What Is Victoza?

Victoza (Liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Made by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved since 2010, Victoza belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps your body regulate blood sugar after meals. For a detailed explanation of how it works, see our guide: How Does Victoza Work?

What Is Victoza Used For?

Victoza has two FDA-approved indications:

1. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Victoza is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glycemic) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
2. Cardiovascular risk reduction: Victoza is approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Important: Victoza is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes and should not be used as a substitute for insulin in patients who need it. It is also not FDA-approved for weight loss — Saxenda is a separate brand of Liraglutide approved for weight management at a higher dose (3.0 mg vs. Victoza's max of 1.8 mg).

How Is Victoza Taken?

Victoza comes as a prefilled injection pen and is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily. Here's how the dosing works:

Dose Escalation Schedule

• Week 1: Start at 0.6 mg once daily. This starting dose is meant to reduce GI side effects — it is not a therapeutic dose.
• Week 2+: Increase to 1.2 mg once daily.
• If needed: Your doctor may increase the dose to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily for additional blood sugar control.

Injection Details

• Timing: Victoza can be injected at any time of day, with or without food. Choose a consistent time that works for your schedule.
• Injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each injection to avoid irritation.
• Storage: Unused pens should be refrigerated (36°F–46°F). Once in use, pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F) or refrigerated for up to 30 days.

Who Should Not Take Victoza?

Victoza is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC): Victoza carries an FDA boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies. It must not be used by patients with a personal or family history of MTC.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): Patients with this condition should not take Victoza.
• Known hypersensitivity to Liraglutide: If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Liraglutide or any ingredient in Victoza, do not use it.

Additionally, Victoza should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or renal impairment. For more on safety considerations, see our guide on Victoza side effects.

How Much Does Victoza Cost?

Without insurance, Victoza typically costs between $1,000 and $1,300 per month. That's a significant expense, but several programs can help reduce the cost:

• NovoCare Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 per month through Novo Nordisk's savings program.
• Patient Assistance Program: Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements.
• Insurance coverage: Most commercial insurance plans cover Victoza with prior authorization. Medicare Part D coverage varies by plan.
• Discount cards: Platforms like GoodRx and SingleCare may offer additional savings at certain pharmacies.

For a comprehensive breakdown, read our guide: How to Save Money on Victoza.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Victoza include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Headache
• Injection site reactions

Most GI side effects improve within the first few weeks, especially if you follow the gradual dose escalation. For detailed information on side effects and when to contact your doctor, see: Victoza Side Effects: What to Expect.

Final Thoughts

Victoza has been a trusted treatment for type 2 diabetes since 2010, offering once-daily convenience and proven cardiovascular benefits. While the cost can be a barrier, savings programs and insurance coverage make it accessible for many patients.

If you're having trouble finding Victoza at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you. And if you're exploring whether Victoza is right for you, our guide on finding a prescriber is a great place to start.