What is Victoza?
Victoza contains the active ingredient raglutid and belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is used once a day as a subcutaneous injection for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults.
Liraglutid simulates the body's Inkretin hormone GLP-1, which is extracted after eating. It stimulates insulin distribution, inhibits glucose release and slows down stomach emptying.
Victoza is made by Novo Nordisk. The LEADER study showed a cardiovascular protective effect.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Liraglutid
Liraglutid acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist:
Glucose-dependent insulin stimulation:
- Promotes insulin release only with increased blood sugar
- No hypoglycaemia risk for use alone
Glukagon inhibition:
- Reduces the glucose release from the pancreas
- Less sugar release from the liver
Magic emptying:
- Slowing down stomach emptying
- Flatter blood sugar tips after eating
Saturation:
- Effect on the saturation centre in the brain
- Support for weight loss
Who is it suitable for?
Victoza is suitable for:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes combined with oral antidiabetics
- Patients in whom metformin alone is not sufficient
- Diabetes patients with increased cardiovascular risk
- Overweight patients (additional weight reduction)
Not suitable:
- Diabetes type 1
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Personal/family anamnese of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- MEN-2- Syndrome
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Available Dosages
For subcutaneous injection:
- 0.6 mg once a day (start dose, at least 1 week
- 1.2 mg once a day (therapeutic dose)
- 1.8 mg once a day (maximaldosis, if necessary)
Increasing dose:
- Week 1: 0.6 mg/day (conciliation, no full effect)
- From week 2: 1.2 mg/day
- If necessary for at least 1 week: 1.8 mg/day
How to Take
Application:
- Once a day, at any time
- Possible at the same time of the day
- Subcutaneous injection in belly, thighs or upper arm
- Injection site vary
Important notes:
- Store pen in the refrigerator (2-8 °C), broken max. 30 days at room temperature
- Set pen cap (light protection)
- Do not freeze
- Forgotten dose: Repeat within 12 hours, then leave
Contraindications
**Victoza must not be applied at:* *
- Hypersensitivity to Liraglutid
- Medulle thyroid carcinoma (personal/family)
- MEN-2- Syndrome
- Diabetes type 1
Preview at:
- Pancreatitis in prehistory
- Heavy kidney failure
- Heavy liver failure
- Inflammatory intestinal diseases
- Diabetic gastroparese
Pregnant period: Not recommended. At least 2 months before planned pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Very common (>10%):
- nausea
- diarrhea
Acid (1-10%):
- Break.
- Blocking
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- Reactions at the injection site
Occasionally:
- Pancreatitis
- gallstones
- Allergic reactions
- Increased heart rate
** Gastrointestinal side effects occur mainly at the beginning and usually improve within a few weeks. Slow dose increase is important.
Interactions
Insulin and sulfonylureas: Hypoglycemia risk increases. Dose reduction may be necessary.
Oral medicines: Slow gastric emptying can affect the absorption of other drugs.
Warfarin: INR is more often controlled at the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Victoza right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.