What is this medication for?
Liraglutide belongs to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is used along with diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications to improve blood glucose (sugar) levels for adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your body make more insulin and control blood glucose levels.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Victoza® is available as:
- prefilled, multi-dose injection
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult starting dose of liraglutide is 0.6 mg daily injected under the skin on your stomach area (abdomen), upper thigh, or upper arm, exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
It can be injected at any time of the day, and does not have to be taken with meals. After one week, your doctor will increase the dose to 1.2 mg once daily. If needed, your doctor may increase the dose again in one week to 1.8 mg once daily. Do not change your dose unless instructed by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose or increase your dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Liraglutide should be clear and colorless. Do not use the liraglutide if you notice particles or anything unusual in the appearance of the solution.
Store this medication in the refrigerator, do not allow it to freeze, and keep it out of the reach of children. After the first use of the pen, this medication can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days or in the refrigerator.
To protect this medication from light, always keep the pen cap on when you are not using it. Always store this medication without a needle attached to prevent contamination, infection, and leakage.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to liraglutide or any ingredients of the medication
- have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
- have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumors in more than one gland in their body)