Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Liraglutide

If you've heard about Liraglutide — sold under the brand names Victoza (for type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (for weight management) — you might be wondering how to get a prescription. Not every doctor is familiar with GLP-1 medications, and some may not prescribe them regularly. This guide walks you through how to find the right provider, what to expect at your appointment, and what comes next.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Liraglutide?

Several types of doctors can prescribe Liraglutide, depending on why you need it:

• Primary care physicians (family medicine or internal medicine) — Most commonly prescribe Liraglutide for type 2 diabetes. Many also prescribe Saxenda for weight management.
• Endocrinologists — Specialize in hormones and metabolism. They're often the go-to for complex diabetes cases or when first-line treatments haven't worked.
• Obesity medicine specialists — Board-certified in obesity medicine and experienced with medications like Saxenda for chronic weight management.
• Cardiologists — May prescribe Victoza for patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, since Liraglutide has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs can prescribe Liraglutide independently or under physician supervision.

Since Liraglutide is not a controlled substance, any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for it.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most practical ways to find a doctor who prescribes Liraglutide in your area:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online directory. Search for endocrinologists, obesity medicine specialists, or internal medicine doctors in your network. This ensures you'll get the best coverage and lowest copays. Many commercial insurance plans cover Liraglutide with a copay of $25 to $150 per month, but you'll usually need to see an in-network provider.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search by specialty, insurance, and location. Try searching for "endocrinologist" or "weight loss doctor" in your area. Many profiles list the conditions they treat and medications they prescribe.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If your primary care provider doesn't prescribe GLP-1 medications, they can refer you to a specialist who does. This is especially helpful if your insurance requires referrals for specialist visits.

4. Try Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to access Liraglutide prescriptions. Several online platforms now connect patients with licensed providers who can prescribe GLP-1 medications remotely. This is especially useful if you live in a rural area or can't easily get to a specialist. Telehealth visits are often faster and more affordable than in-person appointments.

5. Check Medfinder

If you already have a prescription and need to find Liraglutide in stock near you, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have it available.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you see your doctor in person or via telehealth, here's what a typical Liraglutide appointment looks like:

Before the Visit

• Gather your medical history, including any previous diabetes or weight management treatments
• Write down your current medications (including supplements and over-the-counter drugs)
• Know your recent lab results if available (A1c, fasting glucose, BMI)
• Check if your insurance requires prior authorization for Liraglutide

During the Visit

Your doctor will likely:

• Review your medical history and current medications
• Discuss why Liraglutide might be appropriate for you
• Explain how to use the injectable pen — Liraglutide is a once-daily subcutaneous injection
• Go over the side effects of Liraglutide, including nausea (the most common) and the boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors
• Discuss the dose titration schedule — you'll start at 0.6 mg daily and gradually increase

Questions to Ask

• Which brand is best for me — Victoza, Saxenda, or generic Liraglutide?
• What dose will I start at, and how quickly will we increase it?
• Will my insurance cover this medication?
• What should I do if I experience side effects?
• Are there alternatives if Liraglutide doesn't work for me?

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a prescription for Liraglutide, here's what to do next:

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Liraglutide often requires prior authorization. Your doctor's office will usually submit this for you, but it can take a few days to a week. For weight loss (Saxenda), some plans also require step therapy — meaning you may need to try other treatments first.

Find the Best Price

Liraglutide prices vary significantly:

• Brand Victoza or Saxenda: $1,000 to $1,400 per month without insurance
• Generic Liraglutide (Teva or Meitheal): $230 to $500 per month
• With insurance or savings cards: as low as $20 to $25 per month

Check out our guide on how to save money on Liraglutide for coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs.

Find a Pharmacy With Stock

Due to ongoing shortages of brand Victoza, you may need to check multiple pharmacies. Use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Liraglutide in stock right now.

Learn to Use the Pen

Liraglutide comes in a prefilled injectable pen. Your doctor or pharmacist should demonstrate how to use it. Key tips:

• Inject in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation
• Store the pen in the refrigerator before first use; after first use, keep at room temperature for up to 30 days
• Take it at the same time each day for best results

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Liraglutide is usually straightforward. Start with your primary care provider or insurance directory, and don't overlook telehealth as a convenient option. Once you have your prescription, use tools like Medfinder to find the medication in stock and at the best price.

If you're curious about how the medication works, check out our guide on how Liraglutide works or learn more about what Liraglutide is and how it's used.