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Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic) used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It is marketed under two brand names: Victoza (for type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10+) and Saxenda (for weight management in adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity, and in adolescents aged 12+). Victoza is also approved to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Generic Liraglutide became available in 2025 from manufacturers Teva and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, offering a more affordable alternative to the brand-name versions.
Liraglutide is a synthetic version of human GLP-1, sharing 97% amino acid similarity with the natural hormone. It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, which triggers glucose-dependent insulin release — meaning it helps your body produce more insulin only when blood sugar is elevated. Additionally, Liraglutide suppresses glucagon secretion (which reduces liver glucose output), slows gastric emptying to help you feel full longer, and acts on appetite centers in the brain to reduce hunger and caloric intake.
It is injected subcutaneously once daily and can be administered at any time of day, with or without food.
Liraglutide is supplied as a prefilled injectable pen containing 6 mg/mL solution in a 3 mL pen. Patients start at 0.6 mg and titrate up weekly to their target dose.
Liraglutide has a findability score of 40 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate. Brand Victoza is currently on shortage due to Novo Nordisk manufacturing delays, though Saxenda remains more readily available. Generic Liraglutide from Teva and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals launched in 2025 and is helping fill supply gaps, but not all pharmacies stock it yet. You may need to call multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate it in stock near you.
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Liraglutide is commonly prescribed by several types of healthcare providers:
Telehealth providers can also prescribe Liraglutide, making access more convenient for patients who have difficulty seeing a specialist in person.
No, Liraglutide is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule classification and is not considered to have abuse potential. However, it is a prescription-only medication and requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, acute kidney injury, and serious allergic reactions. Liraglutide carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors and is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Always inform your prescriber about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Liraglutide remains a widely used and effective GLP-1 receptor agonist for both type 2 diabetes and weight management. While brand Victoza has experienced shortages due to manufacturing delays, the launch of generic Liraglutide in 2025 from Teva and Meitheal has improved availability and significantly lowered costs — from over $1,000/month to as low as $230/month at some pharmacies. If you're struggling to find Liraglutide in stock, try checking independent pharmacies, using Medfinder to search availability near you, or asking your pharmacist about generic alternatives. Manufacturer savings programs from both Novo Nordisk and Teva can also help reduce out-of-pocket costs substantially.
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