VICTOZA ratings & reviews

Liraglutide
Company: Novo Nordk
Brand: VICTOZA
+1 more
VICTOZA, Saxenda
Drug class: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
+4 more
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism, Antidiabetic Agents, Blood Glucose Lowering Agents, excluding Insulins, Incretin mimetics Antidiabetics, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists

Sermo AI Overview

  • While physicians observe that Victoza is effective in controlling blood sugar levels and has weight loss benefits, there are split opinions on its efficacy for reducing cardiovascular mortality, indicating varied experiences among healthcare professionals.
  • Victoza is generally recognized for its trusted safety, with a strong safety profile and effectiveness noted in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. However, the drug faces concerns regarding its cost and accessibility for patients.
  • Despite its safety and efficacy, potential gastrointestinal side effects and the dislike of its injection method continue to be drawbacks, alongside patient struggles with high out-of-pocket costs which affect overall access to the medication.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

VICTOZA contains liraglutide, which is an analog of human GLP-1 and functions as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is provided as a sterile, clear, colorless solution for subcutaneous injection, with each 1 mL containing 6 mg of liraglutide. The inactive ingredients include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection. Each pre-filled pen holds 3 mL of the solution, equating to 18 mg of liraglutide.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin of your upper leg, stomach area, or upper arm. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store unopened pen in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 30 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine -Fast or irregular heartbeat -Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting -Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Constipation -Diarrhea -Loss of appetite -Nausea -Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Gallbladder disease -Have or have had pancreatitis -Having surgery -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors -Personal or family history of thyroid cancer -Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food -An unusual or allergic reaction to liraglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Alcohol -Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS -Aspirin and aspirin-like medications -Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol -Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat -Chromium -Clonidine -Diuretics -Estrogens or progestin hormones -Fenofibrate -Gemfibrozil -Guanethidine -Isoniazid -Lanreotide -Male hormones or anabolic steroids -MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate -Medications for weight loss -Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough -Medications for mental health conditions -Niacin -Nicotine -NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen -Octreotide -Other medications for diabetes, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride -Pasireotide -Pentamidine -Phenytoin -Probenecid -Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin -Reserpine -Some herbal dietary supplements -Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone -Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim -Thyroid hormones

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once. Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery. Do not share pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection. Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication. If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Lactation may help lower your blood sugar levels. Your care team may recommend changes to your treatment plan.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may increase the risk of thyroid tumors or cancer. Do not take this medication if you or a family member has or have had multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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