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Liraglutide

MED-000016

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and, under certain brand names, to support chronic weight management. It is the active ingredient in Victoza® and Saxenda®. Liraglutide works by increasing insulin release when blood glucose levels are elevated, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing appetite.

Medication Overview

Generic Name:

Medication Class:

Manufacturer:

Route:

Dosing Frequency:

Liraglutide

GLP-1

Multiple manufacturers

Injection

Daily

Status:

Published

Medication Summary

Aliases

Victoza, Saxenda

Search Keywords

liraglutide, victoza, saxenda, GLP-1

Medication Uses

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Medication Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed reference covering every GLP-1-class medication.

Liraglutide is the active ingredient used in multiple FDA-approved prescription medications. The approved indication depends on the specific brand prescribed.

Current FDA-approved uses include:

• Improving blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

• Improving blood glucose control in children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes (Victoza®).

• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

• Chronic weight management in eligible adults and adolescents when prescribed as Saxenda® alongside reduced-calorie nutrition and increased physical activity.

Brand-specific indications should always be confirmed using the official prescribing information.

Dosage

Liraglutide dosing varies depending on the condition being treated and the specific brand prescribed.

Typical dosing schedules include:

• Starting at a low daily dose to improve gastrointestinal tolerance.

• Gradually increasing the dose over several weeks according to prescribing guidelines.

• Injecting once daily at approximately the same time each day.

Patients should always follow the dosing instructions provided by their healthcare professional.

Administration

How Liraglutide Is Administered

Liraglutide is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a prefilled injection pen.

Recommended injection sites include:

• Abdomen

• Thigh

• Upper arm

Rotate injection sites regularly to reduce the risk of skin irritation or lipodystrophy. Liraglutide may be taken with or without food but should be administered at approximately the same time each day.

Patients should receive training from their healthcare provider before self-administering liraglutide.

Benefits

Potential Benefits

When prescribed appropriately and combined with healthy lifestyle changes, liraglutide may help:

• Improve blood glucose control

• Lower HbA1c levels

• Reduce fasting blood sugar

• Increase feelings of fullness

• Reduce appetite

• Support clinically meaningful weight loss under approved indications

• Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in eligible adults

Individual treatment goals and expected results should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Headache

• Decreased appetite

• Injection-site reactions

• Indigestion

Many gastrointestinal side effects improve after the first several weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to therapy.

Patients experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

Warnings

Liraglutide carries an FDA boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies. It should not be used in patients with:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Additional warnings include:

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Kidney injury

• Serious allergic reactions

• Hypoglycemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe abdominal pain, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions

Liraglutide slows stomach emptying, which may affect how some oral medications are absorbed.

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements before starting treatment.

Special consideration should be given when liraglutide is used with:

• Insulin

• Sulfonylureas

• Other glucose-lowering medications

Medication changes should only be made under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

Storage

Storage Instructions

Before first use:

Store liraglutide pens in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.

After first use:

Follow the storage instructions provided for the specific brand product. Protect the pen from excessive heat and direct sunlight, and always replace the pen cap after use.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information for liraglutide-containing medications

• DailyMed prescribing information

• American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care in Diabetes

• American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) clinical practice guidance

• Manufacturer prescribing information for Victoza® and Saxenda®

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.

Track Your Progress

Starting a GLP-1 medication is only the beginning. Long-term success comes from consistently tracking your treatment and understanding how your body responds over time.

With DietApp.com, you can:

• Log injections and medication schedules

• Track body weight and BMI

• Monitor blood glucose trends

• Record side effects and symptoms

• Track appetite, hydration, and energy levels

• Visualize long-term progress with charts and reports

Keeping detailed records can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and stay engaged with your treatment plan.

Download DietApp.com

Related Resources

Explore additional evidence-based resources on DietApp.com:

• Victoza (Liraglutide) Medication Guide

• Saxenda (Liraglutide) Medication Guide

• GLP-1 Medication Library

• GLP-1 Injection Guide

• GLP-1 Side Effects Guide

• GLP-1 Safety Information