Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

A once-daily GLP-1 shot for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and weight management (Saxenda). Generic versions are available.

Evidence: Extensive clinical research
Half-life: ~13 hours
Sources: 3 cited

Is liraglutide FDA-approved?

FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, type 2 diabetes) and Saxenda (2014, weight management; teens 12+ since 2020).

Overview

Liraglutide was one of the first GLP-1 medicines. In the SCALE trial, adults without diabetes on the weight-management dose lost about 8% of their body weight over a year, versus about 2.6% on placebo. In the LEADER trial it lowered heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths in people with type 2 diabetes and high heart risk.

How it works

Like other GLP-1 medicines, it boosts insulin when blood sugar is high, slows the stomach and reduces appetite. It's shorter-acting than semaglutide, so it's taken every day.

How long does liraglutide stay in the body?

About 13 hours. Levels peak 8–12 hours after a shot, which is why it's a daily medicine.

What it's studied for

Type 2 diabetes
Weight management in adults and teens
Heart outcomes in type 2 diabetes

Reported side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache
Faster resting heart rate
Gallbladder problems and pancreatitis (rare)
Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents. Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.

How should liraglutide be stored?

Fridge before first use; after that, up to 30 days at room temperature or in the fridge.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.