What is Liraglutide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Liraglutide is a prescription medication that helps manage type 2 diabetes and supports weight loss in certain people. It's a synthetic version of a hormone your body naturally makes called GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar levels and appetite.

This medication comes as a pre-filled pen that you inject under your skin once daily. Many people find it helpful for managing their diabetes alongside diet and exercise, and some also use it specifically for weight management when other approaches haven't been enough.

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Think of it as a helpful messenger that mimics what your body already does naturally to keep blood sugar balanced.

Your pancreas normally releases a hormone called GLP-1 when you eat, which signals your body to produce insulin and slow down digestion. Liraglutide works in the same way, but it lasts much longer in your system than your natural hormone.

The medication comes in two main forms: Victoza for diabetes management and Saxenda for weight management. Both contain the same active ingredient but are prescribed at different doses for different purposes.

What is Liraglutide Used For?

Liraglutide serves two main purposes, depending on the dose and brand your doctor prescribes. It's primarily used to help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels when diet and exercise aren't enough on their own.

The medication is also approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. This might include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or pre-diabetes.

Sometimes doctors prescribe liraglutide for children and teens aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. However, the weight management form is only approved for adults at this time.

Your doctor might recommend liraglutide if you're already taking other diabetes medications like metformin but still need better blood sugar control. It can work alongside many other diabetes treatments.

How Does Liraglutide Work?

Liraglutide works by copying what your body naturally does after you eat a meal. It activates special receptors in your pancreas, stomach, and brain that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.

When you inject liraglutide, it signals your pancreas to release insulin only when your blood sugar is high. This is different from some diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar because they work even when glucose levels are normal.

The medication also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel full longer and prevents blood sugar spikes after meals. This gentle approach to blood sugar control is why many people find it easier to tolerate than other diabetes medications.

In your brain, liraglutide affects areas that control appetite and food cravings. This can help reduce your desire to eat, especially high-calorie foods, which supports both blood sugar management and weight loss efforts.

How Should I Take Liraglutide?

You'll inject liraglutide once daily under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. The injection can be given at any time of day, with or without food, but it's best to take it at the same time each day.

Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over several weeks. This slow increase helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the chance of stomach upset.

Before your first injection, your healthcare provider or pharmacist will show you exactly how to use the pen. The needle is very small and most people find the injection less uncomfortable than they expected.

You can eat normally while taking liraglutide, but you might notice you feel full sooner than usual. This is part of how the medication works, so listen to your body's signals about when you've had enough food.

Store your liraglutide pen in the refrigerator, but don't freeze it. Once you start using a pen, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 30 days, making it convenient for daily use.

How Long Should I Take Liraglutide For?

Liraglutide is typically a long-term treatment, meaning you'll likely take it for months or years rather than just a few weeks. The exact duration depends on your specific health goals and how well the medication works for you.

For diabetes management, many people continue taking liraglutide as long as it's helping control their blood sugar and they're not experiencing troublesome side effects. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular blood tests and check-ups.

If you're using liraglutide for weight management, your doctor will evaluate your progress after about 16 weeks. If you haven't lost at least 4% of your starting weight by then, they might recommend stopping the medication and trying a different approach.

Never stop taking liraglutide suddenly without talking to your doctor first. They might want to adjust your dose gradually or switch you to a different medication to maintain your blood sugar control.

What Are the Side Effects of Liraglutide?

Like all medications, liraglutide can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects are related to your digestive system and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

These digestive side effects happen because liraglutide slows down how quickly food moves through your system, which is actually part of how it helps control blood sugar and appetite:

• Nausea (this is the most common and usually gets better over time)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Loss of appetite

Starting with a low dose and eating smaller meals can help minimize these effects. Most people find that these symptoms become much more manageable within the first few weeks of treatment.

Some people also experience mild reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching. These usually go away on their own and can be reduced by rotating injection sites.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention. While rare, it's important to be aware of these possibilities:

• Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away (could indicate pancreatitis)
• Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
• Signs of kidney problems like changes in urination or swelling
• Symptoms of gallbladder problems like severe upper stomach pain
• Unusual lumps or swelling in your neck (thyroid concerns)

Very rarely, some people might experience an allergic reaction with symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash. This requires emergency medical care.

Who Should Not Take Liraglutide?

Liraglutide isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. The medication is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

If you have a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma, your doctor will likely recommend a different medication. The same applies if you have a rare genetic condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

People with severe kidney disease, severe liver problems, or a history of pancreatitis need careful evaluation before starting liraglutide. Your doctor might choose an alternative treatment or monitor you more closely if they decide liraglutide is still your best option.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, let your doctor know. Liraglutide isn't recommended during pregnancy, and you'll need to discuss the safest diabetes management approach for you and your baby.

Severe stomach problems, including gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), might make liraglutide unsuitable since it further slows digestion. Your doctor will consider your entire medical picture when deciding if this medication is right for you.

Liraglutide Brand Names

Liraglutide is available under two main brand names, each formulated for different purposes. Victoza is prescribed for type 2 diabetes management and comes in doses ranging from 0.6 mg to 1.8 mg daily.

Saxenda is the same medication but formulated specifically for weight management in higher doses, up to 3.0 mg daily. Both come as pre-filled injection pens that are designed to be user-friendly.

Your doctor will prescribe the specific brand and dose that's most appropriate for your health goals. Sometimes people transition from Victoza to Saxenda or vice versa, depending on their changing health needs.

Liraglutide Alternatives

Several other medications work similarly to liraglutide if it's not the right fit for you. These include other GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon).

Some of these alternatives are taken weekly instead of daily, which some people find more convenient. Others might have different side effect profiles that work better for your specific situation.

For diabetes management, your doctor might suggest traditional options like metformin, insulin, or other oral medications. For weight management, alternatives could include other prescription medications or surgical options, depending on your circumstances.

The choice between these options depends on your specific health needs, lifestyle preferences, insurance coverage, and how well you tolerate different medications. Your doctor will help you weigh these factors to find the best approach.

Is Liraglutide Better Than Semaglutide?

Both liraglutide and semaglutide are excellent medications in the same family, but they have some key differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other. Semaglutide is generally considered slightly more effective for both blood sugar control and weight loss.

The main advantage of semaglutide is that it's taken once weekly instead of daily, which many people find more convenient. It also tends to produce more significant weight loss, which can be beneficial if that's one of your primary goals.

However, liraglutide has been available longer, so doctors have more experience with it. Some people also find that liraglutide causes fewer digestive side effects, though this varies from person to person.

Cost and insurance coverage can also influence the choice between these medications. Your doctor will consider your specific health needs, lifestyle, and preferences when recommending which option might work best for you.