Victoza (Liraglutide) for Diabetes

Overview
Victoza is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Victoza is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. Victoza is also referred to by its drug name, Liraglutide.

Victoza is an incretin mimetic. Victoza is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Victoza mimes the effects of incretin, which signals the pancreas to make more insulin and prevents the liver from releasing glucose. Victoza is believed to work by normalizing blood glucose levels. Victoza also causes weight loss.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Victoza should be administered via a subcutaneous injection once a day.

Victoza comes as a prefilled pen.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Victoza lists common side effects including headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Victoza include thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and systemic allergic reactions.