Key takeaways:
Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable medication for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 and older.
In June 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of an authorized generic of Victoza in the U.S. This product is exactly the same as brand-name Victoza, but without the brand name on the label. The FDA has also approved several other Victoza generics.
Your pharmacist can help switch you from brand-name Victoza to the typical generic or authorized generic if it helps you save money. They may be able to do this without speaking to your prescriber if your prescription allows for substitutions.
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Managing Type 2 diabetes comes with its own set of challenges, from monitoring blood glucose (sugar) levels to navigating medication costs. For many people, Victoza (liraglutide) is a cornerstone in their diabetes treatment plan. But for some, it may be difficult to access due to availability or cost. This is where generics can help.
Generics are lower-cost versions of brand-name medications. And oftentimes, there are multiple generics on the market, which can boost competition and availability. So, is there a Victoza generic available? Here’s what you should know.
1. An authorized generic of Victoza has launched in the U.S.
In June 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of an authorized generic version of Victoza in the U.S. Authorized generics are brand-name medications without the brand name on the label. In other words, this product — labeled as liraglutide — is exactly the same as Victoza. It’s made by Victoza’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, but marketed by Teva.
Unlike typical generics, the FDA doesn’t need to separately approve authorized generics. This is because the product itself has already been approved, but with a different name on the label. Instead, the original manufacturer needs to notify the FDA that it intends to market the authorized generic.
Authorized generics typically cost less than the brand-name product. This is also the case for the Victoza authorized generic.
2. The FDA has also approved several other Victoza generics
Teva Pharmaceuticals was one of several manufacturers that originally submitted approval requests for their Victoza generics. This type of approval request is known as an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA). Other examples of these manufacturers include Viatris (formerly Mylan), Sandoz, and Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
The FDA approved the first Victoza generic, which was from Hikma Pharmaceuticals, on December 23, 2024. This product is different from the authorized generic marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It’s a typical generic, meaning that it went through the ANDA process and may have some slight differences from Victoza, such as its inactive ingredients.
Since then, the FDA has also approved Victoza generics from Meitheal Pharmaceuticals and Lupin.
Good to know: You may see products marketed online as “generic Victoza.” But these likely aren’t actual generics. Instead, they may be research-grade chemicals or compounded products.
3. It’s possible to switch from brand-name Victoza to a generic
As long as your prescription allows substitutions, your pharmacist may be able to switch you from brand-name Victoza to a generic without contacting your prescriber. This also includes authorized generics. Otherwise, they’ll need to get approval from them first.
However, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance plan to see which medication is preferred. Even if a generic is available, some plans may still prefer the brand-name medication instead. In this case, Victoza’s cost could be more affordable, depending on your coverage.
There are also other ways to save on Victoza, if you want to stick with the brand-name product. For example, Victoza’s price is as low as $228.57 with a GoodRx coupon at certain pharmacies.
4. You may see additional savings as more Victoza generics are launched
Once generic versions of a medication become available, they’re typically offered at a lower cost than the brand-name medication. And your copay for generic medications may be lower, too.
How to save: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like Victoza (liraglutide) don’t need to break the bank. Explore ways to save on your prescription with this GLP-1 savings guide.
How they compare: Victoza and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both injectable medications for Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about how they compare.
Authorized generics 101: Authorized generics aren’t the same as your typical generic. Here’s what you should know about authorized generics.
First generics generally offer the greatest discount, with an average price that’s 39% lower than the brand-name medication. Each generic launched after that introduces more competition, which can drive the price down further.
5. GoodRx can help you save on Victoza generics
If your prescription isn’t covered, your copay is too high, or you don’t have insurance, GoodRx can help you save on Victoza generics. With a free GoodRx coupon, the price of the generic is as low as $228.57 at certain pharmacies.
Check back with GoodRx for more savings once other Victoza generics have launched.
Frequently asked questions
No, Victoza and Ozempic (semaglutide) are not the same drug. Both medications belong to the same class — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. But Victoza contains liraglutide, a shorter-acting GLP-1 that’s injected daily. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which only needs to be injected once a week. Studies have shown that Ozempic tends to be more effective than Victoza at lowering hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar levels over 3 months).
Victoza is a brand-name medication that has several lower-cost generics available. If you’ve been using Victoza and are looking for a more affordable option, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a generic.
Yes, Victoza is still on the market in the U.S. But it has been in shortage with limited availability since July 2023. If you’re having difficulty finding Victoza, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a generic version, which should have better availability.
No, Victoza and Ozempic (semaglutide) are not the same drug. Both medications belong to the same class — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. But Victoza contains liraglutide, a shorter-acting GLP-1 that’s injected daily. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which only needs to be injected once a week. Studies have shown that Ozempic tends to be more effective than Victoza at lowering hemoglobin A1C (average blood sugar levels over 3 months).
Victoza is a brand-name medication that has several lower-cost generics available. If you’ve been using Victoza and are looking for a more affordable option, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a generic.
Yes, Victoza is still on the market in the U.S. But it has been in shortage with limited availability since July 2023. If you’re having difficulty finding Victoza, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a generic version, which should have better availability.
The bottom line
Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable medication for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 and older. In June 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of an authorized generic of Victoza. This product is exactly the same as brand-name Victoza, but without the brand name on the label.
The FDA has also approved several typical Victoza generics, including those from Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Lupin, and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals. If you’re using Victoza and are looking for a lower-cost option, talk to your healthcare team about switching to a generic.
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References
Komendant, E. (n.d.). The first (price) cut is the steepest: Congress must preserve the 180-day incentive for first generics. Association for Accessible Medicines.
Lupin. (2025). Lupin receives US FDA approvals for liraglutide and glucagon injectable products.
Meitheal Pharmaceuticals. (2025). Meitheal Pharmaceuticals announces approval and launch of Liraglutide injection in the United States.
Novo Nordisk. (2023). Form 20-F 2022.
Teva Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Liraglutide injection, for subcutaneous use [package insert].
Teva Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Teva announces launch of authorized generic of Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8mg), in the United States.
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.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Abbreviated new drug application (ANDA).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). Current and resolved drug shortages and discontinuations reported to FDA: Liraglutide injection.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA list of authorized generic drugs.
