Victoza

Victoza is the brand name for liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It is approved for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Victoza is administered by subcutaneous injection once daily, at any time of day, with or without meals. The typical starting dose is 0.6 mg once daily for one week to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, followed by 1.2 mg once daily. If needed for better glycemic control and tolerated, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg once daily. It is not approved for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, and it is not indicated for weight management under Victoza; a separate higher-dose product (Saxenda) is indicated for obesity.

Mechanism: liraglutide mimics endogenous GLP-1, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite, leading to improved HbA1c and often weight loss.

Clinical use and safety: Liraglutide can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as decreased appetite. Additional risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease; there is a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies, and humans with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use liraglutide. Use in pregnancy is not recommended, and caution is advised in patients with severe renal impairment or GI disorders. Hypoglycemia risk increases when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas; monitor for interactions with other oral medications due to slowed gastric emptying. In adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, liraglutide has been associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in large trials.