Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda): Patient Guide
Liraglutide is a prescription medicine in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. It is used to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and, in certain products, to help manage weight along with diet and exercise.
Liraglutide is injected once daily and can help control blood sugar or support weight loss. It may cause significant side effects, so use it only as prescribed and discuss personal risks and benefits with a doctor or pharmacist.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BJ02
- Generic
- Liraglutide
- Class
- glp1-agonist
- Brands
- Victoza, Saxenda
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 13
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- sc
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- blood-glucose, thyroid-function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1.2 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.6 mg once daily initial, titrate to 3.0 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.6 mg once daily initial, titrate to 1.8 mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesterdiscontinue before conception
discontinue liraglutide at least 2 months before planned pregnancy due to potential risk to fetus
regular fetal monitoring if exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue
do not use during second and third trimester; switch to insulin for glycemic control
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
nursing mothersdiscontinue
not recommended during breastfeeding; consider alternative therapies
monitor infant for gastrointestinal symptoms
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsstart low dose and titrate slowly
initiate at 0.6 mg daily and titrate gradually; monitor renal function
monitor blood glucose, renal function, and gastrointestinal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17 yearsage-appropriate dosing
approved for patients 10 years and older for type 2 diabetes; not recommended for weight management in pediatric population
monitor growth and development, glycemic control
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dose adjustment needed for mild-moderate impairment; use caution in severe
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment including end-stage renal disease; monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderate hepatic impairmentno specific dose adjustment
use with caution; limited clinical experience in patients with hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval for diabetes treatment
Liraglutide (Victoza) approved for Type 2 diabetes management
FDA approval for chronic weight management
Liraglutide (Saxenda) approved for obesity treatment
Drug class classification
Liraglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist class
Route of administration
Medication is administered via subcutaneous injection
Drug interactions
1 documented interaction(s) with other medications in this knowledge base.
Liraglutide的胃肠道不良反应可导致脱水/容量不足，从而增强Celecoxib（COX-2抑制剂）对肾前列腺素的抑制，增加急性肾损伤风险
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy