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. Read the package leaflet before use.