Comprehensive medication guide to Liraglutide including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most commercially insured patients pay $25–$150/month with prior authorization, and manufacturer savings cards can lower copays to as little as $20–$25/month.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand Victoza or Saxenda costs $1,000–$1,400/month without insurance, while generic Liraglutide runs $230–$500/month.
Medfinder Findability Score
40/100
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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.
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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.
0.6 mg daily
Starting dose for titration (both diabetes and weight management)
1.2 mg daily
Maintenance dose for type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
1.8 mg daily
Maximum dose for type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
3 mg daily
Target dose for chronic weight management (Saxenda)
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.
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).
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Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
A newer GLP-1 receptor agonist available as a once-weekly injection or daily oral tablet, generally more potent for weight loss and A1c reduction
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist given once weekly, with superior weight loss and A1c reduction in clinical trials
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes with a simpler dosing schedule
Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise)
An older GLP-1 receptor agonist available in twice-daily and once-weekly formulations
Prefer Liraglutide? We can find it.
Insulin and sulfonylureas
moderateIncreased risk of hypoglycemia; dose reduction of insulin or sulfonylurea may be needed
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists
moderateDo not combine Liraglutide with other GLP-1 RAs (and never use Victoza and Saxenda together)
Oral medications
moderateLiraglutide slows gastric emptying and may delay absorption of oral drugs, including oral contraceptives and acetaminophen
Warfarin
moderateMonitor INR more frequently when starting Liraglutide, as absorption timing may be affected
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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