not.
Try to inject Victoza (liraglutide) at the same time every day. This can help make it part of your daily routine. You can also set up reminders on your phone to help yourself remember when to take the medication.
Most people start to see changes in their blood sugar about 2 weeks after starting Victoza (liraglutide). You probably won't see changes with the starting dose of 0.6 mg. This low dose helps your body get used to the medication and lowers the chance of side effects like nausea.
You'll need to buy needles separately for your Victoza (liraglutide) injections. This medication doesn't come with needles. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about the right needles for your pen.
Don't reuse old needles if you're running low for your Victoza (liraglutide) pens. Use a new needle with each injection to prevent germs from spreading and infection. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for needles if you're out.
If you miss a dose of Victoza (liraglutide), skip it and wait to inject your usual dose of medication the next day. Don't double up on your dose to make up for the one you missed because this can raise your risk of side effects. If you forget to take Victoza (liraglutide) for 3 days in a row, talk to your prescriber. You'll have to restart the medication at a lower dose.
Tips on how to use the Victoza (liraglutide) pen:
Your healthcare team will show you how to use and inject Victoza (liraglutide). They'll make sure you can do it on your own first. Read the Instructions for Use, and ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Don't share Victoza (liraglutide) pens, even if you put a new needle on it. Sharing pens can be harmful because it can spread infections to others.
How to store Victoza (liraglutide): Store unused pens in the refrigerator, but don't freeze them. After you use a pen for the first time, you can keep it either at room temperature (up to 86ºF) or in the fridge for 30 days. Throw it away after this time. Store the pen without a needle on it when you're not using it.
Prime each new Victoza (liraglutide) pen before using: Follow the directions in the "First Time Use for Each New Pen" section of the instructions to prime a new pen. You only need to prime it once. This makes sure the pen is ready for you to use and will give you a full dose of medication each time you use it.
Where to inject Victoza (liraglutide): Inject the medication under the skin of your stomach or thigh. Someone can also help you inject it into the fatty area in the back of your upper arm. Choose a different spot within the same area for each injection. This helps prevent skin irritation or damage.
How to inject Victoza (liraglutide): Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose. After inserting the needle into the skin, press down on the dose button until "0 mg" lines up with the pointer. Keep the dose button pressed down and count to 6 to make sure you get all the medication for your dose. Then, lift up the pen. Carefully cover the needle with the needle cap and unscrew it from the pen.
How to throw away Victoza (liraglutide): Throw away used needles and empty pens in a sharps container. Also place your pen in this container after it's been 30 days since you first used it. Don't throw away used needles and pens in the trash. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks.
More on Victoza (liraglutide) tips
Frequently asked questions about Victoza (liraglutide)
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What are the risks and warnings for Victoza (liraglutide)?
Victoza (liraglutide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible risk of thyroid cancer
In animal studies, some rats and mice got thyroid cancer when they were given Victoza (liraglutide). It was more likely to happen when these animals got higher doses or were given the medication for a long time. It's not known if Victoza (liraglutide) can cause thyroid cancer in people.
Because of this risk, people with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) can't take Victoza (liraglutide). People with a family member who had this cancer also can't take Victoza (liraglutide). In addition, those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) can't take this medication.
Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about the risk of thyroid cancer. Call your care team right away if you feel a lump in your neck or throat. Also let them know if you have trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or a hoarse voice that won't go away. These could be signs of thyroid cancer.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Risk factors: History of gallstones | History of alcohol use disorder
Although it's rare, some people who used Victoza (liraglutide) had swelling in their pancreas (called pancreatitis). Sometimes, it can be serious. It's not clear if people who've had pancreatitis before are more likely to get it again while using this medication.
Stop taking Victoza (liraglutide) and tell your prescriber right away if you have signs of pancreatitis. Watch for severe stomach or back pain. Also be aware of any stomach problems that make you vomit.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Risk factors: Also using insulin | Also taking a sulfonylurea (like glipizide) | Children
Victoza (liraglutide) lowers your blood sugar levels. But sometimes, it can drop too low, which can be dangerous. This is more likely if you also use insulin or take a sulfonylurea like glipizide. Tell your prescriber about any other diabetes medications you take. They can see if you need any dose changes to keep you safe.
Make sure you and your loved ones know how to spot low blood sugar. Signs include feeling very hungry, shaky, dizzy, weak, or confused. You might also have a fast heartbeat or sweat a lot. Treat low blood sugar with fast-acting carbohydrates, like glucose tablets or hard candy. Call your prescriber if you have low blood sugar while you're taking Victoza (liraglutide).
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can harm the kidneys | Low fluids in the body (dehydration)
Some people who took Victoza (liraglutide) had kidney problems. This included people with and without kidney problems to begin with. In some cases, they needed dialysis. Most people got better after stopping Victoza (liraglutide) or after getting treated for the kidney problem. Tell your prescriber if you have kidney problems so they can make sure the medication is safe for you.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Let your care team know if you have a lot of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking Victoza (liraglutide). This can make you dehydrated, which can sometimes hurt your kidneys. Also tell them if you can't urinate or are urinating less than usual. This could be a sign of a kidney problem.
Allergic reactions
Risk factors: Previous allergic reaction to another GLP-1 agonist
Some people have had serious allergic reactions to Victoza (liraglutide). Signs include rash; trouble breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. There also could be other signs of anaphylaxis. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if this happens while using Victoza (liraglutide).
Tell your prescriber if you've have an allergic reaction to other GLP-1 medications before. It's not clear if that raises your risk with Victoza (liraglutide). Don't take Victoza (liraglutide) if you've had an allergic reaction to Saxenda since it has the same active ingredient.
Gallbladder problems
It's rare, but some people who took Victoza (liraglutide) had gallbladder problems like gallstones. Call your care team right away if you have sudden severe pain in the upper stomach or back, fever, or yellow skin or eyes. These can be signs of gallbladder problems. Your prescriber will probably run tests to check if your gallbladder is okay.
Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
While under general anesthesia or deep sleep, some people taking GLP-1 medications like Victoza (liraglutide) had a serious lung problem. This happened when food or liquid got into the lungs.
It's rare, but this lung problem can happen because Victoza (liraglutide) slows down your gut. So even if you followed instructions not to eat before your procedure, food might stay in your stomach and get into the lungs.
Before any surgery or medical procedure, tell the care team that you're taking Victoza (liraglutide). Your care team can watch for this lung problem and help keep you safe during the procedure.
Victoza (liraglutide) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Victoza (liraglutide)
This medication is injected under the skin on the stomach, thigh, or back of the upper arm.
The typical starting dose is 0.6 mg injected once daily.
After at least 1 week, your prescriber might raise the dose to 1.2 mg injected once daily.
After at least another week, your prescriber can raise the dose again to 1.8 mg injected once daily, if needed. This is the highest dose you can take.
More on Victoza (liraglutide) dosage forms
Interactions between Victoza (liraglutide) and other drugs
More on Victoza (liraglutide) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Balofloxacin
- Besifloxacin
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Enoxacin
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Insulin
- Insulin Aspart, Recombinant
- Insulin Bovine
- Insulin Degludec
- Insulin Detemir
- Insulin Glargine, Recombinant
- Insulin Glulisine
- Insulin Lispro, Recombinant
- Lanreotide
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Pasireotide
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Prulifloxacin
- Rufloxacin
- Sparfloxacin
- Thioctic Acid
- Tosufloxacin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
How much does Victoza (liraglutide) cost?
Victoza (liraglutide) contraindications
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Allergic reaction to other liraglutide products (Saxenda)
What are alternatives to Victoza (liraglutide)?
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
Manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older, along with diet and exercise
Lower the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or heart-related risk factors
Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
What is the latest news about Victoza (liraglutide)?
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References
Best studies we foundCapehorn, M. S., et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg vs once-daily liraglutide 1.2 mg as add-on to 1–3 oral antidiabetic drugs in subjects with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 10). Diabetes & Metabolism.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Aspiration pneumonia.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Dehydration.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II.
National Cancer Institute. (2019). Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
Novo Nordisk. (2019). Getting started with your Victoza® pen.
Novo Nordisk. (2025). Victoza- liraglutide injection [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FDA approves first generic of once-daily GLP-1 injection to lower blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Glucagon-like peptide 1.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Insulin.
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