Prescription Required
Victoza is a medication for type 2 diabetes treatment formulated to lower blood sugar levels and improve the ability of Type 2 diabetics to get A1C test scores down to 7% or lower. Victoza is a GLP-agonist medication that works in 3 ways to control blood glucose. It slows food leaving the stomach, prevents sugar production by the liver, and then promotes more insulin production from the pancreas. It may also be a better fit for people with the risk of cardiovascular events while Type 2 diabetic and is approved for children 10 years of age and up.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
| License | US FDA, EU EMA |
| Bioavailability | ~ 55% |
| Legal status | Rx-Only |
| Chemical Name | Liraglutide |
| Elimination half-life | ~ 13 h |
| Dosage (Strength) | 6mg/ml (3ml pens) |
| Pregnancy | Consult a doctor |
| Brands | Victoza |
| Protein binding | More than 98% |
| PubChem CID | 16134956 |
| MedlinePlus | a611003 |
| ChEBI | 71193 |
| ATC code | A10BJ02 |
| DrugBank | DB06655 |
| KEGG | D06404 |
| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Use your Victoza pen only as indicated in your prescription.
Injection should be made under the skin of your belly, thigh, or upper arm once a day. Do not inject at the same location more than once to avoid the risk of lipodystrophy. Continue to rotate your injection sites between the 3 given body locations.
Safety Test:
Wipe rubber seal with alcohol / remove protective seal from a new needle.
Line up needle with pen and keep it straight as you screw it on.
Turn dose selector until flow check symbol (--) lines up with pointer – this is only required for a NEW Victoza pen and will only need to be done once.
Take off outer cap but keep it to remove used needle after injection / take off inner needle cap and discard it.
Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards / tap the cartridge so that any air bubbles rise up towards the needle.
Press the injection button all the way in and confirm that insulin comes out of the needle tip.
Injection:
Turn the dose selector until your needed dose lines up with the pointer (0.6mg, 1.2mg or 1.8mg).
Insert the needle into skin at proper injection site as indicated in your prescription and discussed with your doctor.
Keep the needle under the skin for a full count of 6 seconds to make sure the full dose is injected. Keep your thumb on the injection button until you remove the needle from your skin.
Remove and discard needle only as shown in your prescription and dispose of responsibly.
More detailed information on Victoza pen injections will be included with your prescription or available online at the manufacturer’s (Novo Nordisk) website.
The active ingredient in Victoza is Liraglutide.
Tell your doctor if you have any history of pancreas, liver or kidney problems, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome (endocrine system condition), or gastroparesis (emptying of stomach) before starting on Victoza.
Victoza should never be mixed with insulin with the same injection.
Medication is not for Type 1 diabetes treatment and Victoza will not be prescribed for weight loss.
Victoza pen is not approved for use with children under 10 years of age.
Negative drug interaction risks are possible between Victoza and other Rx medications, including amlodipine, atorvastatin, furosemide, levothyroxine, and hydrochlorothiazide as well as other oral diabetes medications. Tell your doctor of all medications you are currently taking before receiving a prescription and proceeding to buy Victoza 2-pak online.
Side effects from Victoza may occur, and some users may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), elevated heartbeats, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. If Victoza side effects are experienced, you may want to discontinue use and speak with your doctor again regarding diabetes pen alternatives.
What is Victoza (liraglutide)?
Victoza is an injectable medication used alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It's also prescribed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
How does Victoza work in the body?
Victoza operates in the liver, pancreas, and gut to control blood glucose levels. It reduces hepatic glucose output, increases insulin production, and slows gastric emptying.
Is dose adjustment required for patients with renal impairment?
No dose adjustment of Victoza is recommended for patients with renal impairment. However, caution is advised when initiating or escalating doses in patients with renal impairment due to limited experience in those with end-stage renal disease.
What was the trial that studied the efficacy of Victoza in pediatric patients?
The ELLIPSE trial evaluated Victoza's efficacy in pediatric patients. It involved 134 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 10 to 17 years, receiving liraglutide up to 1.8 mg/day or placebo, in combination with metformin with or without basal insulin.
How often do patients need to take Victoza?
Victoza is administered subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, irrespective of meals. It can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
What are the dosages for Victoza?
Victoza is available in a prefilled, multidose pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg.
What is the recommended dosing schedule for Victoza?
The initial dose is 0.6 mg daily for one week to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. This is followed by an increase to 1.2 mg daily. If needed, the dose can be further increased to 1.8 mg daily after at least one week on the 1.2 mg dose.
What are the side effects of Victoza?
Side effects of Victoza can range from common symptoms like bladder pain, diarrhea, and headache to less common ones such as blurred vision and dizziness. Rare side effects include anxiety, cold sweats, and seizures. Patients should consult healthcare providers immediately if they experience severe side effects.
What are the contraindications and precautions for Victoza?
Victoza is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It should also be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or severe kidney disease.
How should Victoza be stored?
Unopened Victoza pens should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Once in use, the pen can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) or refrigerated. Each pen should be used within 30 days of first use, and it should not be stored with the needle attached to prevent contamination and dosing inaccuracies.
