Victoza (liraglutide)

• Victoza is used with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
• Victoza should not be used for treating diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes and should not be used as the first agent for treating diabetes after failure of diet and exercise.

What brand names are available for liraglutide?

Victoza

Is liraglutide available as a generic drug?

No

Do I need a prescription for liraglutide?

Yes

• The most common side effects of Victoza are
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Headache
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Dizziness
  • Sinusitis
  • Back pain
  • Reactions at the injection site
• Combining Victoza with insulin or drugs that stimulate release of insulin (for example, glyburide) may increase the occurrence of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The dose of insulin or the insulin release stimulating drug should be reduced.
• There have been reports of acute pancreatitis associated with the use of Victoza. Patients developing severe, persistent abdominal pain that might be caused by pancreatitis, should seek prompt medical attention. If pancreatitis is suspected, Victoza should be discontinued and not started again until the presence of pancreatitis has been excluded.
• Victoza can cause thyroid tumors that occur more frequently at higher doses and with longer duration of treatment. Since Victoza is a synthetic protein patients may develop antibodies to Victoza. Victoza antibodies may reduce the effectiveness of Victoza.

• Victoza is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Each pre-filled pen can deliver 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg doses. The initial dose is 0.6 mg daily for one week.
• The initial dose helps the body to build a tolerance to stomach related side effects.
• Victoza is not effective for controlling blood glucose.
• After one week the dose is increased to 1.2 mg daily.
• The maximum dose is 1.8 mg daily.

• Victoza slows down transit of food and drugs through the intestine and, therefore, may reduce the absorption of drugs that are taken orally. Although Victoza did not significantly affect the absorption of oral dugs tested in studies, it is still prudent to separate administration of Victoza and oral medications.
• Combining Victoza with insulin or drugs that stimulate release of insulin (for example, glyburide [Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase, Prestab]) may increase the occurrence of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The dose of insulin or the insulin release stimulating drug should be reduced.

• There are no adequate studies of Victoza in pregnant women. Most experts agree that insulin is the drug of choice in pregnant women with diabetes.
• There are no adequate studies of Victoza in nursing mothers, and it is not known whether Victoza is excreted in human breast milk.

What preparations of liraglutide are available?

Multiple dose pre-filled pen: 18 mg in 3 ml (6 mg/ml)

How should I keep liraglutide stored?

• Victoza should be refrigerated between 2-8 C (36-46 F) prior to first use.
• After the first use it can be stored at room temperature 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F) or refrigerated at 2 C - 8 C (36 F - 46 F).