Victoza is the brand name used for liraglutide in Europe. This drug is the first human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 developed to be taken once per day in order to treat type 2 diabetes. It has only just received its approval for all of the states in the European Union for two uses:
Victoza is a new drug used for treating type 2 diabetes and has been found to promote weight loss in overweight and obese patients.
- As a treatment combined with metformin or one of the sulphonylureas among patients who suffer from a lack of glycemic control even after having tried the highest possible dose of metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapies.
- As a treatment combined with metformin and one of the sulphonylureas or metformin and one of the thiazolidinediones among patients who suffer from a lack of glycemic control even after having tried the dual therapy.
Clinical studies with Victoza that involved the participation of over 6,500 people suffering from type 2 diabetes demonstrated a notable decrease in blood glucose levels, allowing for weight loss without the a heightened risk of hypoglycemia. For this reason, it is now considered to be a beneficial type 2 diabetes treatment option and helps to further reduce the risks of the condition by allowing for weight loss.
The drug was first launched by Novo Nordisk – the manufacturer – within Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark during the summer of 2009, and throughout the second half of 2009 and throughout the year 2010 the drug will continue to be released throughout the rest of the European Union marketplaces.
The drug functions by only stimulating insulin release when the blood’s glucose levels are high enough to warrant its need. Weight loss is a very common side effect of this drug – one that is often considered very desirable, as one of the things that is most recommended to type 2 diabetes sufferers is weight loss in order to reduce the symptoms of their condition. It is believed that Victoza causes this weight loss because it decreases the speed at which gastric emptying occurs, so that the patient feels more satisfied after meals and for a longer period of time. The body naturally breaks down Victoza and does not need renal excretion for elimination.
Though the drug is not considered to be weight loss medication, it does include this side effect among one of the beneficial reactions that can occur when it is used in order to control type 2 diabetes – especially in cases where weight loss is recommended by the prescribing medical professional.
as usual the general advice of weight loss as a ‘cure’ for t2 diabetes. since most t2 diabetics become overweight due to the body’s inability to deal with excess carbohydrate in the first place. if being overweight caused diabetes then almost all the human race would be diabetic .
instead of the correct education with regards to the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels and self monitoring. GP’s stuff their patients with drugs that cause weight gain and escalate the medication until the patient ends up on insulin. all prescribed drugs have side effects, victoza unfortunatley caused thyroid cancer in the rats it was tested on. shame to see it hasnt been mentioned in this glowing report.
The most effective way for Losing Weight is exercise. You just do some cardio workout everyday like jogging and running for miles. That would effectively burn the fats in your body.
You cannot exercise enough if you are Insulin Resistant. Maybe a little research would help. Working your long-bone muscles helps burn some weight, but Diabetes and Insulin Resistance doesnt work in this way. Victoza is working , you just have to watch your carbs,and walk regularly at a good pace.weight resistance training helps too. helps too. Also, make sure to keep an eye on labs in case of Thyroid issues. Be your own best advocate and research this stuff to make sure its right for you.
I have been on victoza for three months, sugar levels have gone down, I have lost 2 stone in weight, but I have lost mussle control in my legs, this might be due to a back problem even though it does not show on MRI scan, has any body experienced this proble
I have just started on Victoza as other drugs didnt work. After being tested at the age of 20 I was informed I was borderline diabetic and only needed to use diet to control it – and here I am now at 40 struggling with a weight problem and trying more medication to control the diabetes! So my conclusion is that there is definitely something in the theory that the diabetes causes the weight gain in the first place!
I was just very interested in your story. I too was diagnosed with borderline diabetes at the age of 18 and I never weighed 100 pounds. I only weighed 127 when I was 9 months pregnant with my first child. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with her. Then, I had Graves disease and had my thyroid removed. I gained some weight, but I stayed around 125 – 130 pounds. I am 5′ 3″. I am now 61, and after going throuh menopouse, my weight has soared to 165. I hope this helps my weight as well as fend off Type 2 Diabetes.
I have just started on Victoza & in a weeks time watching what I eat I have lost almost 10lbs. Im a nurse so just stick with it
Are you concerned with the risk of thyroid cancer and the fact that this is a new medication and it is not fully understood what long term side effects might be?
I am also a nurse and just started Victoza this week. It would be careless not to be concerned about the risk of thyroid cancer and the long term effects. However, knowing the risks of diabetes and its effect on your heart and kidneys, I had to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. My father is insulin dependent with an A1C of 10+ and is starting to have kidney damage. He had a heart attack at age 50 and has had several cardiac surgeries. Knowing what we do about heredity, and already starting to have some cardiac complications myself, I have decided that this is worth the risk for me because if I do not do something about my blood sugar and weight now I could be taking years off of my life. Whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks for you would be a good discussion to have with your physican.
How has it been so far for you Terrie?
how are you doing on the Victoza ? i have just started taking it.
I am doing well. Initially had some slight nausea that subsided after three days. The only side effect that continues is a lot of sneezing and runny nose. I have lost 5 pounds after the first week.
How are you doing? I am wondering if anyone else has had sneezing as a side effect.
i dont have any side effects at all, i am going to get weighed today so i will know how much i have lost. i am a little concerned that the dose i am taking may not be high enough.
Terri, I never connected the sneezing with the med….I was sneezing a lot, seems to have gone away!
Just started on the Rx Victoza. Very sick to my stomach and severe headaches. Is this normal?
I just started Victoza last night and today my appetite is gone. I hope it’s not like this for long. Nothing looks or tastes good right now.
I just saw my doctor today. Read the insert on Victoza. The side effect of thyroid cancer is scary. I do not know if I really need to proceed. I am now 53 pounds overweight. I have gained most of my weight since I developed diabetes. I think I might try excerise and diet along with my current meds for diabetes.
Started it yesterday, felt a little sicky but nothing too nasty
I just started Victoza one week ago. My endocrinologist took me off Glipizide and replaced it with the Victoza. first, let me say- I have NEVER been so sick in the first four days! I was going to throw in the towel. She really wanted me to stick it out at least two weeks an see hat happened. I started at .06 and today have gone to 1.2 dosing. The only releif I found was over the counter Emetrol. Phenergan did not help. Emetrol, as you know, is full of sugars so I had to monitor even more closely and use my fast acting insulin a few times. But so far it has been no picnic. I am hoping the ends will justify the means. If you get super nauseous just remember EMETROL it is OTC at every drug store and well worth it!
I am on Gliperide and again I have been trying to keep Metformin down. Finally I read that if you take a Zantac a few minutes before the Metformin you won’t get so sick, BINGO! ZANTAC has been a blessing. Eat following that pill.
I have also experienced weight gain, will ask Doc for Victoza.
I was on Byetta 10mg for over a year and last week I started on Victoza, the lowest dose for a week then today I started the medium dose. Byetta would make me feel sick but I haven’t had those symptoms on Victoza.
That also scares me because I lost 20+ pounds on Byetta and I’ve gained 3 pounds this past week on Victoza….but my sugar level has been lower, overall than on the Byetta.
I am also having a great deal of tooth and lower jaw pain but I’m hoping that has more to do with the Actos than the Victoza…. we’ll see (I quit taking the Actos). If I don’t get relief from the tooth pain in the next couple of days I’m stoppng the Victoza, too.
I started the low does yesterday around 6p.m. and didn’t feel a thing. This morning I decided to dose before work. My-oh-my I CANNOT believe how awful I feel. I do admit though, that it’s not as bad as when you have a stomach virus, but for me, just being a little nauseated is horrible. I had already started to watch what I eat to get this sugar level down, but today beat all the other days of trying. I litterally took one bite of my lunch at work and that was it. I couldn’t take another bite. I couldn’t even finish my little sugar free jello that I love. I had to leave the table and go back to work because my co-worker’s lunches were making me ill to just see them. Now I understand why you lose weight on this drug. HA HA I sure hope I won’t be this way for 2 weeks. I have packing to do and moving to do. And right now all I want to do is lay down. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to eat during this time? I know soup should be good, but right now, not even soup sounds good.
I started Victoza 8 days ago. The nausea and vomiting have been so bad I have had to go to a soft diet. I feel ok with the soft food but certainly not hungry. I was on Byetta for 2 years and did well. I was hoping the once a day injection would be better.
I also just started on this 5 days ago and have been so sick,even had to call into work ill.HAs anyone out there experienced this yet had it subside over time? its hard to keep going….
This is my second week on Victoza and I’m very pleased with the results. The first couple of days I felt like crap but now, I have energy, I’m eating less and my numbers are regulated during the day. My fasting levels are elevated but I will wait and see what happens when my I begin 1.8. I also lost 7 lbs. It was as little scary to learn about the thyroid cancer. I had a partial thyrodectomy in the summer and don’t want to experience surgery again. I hope that everyone who’s not having the same experience will eventually feel better.
Just started the Victoza yesterday. I am a type 1 diabaetic for 27 years, now age 44. I’ve had to decrease my basal insulin in my pump by 25% to stop the insulin reactions. However I am having alot of nausea, ect. I’m drinking AlkaSeltzer. Having my husband pick up the Emptrol now. I’ve had Symlin and Byetta before but could not make myself take it with each meal because I anticipated the nausea. I’m hopeful with only one injection per day I’ll be more likely to stay with it. I am a little bit better today with my nausea but literature says this will subside. I hope so. Any other Type 1′s out there on Victoza?
The literature accompying Victoza specifically states that it is NOT for Type I diabetics, so I am wondering why your physician would prescribe it. You should probably get a second medical opinion
Yes, I am type I, 42, tried symlin and byetta and couldn’t use either one of them…my dr. is letting me start on my own pace. i am taking three notches below the .06 so maybe next week i will go to .06……. i haven’t been sick thus far.
Is it ok to take the victoza at night time. When I say night time I mean around 10:00 p.m.? I just started it tonight at 10:00. I took the Byetta before but I was sick the whole time and can’t afford to miss work so thats the reason I thought I would try this at night time.
I started victoza March 13, I take it at night time about 10:00 p.m. I don’t feel anything. I lost 3lbs
I have the Victoza to try………our health plan requires we loose weight by 2011 or we go to a 70/30 plan vs 80/20 plan. My father died of cancer….so the thought of the thyroid cancer scares me. Has anyone been on it a long time and if so what has been the outcome? Thanks!
I’ve been on Victoza since March 13. My first day I had no reaction (injection mid afternoon), the second day I experienced mild nausea after injection in the morning. I have had some dizziness. I have lost interest in food for which I am grateful. I also notice I am not as, oh, interested in stuffing myself – I feel satisfied with less food, but I find I am tired. I lost 7 lbs, but I am also following the Sparkpeople nutrition and exercise plan, but 7 lbs is too much, so I don’t know how much of the loss is attributable to the med.
I am 53, was obese before I was diagnosed with t2 diabetes. My blood sugar has fairly plummeted.
p.s. you can absolutely take Victoza at night. All the literature states that time of day is flexible, but should be independent of meals. This is my first day without significant side effects (5th day since beginning). DON’T TAKE IT IN THE MORNING. This is my advice.
p.p.s. Blood sugar has gone from 270 fasting to 142. The stuff works
I had a heart attack on 2/16/10 and from all appearances it was due to my being overweight, a smoker and a diabetic. I was completely unaware that I was diabetic and found out my A1C was 10.1 with my BS’s averaging 270. I was placed on glimeperide, metformin and the Novolog 70/30. My endocronologist had been discussing Byetta with me but advised me today that he wanted me to change to Victoza. My average BS’s, since the heart attack, have come down significantly and average 100 now with a low carb and exercise routine! He believes that in 6 months I should be able to come off all the meds due to diet control, exercise and the weight loss that should result from the Victoza. I just took my first dose and am hoping the evening shots will negate the upset tummy (the pharmacist advised me to take it at night)! I wish you all well and look forward to seeing more positive updates! Your good stories as well as the negative ones ALL help!
I am 42 second day on it . 1.8 i have had only cereal in morning and raumen at lunch. I found snacking on crackers help my stomach.. Byettat made me throw up I have gained 50 pounds and since I have neuropathy I cant exercise. I stretch and do some small things with my arms thats about it. I know I would feel better if i even lost just half. Day 2 no nausua like yesterday and I feel pretty full. But I do feel tired. Is this a side effect?
I will see how I do. and keep yall posted… and pray I loose this weight….
I increase my dose to 1.2mg. I have been very naues & dizznes. I have long will this last?
its 22 march iv just started taking victoza will i loose much weight on this drug
Henry,
My doctor says that a weight loss of around 50 pounds the first year (equating to an average of a smidge under 1 pound per week) is typical, though not for everyone. I really think that the amount lost will be directly related to the type and amounts of foods ingested and the amount of exercise one gets. Good luck!
ive been on victoza for four days today ive had no sickness but have been tired
Interesting comments….I have been on Victoza for one month. Up to 1.8. Nausea comes and goes am hopeful for some weight loss. Haven’t noticed any weight loss yet but appetite is significantly reduced. I do have concerns about carcinogenic properties. I have periods of itchiness that is annoying and noticed no one else has commented on this. Maybe it is due to one of the other ten meds I am on.
I have noticed some itchiness too. Mainly underside of my forearms.
Angie
Hi Chris, I was just wondering how you did and if your dose was increased? I hope all is going well.
Started 5 days ago, no real nausea, but have lost my appetite, blood sugar from 205 to 139 looks promising.
I took Byetta 10mg for about four months. I never got over the nausea and finally had to quit because of it. Has anyone been in a similiar situation and been on Victoza long enough to make a comparison?
I took Byetta 5mg for about 6 months and loss almost 30 lb however I was sick to my stomach the whole time and was never able take the 10mg. Started Victoza today and am hoping this will work. I took it this morning and have a little nausea. I will try taking it at night tomorrow hope that will help. Thanks everyone for there post it is really helpful.
been doing well on victoza ive lost 9 pounds been on it for9 days now no side affects so far i feel good been running 90 to 110 on dose leval of .06 totally took my appetite away so far so good
I have been on Victoza 0.6mg dose for over a week. Had to miss two doses due to severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. I took a dose today and we will see what happens tonight. Definitely decreased my appetite. I am very nervous just because of the cancer risk. Has anyone had these symptoms and they went away completely?
I have been on the Victoza 0.6 for a week and start the 1.2 tonight. I too worry about the cancer risk. Would like to know more about it. I had lost 8 pounds before starting the shot and in this last week have lost another 3 pounds.
You know there are higher risks in obesity and cancers. Many situations(being around 2nd hand smoke)or eating pesticide infected foods are risks too. We cannot worry about every thing that could cause cancer, be aware and I think it is in such a small dose that our risk is lower than a lab rats.
have been on victoza 3 weeks now so far have not had any side effects at all on the 1.2 injection a day im type 2 diabetic dont really feel hungry have lost 3lbs sugar levels have come down feel well
The first few days I had a bad headache, & nausea with victoza. The first week I lost at least 5 pounds. Food doesn’t appeal much to me at all. On mt 2nd week I’m still a little queezy, I think I’m going to take it at night instead of in the morning, cuz I dont like the way I feel. I am much more constipated and feel kind of depressed. Does any one else have these symtoms?
My blood sugar has gone from about 150 to 120 in the morning.
Joanie ive had a bad headache and problems with constipated,since I increase my dose to 1.2. I have lost a total of 8 pounds. Blood sugar are very good!
Did the constipation stop? I am in a rough way with it – have tried flooding myself with water and also lots of fiber. No luck so far.
Victoza seems to be working better for me than Byetta.
I’m insulin resistant & have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom). I have been unable to keep my weight in check for the last 8+ yrs, despite my strick diet and regular exercise. I had been prescribed Metforman and then Glyset before and the side effects were awful! I went to my dr. yesterday and she put me on Victoza; .08 for the first week and steadily increasing the dose from that to 1.2 and then to 1.6 over time. I took my first shot last night and woke up this morning w/mild nausea. I decided that I will take the shot in the a.m. since doing it at night my body drops in glucose levels by default and the meds just make it worse. By the time I wake up in the morning, by glucose levels are so low it adds to the nausea. Today the nausea is still holding on, but hoping that fades after a few days! I pray this will finaly help me get off the 50lbs that i need to get back to a healthy weight!
Kim, I just read your post form 03/31/2010. I am in the same boat you are and am wondering how the drug ended up working for you. Please let me know.
Thank you, Dawn
I take it around dinner time. That works for me. I was only nauseas at first. I have been on 1.2 since Monday. My numbers are down and have lost about 5 lbs. I would say I am a bit constipated also,for that I will try to eat more fiber. Happy with things so far!
I have been given Victoza about two weeks ago, and since reading the inside leaflet I actually have left it in my fridge. Last night I said I was going to start it, but to be honest I am pretty scared to try it.
Were all of you like this as well at first? Should I just get on with it?
I am 6’5 295 lbs, AC1 = 6.2, good sugars, but then I am not a typical type 2 or type 1 which I use to be when I was a kid. dont ask long story to be honest.
So, anyway, any help would be great. As I am at work now, I have it on my desk, still thinkihg about it….should I? Should I not?
Tim
Tim,
Not knowing why you were prescribed Victoza in the first place but also believing your doc had a good reason for giving it to you, I would say “just get on with it.” The shot is just not painful (I inject in my stomach where the nerve endings arent’t as sensitive) and, for me, the short term sugar and weight control benefits far outweigh any long term cancer effects. Good luck!
I am still very constipated despite eating lots of fiber, any suggestions from anyone?
I am finding I have to drink a LOT of extra water, too.
try drinking more water and eat a good a day id does wonders
plain water is your best and have it cool
Well Tim, I guess you have to make that decision. My story….. I have been Type 2 for about 15 years; worked hard to control it with just Metaforman (sp?), my A1C was always under 6.8, then about a year ago, My A1C started climbing, doctor upped my pills from 2 to 3 and I saw no difference, it still rose to 7.3. I became more tired, started gaining weight… I decided that I needed something else to help and went to a Diabetes Clinic. The doctor told me about Victoza, they called my insurance to make sure it was covered, saw an educator that day, got my first shot at the office and there I was, using Victoza.
They told me about all the risks and how I may feel nauseous, but I was ready to try something else. I was tired of feeling tired and seeing my weight climb. So I was ready to jump on the bandwagon as soon as they said weight loss was a side effect. That was March 22nd. And later that day after my first shot, I did feel really weird, like I had tons of energy. I started feeling nauseous the next day or so. But I figured it was not that bad. After the initial few days, I have not felt much of anything. Just a bit constipated. I feel full after only eating a fraction of what I used to; my numbers have gone from 150 fasting in morning to 95. I have not had a single time my blood was over 200. And I have been religious taking my blood before I eat and 2 hrs after for my first week and half. I have lost 5 lbs so far, and being at least 50 pounds over weight, that is my real motivation to taking my shot every day. And I know where I was heading if I didn’t do anything.
But if you feel that you don’t need it or have questions, see another doctor. Your numbers seem good. They do say that it is not for people with Type I. I know that weight loss is a side effect, but it seems that they are using the shot to help you lose weight, since your numbers are not that bad. But I think, maybe get a second opinion.
But I think if you did start it, give the shot later in the day, I do mine about 5 and I almost never feel nauseous. OK, well good luck. Let us know how you make out!
started on victoza 5 days now and no side affects. my fasting blood sugars are down from around 180 to 140.i have also noticed some appetite loss.i’m not worried about the cancer concerns,my endo says the rats were given very high doses,more than any human would take.the air we breathe is probably more toxic lol.i have just gotten my 6th heart stent two weeks ago and went in a week later for my seventh and my doc said he found more blockages in my past stents that will require a 2bl or triple bybass.seeing a cardio surgeon on april 14th to see when i’m havig the bypass. i also have had 90 % blockages in my carotids last year and have stents in them also.doc says i have some bad genes is why my stents keep blockin up.diabetes also doesn’t help
I was given Victoza about a week ago. I took injections for three days…in the mornings. I was so sick with stomach pains and vomiting, so I stopped. I’m glad to see that some of you have experienced the same things. I will try some of the suggestions given here (taking injections at night, starting with low doses,etc.). I will phone dr. tomorrow. Will these symptoms go away eventually the longer I take the med.?
It might help to eat a little something before you take the shot. I have to eat before I take Metformin and today I started the Victoza. So I had some toast and feel fine.
SUGGESTION FOR NAUSEA: Take ginger! Peel and slice up some pieces of fresh ginger, carry these along with you and chew the piece, then discard after you have gotten the ginger juice out of it. Ginger tea (Yogi brand is good), carbonated diet bevvies (Diet Pepsi is my favorite) also help tremendously.
I used Byetta for several months, but timing the shots against meals just does not work with my lifestyle. Quit in July and went back to just Metformin ER (max dose), exercise and low carb. When bs levels (and weight) started to rise, I visited my endo and asked to try Victoza. I am 5 days in — some nausea, some headaches, but all in all very mild. I love the once a day dose that is not dependent on timing or meals. My BS have taken a dive (down from 180 to 120 on waking). Have lost about 6 lbs so far.
I am not a diabetic but I do have pcos.
My Dr put me on this strictly for weightloss but there is not much information online about that.
I tried Byetta 3 times but was so sick that I missed work.
I started taking Victoza last Thursday before bed. I was a little sick the next morning but my appetite was GONE..I took it for 2 days and decided that I would not take it over the Easter Weekend because I didn’t want the nausea with all that was going on. I really thought that I would not be able to tell the difference..boy was I wrong. I started taking it again today with a little less nausea and I never think of snacking. I really think that the constipation that everyone is having is in big part to eating less. I haven’t noticed that yet. I am going to wait until Thursday to weigh my self but I will keep you all posted on how the weight loss goes.
Michelle,
I think you have a great point with your observation that the constipation problem is related to eating less. The less we eat, the less we have to evacuate. I have noticed a marked decrease in my bowel movements, but have absolutely no feelings of bloat, fullness, or any of the other myriad symptoms of constipation. Just because we don’t go as often any more doesn’t mean we are necessarily constipated.
sorry, I was getting to a point with all of this..I have had no headaches but I have had some irritating body aches. Does anyone else have this problem?
The nausea will go away, I have lost about 8 pounds in 2 wks. I have been taking my shot at night and that works better for me. I dont eat nearly as much and sometimes have to force myself to eat. I dont have any problem turning down sweets now, and only eat to live and not live to eat, it’s great! Maybe now I’ll finally lose
this extra weight I’ve been carrying for so long, I’m excited. And my blood sugar has been great!
Hi I have been on victoza since March 13,2010. I take 1.2 @ bedtime. I have lost 11 lbs. I have a rash on the back of my R hand, has anyone else had this problem? I will go back to MD saturday might have to stop taking med.
I just got the two week sample from my dr. today. All my labs look good (he even said great), but I have been having an awful lot of lows. Not good when you are monitoring the “mean little kids”. So we are going to try this to see if it helps to stop the lows. After reading the comments – I think I will start at 10:00 at night. Maybe that way I won’t be so sick. Not so scared of shot or being sick, just makes for a miserable day – hummm? Maybe use it as a deterrent to the kids behaving better. Have to think about that.
I will be checking back often so keep posting.