What is Liraglutide?

Q: What are the side effects of liraglutide?

Common side effects are low blood sugar; nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite; diarrhea, constipation; rash; headache, dizziness, and feeling tired.

Liraglutide, marketed under the brand name Victoza, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is considered less preferred than metformin for diabetes treatment. The long-term effects of liraglutide on health outcomes such as heart disease and life expectancy are still unknown.

Liraglutide Uses

Liraglutide is used to control high blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications. By controlling blood sugar levels, liraglutide helps prevent complications like kidney damage, nerve problems, limb loss, and sexual function issues. Additionally, liraglutide can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Mechanism of Action: Liraglutide mimics incretin hormones that increase insulin release in response to high blood sugar levels (post-meal) and decrease the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It is not a substitute for insulin treatment.

How to Use Liraglutide

Read Instructions: Read the Medication Guide and User Manual provided by your pharmacist before using liraglutide and with each refill.
Administration: Inject this medication under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once daily as directed by your doctor.
Separation from Insulin: If you are also taking insulin, do not mix the injections. They can be administered in the same area, but not at the same site.
Dosage: The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects.
Visual Inspection: Check the product for particles or discoloration before use. Do not use if either is present.
Cleaning: Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose to prevent irritation.
Regular Use: Use liraglutide at the same time each day and follow your doctor's treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program.

Note: Do not share your pen device, even if the needle has been changed, to avoid infections.

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Liraglutide Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Headache
Constipation
Heartburn
Runny nose
Sneezing or cough
Tiredness
Difficulty urinating
Pain or burning during urination
Injection site rash or redness

Serious Side Effects:

Ongoing stomach or back pain
Worsening depression
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Mood or behavior changes
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea
Clay-colored stools
Yellow eyes or skin
Heart-pounding
Fainting

If you experience serious side effects, stop using liraglutide and consult your doctor immediately.

Precautions

Allergies: Inform your doctor about any allergies to this product.
Medical History: Discuss your medical history, especially regarding kidney disease, pancreatitis, or gastroparesis.
Blood Sugar Levels: Liraglutide can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are sure you can do so safely.
Alcohol Intake: Limit alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of low blood sugar.
Stress Management: Stress can affect blood sugar control; consult your doctor for potential treatment plan adjustments.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Liraglutide should not be used during pregnancy. Discuss diabetes management plans with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The safety of liraglutide in breastfeeding is unknown, so consult your doctor before use.

Interactions

Drug interactions can affect how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Common interactions include:

Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, timolol): These can prevent the fast heartbeat symptom of low blood sugar.
Medications affecting blood sugar levels: Examples include corticosteroids, psychiatric medications, and quinolone antibiotics.

Overdose

If an overdose occurs, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store the liraglutide pen in the refrigerator before first use. Do not freeze.
Post-First Use: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Avoid direct sunlight and heat.
Discard: Discard the pen 30 days after first use, even if it contains some medication.
Keep Out of Reach: Store all medications out of reach of children and pets.

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Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide

Basis	Liraglutide (Victoza)	Semaglutide (Ozempic/Rybelsus)
Generic Name	Liraglutide	Semaglutide
Use	Type 2 diabetes, obesity	Type 2 diabetes
Mechanism	Increases insulin release and decreases liver sugar production	Increases insulin secretion for sugar metabolism
Dosage Forms	Injectable	Injectable and oral
Common Brand Names	Victoza	Ozempic, Rybelsus

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can liraglutide be used for weight loss?

Liraglutide has been shown to be effective at inducing and maintaining weight loss in obese patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea.

2. What is liraglutide used for?

Liraglutide injection (Victoza) is used in combination with a diet and exercise program to control blood sugar levels in adults and children aged 10 and up who have type 2 diabetes (a condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and thus cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood).

3. How does liraglutide help with weight loss?

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog, which means it has a similar effect to GLP-1, a gut hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis, inhibits gastric emptying, and reduces appetite by acting on the brain's satiety centers.

4. What are the side effects of liraglutide?

Common side effects are - low blood sugar; nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite; diarrhea, constipation; rash; headache, dizziness and feeling tired.

5. How much weight can you lose with liraglutide?

With the recommended diet and exercise schedule, liraglutide has consistently resulted in 4 to 6 kg weight loss, with a higher proportion of patients achieving a 5 to 10% weight loss compared to placebo.

6. How does Liraglutide work?

When blood sugar levels are high, it helps the pancreas release the appropriate amount of insulin. Insulin aids in the transport of sugar from the bloodstream to other body tissues where it is used for energy. Liraglutide injection also slows stomach emptying, which may reduce appetite and cause weight loss.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.