Victoza Side Effects: How Common, How Long They Last
In the Victoza label, nausea is the most common side effect: 20% on 1.8 mg vs 5% on placebo. Next come diarrhea and headache.
- Most common
- Nausea 20%
- Same on placebo
- 5%
- Trial group
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
Victoza overview
Its half-life is about 13 hours: after 13 h, half is gone, and five half-lives leave about 3% (2.7 d).
In the 52-week LEAD-3 trial, people with type 2 diabetes lost 2.5 kg, compared with 1.1 kg on placebo.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Victoza side effects: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label lists 10 common Victoza side effects based on placebo-controlled trials. The last column shows how much more often each one occurred than on placebo.
| Side effect | Placebo | Victoza 1.2 mg | Victoza 1.8 mg | More than placebo, 1.8 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 5% | 18% | 20% | +15 points |
| Diarrhea | 4% | 10% | 12% | +8 points |
| Headache | 7% | 11% | 10% | +3 points |
| Nasopharyngitis | 8% | 9% | 10% | +2 points |
| Decreased appetite | 1% | 10% | 9% | +8 points |
| Vomiting | 2% | 6% | 9% | +7 points |
| Dyspepsia | 1% | 4% | 7% | +6 points |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 6% | 7% | 6% | No more than placebo |
| Constipation | 1% | 5% | 5% | +4 points |
| Back Pain | 3% | 4% | 5% | +2 points |
Label source: DailyMed FDA label.
Serious warnings in plain language
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors Thyroid C-cell tumors occurred in rodents because of it, but whether it causes them in people is not known. Do not take it if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Do not take it if you have MEN 2 either.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis It can cause inflammation in the pancreas. Get medical care and stop taking it when the pain in your stomach is severe and will not stop, sometimes moving to your back.
- Low blood sugar Taking it with insulin or a sulfonylurea raises the chance of low blood sugar, so those doses may need to be reduced.
- Kidney injury from fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea may cause fluid loss, which can lead to kidney injury. Report heavy fluid loss. Drink fluids.
- Severe stomach and gut reactions. Stomach and gut side effects are common, and some may be severe. People with severe gastroparesis are not advised to take it.
- Serious allergic reactions Serious allergic reactions have been reported. Some involved swelling of the throat, lips or face. If they happen, stop taking it and seek help right away.
- Gallbladder disease Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder may occur. Report yellow skin or eyes, fever, or upper right belly pain.
- Food reaching the lungs during anesthesia or sedation It matters that food can remain in your stomach longer under anesthesia or deep sedation. Tell your care team before you have any procedure.
Label source: DailyMed FDA label.
Label source: DailyMed FDA label.
Common side effects, one by one
- Nausea rates: placebo 5%, 1.8 mg 20%
- Diarrhea rates: placebo 4%, 1.8 mg 12%
- Headache rates: placebo 7%, 1.2 mg 11%
- Dyspepsia: 1% with placebo, 7% with 1.8 mg
- Constipation: 5% on 1.2 mg, 1% on placebo
More Victoza questions: Fatigue, Hair loss, Muscle loss, Sulfur burps, Face changes, Butt changes.