Liraglutide Headache: How Common, How Long It Lasts
Yes. Headache is listed in 2 of 2 liraglutide labels. The highest rate in each label runs from 11% on Victoza to 13.6% on Saxenda. Placebo in the Saxenda trials: 12.6%.
- Labels that list it
- 2 of 2
- Highest rate
- 13.6% Saxenda
- Lowest rate
- 11% Victoza
Saxenda facts at a glance
The half-life is about 13 hours. After 13 h, half is gone. After five half-lives (2.7 d), about 3% remains.
Results for SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks were 7.4% of body weight, compared with 3% on placebo.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
How often it appears with liraglutide compared with placebo
The label trials show liraglutide headache for each dose group. The comparison group in that same trial is placebo.
| Medicine and dose | Headache | Placebo | More than placebo | People in the trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoza 1.2 mg | 11% | 7% | +4 points | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Victoza 1.8 mg | 10% | 7% | +3 points | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
| Saxenda Saxenda | 13.6% | 12.6% | +1 points | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
Sources: Victoza label (DailyMed), Saxenda label (DailyMed).
Headache comparison: liraglutide and other GLP-1s
Every label describes separate trials involving different groups of people. Consider this a rough guide.
Among pill forms, the table also includes Foundayo.
| Medicine | Highest rate in the label | Dose group | Placebo | People in the trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wegovy | 14% | 2.4 mg | 10% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Saxenda | 13.6% | all doses | 12.6% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
 Victoza | 11% | 1.2 mg | 7% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
 Foundayo | 9% | 9 mg | 7% | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) |
| Byetta | 9% | all doses | 6% | Adults with type 2 diabetes |
 Ozempic | Not listed | – | – | – |
 Rybelsus | Not listed | – | – | – |
 Mounjaro | Not listed | – | – | – |
 Zepbound | Not listed | – | – | – |
 Trulicity | Not listed | – | – | – |
Sources: Wegovy label (DailyMed), Foundayo label (DailyMed), Saxenda label (DailyMed), Victoza label (DailyMed), Byetta label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label on DailyMed.