Victoza Dosage, forms & strengths
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also used to reduce the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults with T2DM and known heart disease. Victoza is not approved by the FDA to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
How does Victoza work?
Victoza is considered an incretin mimetic that binds and activates the GLP-1 receptor in your pancreas. GLP-1 is an essential hormone that helps manage blood glucose levels after you eat carbohydrates or fats. In type 2 diabetic patients, GLP-1 levels are decreased. GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Victoza, increase the release of insulin, blocks the liver from making more sugar, and slow down digestion.
Victoza dosage forms and strengths
Victoza is available in the following dosage form and strengths:
- 6 mg/ml injection solution in a pre-filled pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg
Victoza dosage
The starting dose of Victoza is 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week. The 0.6 mg dose is used to reduce the risk of GI side effects. It can then be titrated up as tolerated.
Victoza adult dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2DM and risk reduction of cardiovascular events | 0.6mg injected under the skin once daily for 1 week. | 1.2mg to 1.8mg injected under the skin once daily. | 1.8mg injected under the skin once daily. |
Victoza pediatric dosage chart
| Indication | Age | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T2DM | 10 years and older | 0.6mg injected under the skin once daily for 1 week. | 1.2mg to 1.8mg injected under the skin once daily. | 1.8mg injected under the skin once daily. |
Victoza dosage restrictions
- There is no dose adjustment recommended for patients with renal impairment.
- There is limited data on the use of Victoza in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment. Currently, there is no dose adjustment recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.
How to take Victoza
- Read the Instructions for Use, Prescribing Information, and Medication Guide, including the Boxed Warning that comes with this medication.
- Use Victoza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. They should show you how to use Victoza before you take your first dose.
- Victoza is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once a day at any time of the day. You can take this medication with or without food.
- Victoza is injected under the skin in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. You should never inject this medication into your muscle or vein.
- Rotate your injection site with each injection of Victoza to reduce the risk of cutaneous amyloidosis (lumps under your skin).
- If you miss a dose of Victoza, skip it and take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take extra doses of Victoza to make up for the missed dose.
- If you think you have taken too much Victoza, call your doctor immediately or seek medical attention.
- Before its first use, you should store your pen in the refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC). Do not store Victoza in the freezer or use it if it’s been frozen. After its first use, the Victoza pen can be stored for up to 30 days at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Your pen should be discarded 30 days after its first use.
Victoza dosage FAQs
What are the most common side effects of Victoza?
The most common adverse reactions of Victoza in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:
- Nausea
- Injection site reaction
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood sugar
In rare instances, Victoza can cause more serious side effects. These can include:
- Serious allergic reactions including hives (urticaria), angioedema, and difficulty breathing
- Increased risk of thyroid c-cell tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease including cholelithiasis or cholecystitis
- Kidney dysfunction
- Increased heart rate
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any adverse effects you experience while taking Viberzi. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What are some drug interactions with Viberzi?
When Victoza is taken with other drugs, it may change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Victoza lowers your blood sugar levels and can cause hypoglycemia. You are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia if it is used along with sulfonylureas or insulin. Victoza also delays gastric emptying so it can have an impact on the absorption of oral medications taken along with it. Victoza has not been studied in patients with gastroparesis.
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Victoza?
Victoza should not be taken by patients with:
- Personal or family history of a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Hypersensitivity to Victoza or any of its inactive ingredients
Caution should be taken in certain patients as:
- Victoza causes an increased risk of thyroid tumors. Notify your doctor if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
- acute pancreatitis has been reported with the use of Victoza.
- acute gallbladder disease is possible.
- you are at risk of hypoglycemia, especially when taken with other diabetes medications such as glimepiride or insulin.
- there is an increased risk of kidney dysfunction.
What is the difference between Victoza and Saxenda?
Victoza and Saxenda are both injectable medications that contain liraglutide. There are differences in the conditions they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and the doses used.
Victoza is indicated along with diet and exercise to treat T2DM in adults and children aged 10 years and older. It is approved to reduce the potential risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with T2DM and cardiovascular disease.
Saxenda is indicated along with diet and exercise for long-term body weight management in adults with certain weight-related conditions and/or body mass index (BMI) measurements. It is also used to treat obesity in children 12 years and older.
RELATED: Saxenda vs Victoza
What is Victoza used to treat?
Victoza is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also indicated to decrease the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults with T2DM and known heart disease. Victoza is not indicated to treat T1DM or as a weight loss medication.
What happens if I miss a dose of Victoza?
If you miss a dose of Victoza, skip it and take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take extra doses of Victoza to make up for the missed dose.
Is it safe to use Victoza while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The risk of fetal harm with the use of Victoza is not known. There is no data on the use of Victoza during lactation. It is not known if this medication is found in breast milk or the effects Victoza may have on the infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Related resources for Victoza dosage:
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/victoza-saxenda-liraglutide-999449
- https://www.novo-pi.com/victoza.pdf
- https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/victoza.html
- https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Victoza-liraglutide-459.5943#4
