What it's approved for
- Improving blood sugar control in people 10 and older with type 2 diabetes
- Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
How it works
It mimics GLP-1 like semaglutide, but it is cleared faster, so it needs a daily injection.
Victoza has a half-life of about 13 hours, which is why it's dosed daily.
The same medicine is sold as Saxenda. See Saxenda vs Victoza.
Dose steps on the label
Increase to 1.8 mg after at least 1 week on 1.2 mg if needed. Maintenance: 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg once daily.
What the main trials found
LEAD program: A1C fell about 1 to 1.5 points, with modest weight loss of a few pounds.
Most common side effects
| Side effect | Victoza | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 18% to 20% | 5% |
| Diarrhea | 10% to 12% | 4% |
| Vomiting | 6% to 9% | 1% |
| Constipation | 5% | 2% |
Placebo-controlled trials in the Victoza label (1.2 mg and 1.8 mg). See all side effects.
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $816 | $10,608 | Approximate list price per 2-pen pack (brand). Generic liraglutide is usually cheaper |
| Generic liraglutide | Varies by pharmacy | Varies | Self-pay |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Victoza
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Victoza
Common questions
What is Victoza?
Victoza is liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It's a once daily injection.
What is the starting dose of Victoza?
The label starts at 0.6 mg, 1 week first. Increase to 1.8 mg after at least 1 week on 1.2 mg if needed.
What is the highest dose of Victoza?
The highest dose on the label is 1.8 mg once daily.
Is Victoza approved for weight loss?
No. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes. The same medicine is approved for weight management as Saxenda.
What if I miss a dose of Victoza?
Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time the next day. If more than 3 days are missed, restart at 0.6 mg.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error