Victoza (Liraglutide) Injection

Full Product Description

Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine containing the active ingredient liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide works by mimicking the body’s natural incretin hormone, helping the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar is high and slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach.

Product Information

Note: Victoza is supplied as single-dose prefilled pens. The product image indicates a 2-pen pack.

Uses of Victoza

Victoza is used for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older. It may be prescribed to:

• Improve blood sugar control when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise

• Help lower the risk of heart-related problems (cardiovascular events) in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Victoza may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other diabetes medicines, including metformin, sulfonylureas, or basal insulin. The decision to use Victoza as part of a treatment plan should be made by a healthcare professional.

How Victoza Works

Victoza contains liraglutide, which belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Liraglutide works by:

• Increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas when blood sugar is high

• Decreasing glucagon secretion (a hormone that raises blood sugar)

• Slowing gastric emptying, which can help reduce appetite

These actions help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Victoza is not a substitute for insulin and is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

How to Take Victoza

Victoza is injected once daily, usually at the same time each day, under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

• The dose is typically started at a low level and increased gradually over several weeks under medical supervision.

• The pen is used with Novo Nordisk disposable needles.

• Do not share pens or needles between patients, even if the needle is changed.

• Follow the enclosed Medication Guide and the directions provided by your healthcare professional.

Key Benefits

• Contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist

• Used for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

• May help lower the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

• Convenient prefilled pen for once-daily subcutaneous injection

• Available in a 2-pen pack

Possible Side Effects

Some people using Victoza may experience:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Headache

• Decreased appetite

Most side effects are generally mild, but individual responses can vary. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, severe stomach pain, or signs of pancreatitis.

Safety & Precautions

Before using Victoza, consider your medical history and any medicines or supplements you currently use.

Victoza should be used with caution in people with a history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, or diabetic retinopathy. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Victoza is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Important Medicine Interactions

Victoza may interact with other medicines, including:

• Insulin and insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas), which may increase the risk of low blood sugar

• Other diabetes medicines

• Medicines that affect stomach emptying

Consult a healthcare professional before using Victoza with any other medication.

Victoza and Alcohol

Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels and can interact with diabetes medicines. Discuss alcohol use with a healthcare professional while using Victoza.

Victoza and Food

Victoza can be taken with or without food, but it should be injected at the same time each day. Follow the directions provided by your healthcare professional.

Storage Information

Store Victoza according to the instructions printed on the product packaging.

General storage recommendations include:

• Refrigerate unused pens between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F)

• Discard the pen 30 days after first use

• Do not freeze Victoza

• Keep the pen cap on when not in use

• Keep out of reach of children

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Victoza?

Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine containing liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

What is the active ingredient in Victoza?

The active ingredient is liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

What is Victoza used for?

Victoza is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes when used with diet and exercise. It may also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

How is Victoza administered?

Victoza is injected once daily under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

What are the common side effects of Victoza?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and decreased appetite are among the commonly reported side effects.

Can Victoza be used with other medicines?

Victoza may interact with other diabetes medicines, including insulin and sulfonylureas. Consult a healthcare professional before using Victoza with any other medication.

What is the pack size of Victoza?

The product image shows a 2-pen pack.

Product Summary

Victoza (liraglutide) injection is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It may also help lower the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza is supplied as prefilled pens for once-daily subcutaneous injection by Novo Nordisk, and the product image indicates a 2-pen pack. This medicine should be used under medical supervision, with attention to possible side effects and interactions with other medicines, particularly insulin and sulfonylureas.