Liraglutide: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects, Cost
Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda, all from Novo Nordisk. The first Liraglutide brand, Victoza, was FDA approved in 2010.
- Brands
- Victoza and Saxenda
- Manufacturer
- Novo Nordisk
- First brand approved
- 2010, Victoza
- Best trial weight loss
- 7.4% (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes)
- FDA shortage
- On the FDA shortage list
Saxenda in brief
Its half-life is about 13 hours: after 13 h, half is gone, while about 3% remains after five half-lives (2.7 d).
The SCALE Obesity trial (Prediabetes, 56 weeks) reported 7.4% of body weight, against 3% in the placebo group.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Liraglutide brands compared
One ingredient is used in different brands, and each has its own labeling, uses and pricing.
What the Liraglutide trials showed
| Trial | Who took part | Length | Group | Average weight loss | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | Adults with obesity or overweight who do not have type 2 diabetes | 56 weeks | Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily | 7.4% | 3% |
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), PubMed.
Liraglutide side effects
Compare within a column first because the labels tested different people and doses.
| Side effect | Victoza | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20% | 39.3% |
| Diarrhea | 12% | 20.9% |
| Constipation | Not listed | 19.4% |
| Vomiting | 9% | 15.7% |
| Injection Site Reaction | Not listed | 13.9% |
| Headache | 11% | 13.6% |
| Nasopharyngitis | 10% | Not listed |
| Decreased appetite | 10% | Not listed |
Source of these warnings: FDA label (DailyMed).
Generic and compounded Liraglutide
It remains on the current shortage list. In January 2027, Saxenda will leave the market. Currently, Supply of Victoza pens is limited and generic versions are on the market.
List of sources: api.fda.gov.
Every Liraglutide page
Side effects and safety
Interactions
Who it is for
Cost, savings and coverage
Getting a prescription
Living with it
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) Before and After
- Liraglutide Diet
- Liraglutide Foods to Avoid and Why They Trigger Nausea
- Liraglutide Meal Plan
- Liraglutide Not Working? The Checklist, in Order
- Liraglutide on Reddit
- Liraglutide Plateau
- Liraglutide Results
- Liraglutide Reviews
- Liraglutide Timeline
- Protein on Liraglutide
- Stopping Liraglutide