What is Victoza®?
Victoza is a prescription medication developed by Novo Nordisk. It is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children over 10 with type 2 diabetes. While primarily used as a diabetes medication, Victoza can also help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with both type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It can also be prescribed for its off-label use for weight loss in individuals with obesity. Victoza (Liraglutide) is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone to improve blood sugar control.
Benefits of Victoza®?
Victoza (Liraglutide) is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. Although it is not an FDA-approved weight loss medicine, clinical studies have shown that it can help with weight loss. In one clinical trial conducted for 52 weeks, funded by Novo Nordisk, participants who took Liraglutide 1.8 mg lost 2.5 kg of total body weight, while the participants who took Liraglutide 1.2 mg lost 2.1 kg of total body weight, and the participants who took Glimepiride 8 mg gained 1.1 kg.
Victoza (Liraglutide) offers multiple benefits other than managing type 2 diabetes and weight management. Victoza offers a risk reduction of cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke) in people with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk.
How does Victoza® work?
Victoza contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone. The GLP-1 hormone stimulates the release of insulin in the pancreas, a response to increased blood sugar levels after meals. Insulin's main job is to move the glucose from our bloodstream into the body's cells for energy. Victoza also lowers the production of glucagon, the hormone that signals the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream, thereby reducing blood sugar spikes.
Victoza slows gastric emptying, which keeps food in the stomach longer and leads to prolonged satiety and decreased appetite. By targeting these pathways, Victoza supports better blood sugar control and helps reduce overall calorie intake, leading to weight loss in some patients.
Victoza may not work for everyone, and it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to assess which medication is best suited for you. Aayu Well Healthcare ensures thorough assessment and evaluation to build a plan tailored to your needs.
How to use it
Victoza should be taken as instructed by a qualified healthcare provider. Victoza is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once daily using a prefilled pen. Novo Nordisk recommends injecting it into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate the injection site to avoid skin irritation or infection. Victoza should be stored in a refrigerator before first use and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days once in use. Always follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider before injecting Victoza.
Dosing
- The dosage of Victoza is gradually increased by your healthcare provider over several weeks to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. Victoza usually begins at 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) per day for one week, then increased to 1.2 mg daily. If further blood sugar control is necessary, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg per day as prescribed by the healthcare provider.The maximum dose of Victoza is 1.8 mg daily, though some patients achieve sufficient results at the 1.2 mg dose. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your response to the medication and any side effects.
Side effects
- Although Victoza is well tolerated, you may still experience some side effects. These include gastrointestinal side effects, particularly when starting the treatment. Examples are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These usually subside as you get used to the treatment.
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder issues: Sudden upper abdomen or back could indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis): Symptoms such as persistent bloating, acid reflux, and vomiting undigested food may signal delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).
- Kidney problems: Dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney issues.
- If you experience any of these more severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Black Box Warning
- Victoza has a black box warning due to an observed risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies, although it’s unknown if this risk extends to humans. Signs that you can observe of a potential thyroid tumor include a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience those symptoms.
- As a precaution, the FDA warns patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid using Victoza (Liraglutide).
Precautions
- Before you start taking Victoza, inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, a history of thyroid cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Liraglutide because it is not known if it will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
- Victoza should not be used by insulin-dependent diabetics (type 1 diabetes). When Liraglutide is taken with insulin, when the insulin dose is reduced too quickly, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Interactions
- Victoza can interact with certain medications and substances, which may affect how it works. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking. Some examples are:
- Other Diabetes Medications: Using Victoza with sulfonylureas or insulin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Careful blood sugar monitoring is advised if combining these medications.
- Oral Medications: Since Victoza can delay gastric emptying, it may affect the absorption of other oral medications. Consult with a healthcare provider if you take medications that require precise timing.
- Other GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medications: Avoid taking Victoza with other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Dulaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Semaglutide.
- Always consult your healthcare provider regarding any medications you are currently taking before starting Victoza to avoid potential interactions.
