How is it given?
• Given as an injection once a day
How do I give the injection?
• Liraglutide comes in a “pen” form. Add a needle to the pen to give the injection.
• Given under the skin (subcutaneously) similar to insulin
How is it usually dosed?
• Typical doses are 0.6 mg daily, 1.2 mg daily or 1.8 mg daily
• Dose may be titrated as per your provider based on side effects and blood sugar control.
How does it work?
• Belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists).
• Liraglutide helps bring blood sugars into a normal range by slowing down digestion, increasing your body’s release of insulin when eating, making your body feel full faster, and decreasing the amount of sugar released from the liver.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
• Take your dose when you remember it, but if it is more than 8 hours late just skip that dose.
• Do NOT take double or extra dose.
What are common side effects?
• Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, injection site pain or reaction
What helps decrease side effects?
• Eating smaller meals
• Going up on the dose slowly
What are the potential serious side effects?
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder disease
• Increase in low blood sugars (if on other medications that can lower blood sugars)
• Allergic reactions
• Kidney damage (in the setting of dehydration)
When should I call my doctor?
• If you have severe abdominal pain or vomiting (potential signs of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease)
• Signs of an allergic reaction to medication (e.g., rash, hives, wheezing, tight chest, swelling in face)
• Increased low blood sugars
Who should not take Liraglutide?
• Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN2)
• People with a prior allergic reaction to liraglutide
References:
1. Novo Nordisk Inc. Victoza (Liraglutide Recombinant). U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022341s036lbl.pdf. Revised November 2020. Accessed April 27, 2022