Key takeaways

  • Liraglutide is a generic prescription drug approved to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is available as the brand-name drug Victoza, which is also used for the same condition.
  • Liraglutide is also available as the brand-name drug Saxenda, which is used to help with weight loss and long-term weight management. Liraglutide may be used off-label for weight loss and weight management as well.
  • Liraglutide comes as prefilled pen given as an injection under the skin. It is typically given once per day.

Specifically, liraglutide is used to manage high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in adults and certain children who have type 2 diabetes. For this use, liraglutide is prescribed along with diet and exercise.

To learn more about liraglutide’s uses, see the “Uses for liraglutide” section.

Liraglutide basics

Liraglutide is a generic medication that’s also available as the following brand-name drugs:

  • Victoza, which is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Saxenda, which is approved to help with weight loss and long-term weight management

Generic drugs are considered as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on, but they usually cost less.

Liraglutide belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Liraglutide has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Precautions” section.

Liraglutide is used to manage high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in adults and children ages 12 years and older who have type 2 diabetes. It is used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not respond as usual to insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that works to move glucose from your blood into your cells.

When your body doesn’t respond to insulin, or doesn’t make enough of it, the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood becomes too high. Over time, high blood sugar can cause damage throughout the body, including to your kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

  • fatigue
  • urinating frequently
  • excessive thirst
  • constant hunger

How it works

Liraglutide’s mechanism of action (how a drug works) to treat high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes is through three main mechanisms:

  • stimulating insulin release from the pancreas in the presence of high blood sugar
  • slowing how quickly your stomach empties, which helps to blunt a blood sugar spike that can occur after a meal
  • reducing the amount of sugar released from your liver into your bloodstream

Like most drugs, liraglutide may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects liraglutide may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of liraglutide. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using liraglutide and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that liraglutide can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read liraglutide’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of liraglutide that have been reported include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • appetite loss
  • indigestion
  • headache
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
  • back pain
  • reactions at the site where you inject liraglutide, such as skin rash and skin discoloration

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from liraglutide can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from liraglutide, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of liraglutide that have been reported include:

For more information about the risk of thyroid cancer, see the “Precautions” section.

Side effects in children

Liraglutide is approved for managing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) caused by type 2 diabetes in children ages 10 years and older.

Liraglutide side effects in children are the same as those in adults described previously, according to the drug’s studies. However, in these studies, the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as a side effect was higher in children compared to adults.

It’s important to note that children who used liraglutide in studies were taking other medications to lower blood sugar, including insulin. Taking liraglutide and insulin together is known to raise the risk of low blood sugar as a side effect of either medication.

Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about liraglutide side effects in children.

Allergic reaction

For some people, liraglutide can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies, but have been reported since liraglutide was approved for use.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue liraglutide treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The liraglutide dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of your type 2 diabetes
  • any side effects you experience from using liraglutide

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Form and strength

Liraglutide comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. It’s available in one strength: 6 milligrams per 1 milliliter solution (6 mg/mL). This pen can deliver three different doses: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, and 1.8 mg.

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of liraglutide that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

For treating high blood sugar due to type 2 diabetes, the recommended starting liraglutide dosage is 0.6 mg injected once per day for 1 week. Then, your doctor will likely increase your dose to 1.2 mg injected once per day.

The maximum recommended liraglutide dose for this use is 1.8 mg injected once per day.

Children’s dosage

Liraglutide is prescribed to children ages 10 years and older for managing high blood sugar due to type 2 diabetes.

For treating high blood sugar due to type 2 diabetes, the recommended starting liraglutide dosage in children is 0.6 mg injected once per day for 1 week. If needed, your child’s doctor may then increase the dose to 1.2 mg injected once per day. The maximum recommended liraglutide dose for this use in children is 1.8 mg injected once per day.

How to inject

Your doctor will explain how you should use liraglutide. They’ll also explain how much to use and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Liraglutide is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home.

Liraglutide may be injected under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate the injection site for each dose of liraglutide. This lowers your risk of injection site reactions as a side effect.

To view step-by-step instructions for how to inject liraglutide, refer to liraglutide’s prescribing information. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor for assistance.

About using liraglutide

The following are some common questions about using liraglutide.

  • Should I use liraglutide with food? Liraglutide can be used with or without food.
  • Is there a best time of day to use liraglutide? Liraglutide can be injected at any time of the day, but it’s best to use it around the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps liraglutide work effectively.
  • What if I miss a dose of liraglutide? If you miss a dose of liraglutide, take the dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use liraglutide long term? Liraglutide is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
  • How long does liraglutide take to work? Liraglutide begins to work after you receive your first dose. For some people, blood sugar levels may drop within 1 or 2 weeks. But it may take a few months for you to note the drug’s full effects in lowering blood sugar. Your doctor will order tests throughout your treatment to check whether liraglutide is working to treat your condition.

Overdose

Do not use more liraglutide than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • severe nausea
  • severe vomiting
  • severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

What to do in case of overdose

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much liraglutide. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Liraglutide can interact with several other medications. Liraglutide is not known to directly interact with specific foods or supplements. However, it can slow down digestion, which might affect how your body absorbs other oral medications.

Before starting liraglutide treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

The following highlights medications that can interact with liraglutide:

  • sulfonylureas, such as glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
  • insulins, such as insulin glargine (Lantus)

This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with liraglutide. If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Liraglutide and alcohol

Alcohol is not known to interact with liraglutide.

However, alcohol can lower your blood sugar. This can affect how well your blood sugar is managed. Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you limit the amount of alcohol you drink if you have type 2 diabetes.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering liraglutide. What you’ll pay for liraglutide may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of liraglutide. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

The following information is important to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting liraglutide treatment.

Pregnancy and liraglutide

There are risks to using liraglutide during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having untreated type 2 diabetes while pregnant. (Liraglutide is used for treating type 2 diabetes.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about potential treatments for type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. Together, you can consider the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should use liraglutide during pregnancy.

Birth control and liraglutide

If you’re sexually active and you can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re using liraglutide. There are risks to using liraglutide during pregnancy, as well as risks of having untreated type 2 diabetes while pregnant. (Liraglutide is used for treating type 2 diabetes.)

Liraglutide and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether liraglutide should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this drug.

This section describes the warnings and precautions for liraglutide.

FDA warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

Liraglutide has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of thyroid cancer: In animal studies, liraglutide injections increased the risk of thyroid cancer in rats and mice. But it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always predict how a drug will affect humans. It’s not known whether liraglutide also increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.

Due to this risk, healthcare professionals won’t prescribe liraglutide if you or a close blood relative has or has had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). They also won’t prescribe liraglutide if you have a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2).

If you are prescribed liraglutide, your healthcare professional will monitor you for symptoms of thyroid cancer throughout treatment. You should contact them right away if you notice symptoms such as a hoarse voice, a lump in your throat, or difficulty swallowing.

Other precautions

Before starting liraglutide, discuss your health history with your doctor. This medication may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of liraglutide, see the “Side effects of liraglutide” section.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about liraglutide.

Is liraglutide used off-label for weight loss?

Yes, healthcare professionals sometimes prescribe liraglutide off-label for weight loss. With off-label drug use, a drug is prescribed for a purpose that is not FDA approved.

Liraglutide is also available under the brand name Saxenda, which is FDA approved to help with weight loss and long-term weight management.

To learn more about off-label uses for liraglutide, including liraglutide for weight loss, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How fast is weight loss on liraglutide?

In clinical studies where adults with type 2 diabetes took liraglutide, weight loss was measured over a period of 26 weeks. On average, adults who used liraglutide on its own to treat type 2 diabetes also lost about 4 to 5 pounds over 26 weeks.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how long it may take liraglutide to treat your condition.

Other drugs are available that can treat type 2 diabetes. If you’d like to explore an alternative to liraglutide, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

Similar to liraglutide, the following drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes:

What to know about liraglutide vs. semaglutide

Liraglutide and semaglutide (Ozempic) are both used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. (Liraglutide is also approved for this use in certain children.) Both drugs come as a solution for subcutaneous injection inside a single-dose prefilled pen.

Liraglutide is available as the brand name Victoza, which is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. To learn more, see this Victoza vs. Ozempic comparison article.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.