Victoza (Liraglutide)

Is the Victoza Injection for Weight Loss?

The technical answer is no. Victoza (liraglutide) was not designed for or manufactured for weight loss treatment. It was designed as a type 2 diabetes medication, much like all GLP-1 medications. However, when patients were using the Victoza injection to treat diabetes, they discovered one of the Victoza side effects was weight loss. Medical doctors then began prescribing these types of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. This is known as off label use, meaning they are able to prescribe it for a treatment outside of its intended use.

Although Victoza is known to cause weight loss in adults, another form of liraglutide for weight loss in non diabetics, was approved by the FDA. This medication, called Saxenda, comes in a higher dosage than Victoza. Because of the higher dosage, Saxenda weight loss results were found to be more effective, then the lower dosage of Victoza.

Liraglutide VS Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Which is better Liraglutide or Semaglutide? When comparing Glucagon Like Peptide medications such as liraglutide vs semaglutide for weight loss, it can be a hard choice to make. GLP-1 medications are known to be some of the best weight loss products currently available.

Both liraglutide and semaglutide induce weight loss by reducing daily energy intake. But, which medication causes the greatest weight loss?

In a recent study there was an average 8% weight loss seen from semaglutide use, over a 68-week period compared to 4% on liraglutide. This was in adults with obesity but without diabetes. Additionally, patients using semaglutide had a greater chance of achieving weight loss versus those using liraglutide. There was also evidence that semaglutide reduces the appetite. Liraglutide appears to have a lesser effect on reducing appetite.

When comparing liraglutide to semaglutide, it appears semaglutide is the clear winner for causing greater weight loss, especially in non diabetics.

What are Some Victoza Side Effects?

Victoza side effects include the following:

Minor Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased Appetite
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

Serious Side Effects

• Allergic Reactions
• Kidney Problems
• Problems with Gallbladder
• Pancreatitis

If you experience any serious side effects from Victoza contact your health care provider immediately.

When Will Victoza Side Effects Go Away?

Most side effects are usually noticed when you first begin using the Victoza injection for weight loss. These subside over time, usually within a few weeks. If you have Victoza side effects that don’t subside within a few weeks contact your health care professional.

Are There Side Effects of Stopping Victoza?

Since the Victoza injection is prescribed to lower blood glucose levels, the main side effect of stopping Victoza would high blood sugar levels. Abruptly stopping Victoza can also cause nausea for a few days. It is also possible that you will regain lost weight. Before stopping Victoza contact your healthcare professional.

Are There Any Drug Interactions?

According to the drug interaction checker at Drugs.com there are over 250 Victoza drug interactions. Some of the major ones are:

• Bexarotene drug interaction with Victoza – Using liraglutide together with bexarotene can cause inflammation of the pancreas – also known as pancreatitis.

• Gatifloxacin drug interaction with Victoza – Gatifloxacin can affect blood glucose levels and should not be used in patients with diabetes.

There are an additional 222 moderate drug interactions and 26 minor drug interactions.

You should also talk to your healthcare provider to get options before using alcohol with Victoza. Alcohol use can affect blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes mellitis.

Can You Adjust the Victoza Dosage?

Yes. Similar to Mounjaro, the Victoza dosage is actually meant to be adjusted over the course of time. The Victoza dosing schedule is once a day and administered subcutaneously (directly under the skin). The starting dose is typically .6 mg daily, for the first full week. After the first week you can adjust the Victoza dosage to 1.2 mg daily. This dose should be continued for a minimum of another week, possibly longer, depending on your blood glucose levels. If needed you can then adjust the Victoza dosage to 1.8 mg daily. 1.8 mg daily is the maximum dose recommended. However, you typically only want to take the lowest dosage necessary to produce the desired results.

Where to Inject the Shot

The shot should be given subcutaneously (SQ). The Victoza injection for weight loss can be given in the following injection sites: The abdomen, the thigh or the upper arm. Try to change the location of the subcutaneous injection each time you give it. This will cut down on the risk of infection as well as cut down on swelling at the injection site.

What is the Cost?

Most medications in the GLP-1 class can be quite expensive and the cost of the Victoza injection for weight loss is no different. The cost of Victoza can be upwards of $1000.00 without insurance coverage. Even with health insurance, the cost is not cheap. You will also run into the problem that most health insurance coverage will not cover the cost of Victoza for weight loss. However, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your health insurance plan may cover the cost of it.

When checking the prices of Victoza for weight loss, online health websites like GoodRX list their prices, via individual pharmacies, like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart. The prices listed aren’t cheap and range from $1,081.00 up to $1,186.00. The prices may be cheaper or more expensive based on where you live.

Is There a Victoza Coupon?

When trying to cut down on the cost of Victoza for weight loss you should always try to find a coupon offered by the manufacturer. Most makers of weight loss injections offer some type of savings coupon. These coupons usually allow you to purchase the medicine for as little as $25. This makes the drug much more affordable for those who can not afford it.

Unfortunately, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the Victoza injection no longer offers a Victoza savings card. Novo Nordisk discontinued the Victoza coupon on April 9, 2021. This is unfortunate since the savings card could have helped save thousands of dollars. It is odd that Novo Nordisk no longer offers the coupon for Victoza since they still offer a coupon for Saxenda (liraglutide).

Based on Novo Nordisk offering a coupon for the Saxenda injection, it may be the better and cheaper alternative to the Victoza injection for weight loss treatment.