Description
Victoza:
Victoza is a medication used to treat diabetes, containing the active ingredient Liraglutide. This substance can improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The medication helps lower blood sugar levels and reduces appetite in the brain, which can lead to weight loss. However, Victoza is also used for effective weight loss.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is a product of the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk A/S and is used to treat poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Doctors typically prescribe Victoza to patients for whom diet, physical activity, and other oral medications for lowering blood sugar are insufficient. Users self-administer Victoza using an injection pen under the skin.
The medication is approved for adults, adolescents, and children aged 10 years and older. The active ingredient Liraglutide in the medication helps lower blood sugar levels and slow down stomach emptying.
Victoza can be used alone when diet and exercise are insufficient and the common medication Metformin is not suitable for the patient. Alternatively, Victoza can be used in combination with other diabetes medications if they are not sufficient to regulate blood sugar levels. These include:
- Sulfonylureas
- Pioglitazone
- Insulin
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)
Mechanism of Action of Victoza:
Victoza contains the active ingredient Liraglutide, which is similar to the natural hormone GLP-1. The human body releases this substance to increase insulin production. Particularly after meals, this helps regulate blood sugar levels downward.
Liraglutide enhances the body's natural response by increasing insulin secretion. This mechanism leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, the active ingredient Liraglutide in Victoza slows down stomach emptying, leading to a longer-lasting feeling of satiety. This can result in weight loss.
Victoza: Dosage and Administration
The initial dose of Victoza is 0.6 mg once daily and should be maintained for at least 1 week. Your doctor will tell you whether and when to increase to 1.2 mg daily. If this dose is not sufficient, the treating physician may further increase to 1.8 mg. It is important not to change your dose without consulting your doctor.
Victoza is administered as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Patients adjust the desired dose of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg on the pen and then inject the medication into the front of the thigh, the abdomen, or the upper arm.
Victoza can be injected at any time of the day regardless of meals. However, ideally, the injection should always be given at approximately the same time.
Important: Please use this medication only as agreed with your treating physician. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Victoza: Possible Side Effects
As with all medications, Victoza may cause side effects when used.
Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 users):
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
To avoid dehydration (fluid loss), it is important to drink enough in these cases.
