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.
Does anyone know around how much Victoza costs? My doctor has given me enough samples for 1 month, but I would like to know what it costs so I am not shocked if I stay on it.
Ashli hi, my doc just put me on this and she told me that its around 400$ a month.
I take Victoza and the cost@ Walmart for 2 pens is 413.00 without insurance the cost of 3 pens is 500+ my insurance company only paid 20.oo tword this med because it is so new to the marketbut i went to the company web site and downloaded a discount card so i ended up paying 229.00 for 2 pens. I take 12.0 injection so each pen only last for 15 days the lower dose you take the longer the pen last meaning the less you will pay in the long run-side effects gas, naseua,vomiting, low blood sugar, which all will get better the longer you take it but will not go away entirely-weight loss I have lost about 10 pounds in 15days so that is a plus. I suggest you take it lose weight excersise to lose more weight and come off this med that is what i’m trying to do. PS Weight loss ws without excersise but i am going to start to see how fast i can lose more
In Canada it’s 187.00 a month for 2 pens. Just started this last week. Sugars were good for a couple days but I was diagnosed with 2 small esophageal erosions a few weeks back and the gnawing pain seems like hunger (but isn’t) and so I’m still over eating to try to stop the pain. So, I have some issues here for sure but was waiting for months for this to arrive in Canada so I’ll give it every effort. Can’t say I feel too well so far but then I’m taking other things too and it’s allergy season.
I have high hopes for this new GLP-1 and am very glad I found this forum. Best of luck to all.
Try costco it cost there only $158/month for two pens.
i work for a physician and it cost around $200.00 for 3 pen
wish is like $80.00 per unit
$400 dls and my ppo will not cover it… it works but quite expensive
I spoke to my insurance company before going to the pharmacy with the prescription. A one month supply was about $100. To get a 3 month supply through the mail was about $150. I’ll be using samples for a while.
I am curious…I have never had any medication delivered to me via USPS (mail), being that Victoza has to be kept refrigerated, how is it shipped? I have always been curious about this med delivery method anyways, seing how most medications need to be kept at temps below 79 degrees. I live in NC and we are holding at 95 to 103 degree days this time of the year.
i got mine from medco in a styrofome cooler with those chem.ice bags
I just got samples from my doc too , enough for one month. It is 40 with my insurance, but I asked the pharmacist at CVS and without insurance it is 152.00
My doctor gave me a rx for a three month supply and it cost me 180.00 dollars after my blue cross paid close to 600.00 dollars of it. it is expensive if you do not have insurance. it works, some of the nausea or gi upset at first is hard, but overall my blood sugar has dropped from 170 to 200 to 100 to 120. much better. good luck
About $250
ask your pharmacy for sure,but my two pen scipt they said would cost about 340 without insurnce. at that cost for 2,with each one good for ten days–3 are needed for a month if prescribed at 1.8/dose/day.
With Blue Cross Blue Shield it runs around $50.00. So I would say without insurance it would be quite expensive.
i just picked up my Voctoza pens of three… price at Walgreens $423.16 and the needles are seperate $55 ask your doctor for the coupon card for a discount. I paid $50 for both pens and needles. Go on to victoza.com so that you can receive help with psying it.
my doc gave this med to me and i do like it the bad part is how much it costs around 500 dollers a pen and a pen lasts about a month so you do the math is it worth it to feel better and lose weight. it is for me..
My doctor just prescribed it for me yesterday and I called the drug store today to find out the cost to pick up all my meds. I asked about the Victoza and was told it would be $585 for a months supply. But there is some type of form/s to complete for assistance on it, but I don’t know enough about it yet to tell you more, but you may want to check with your pharmacy or doctor about the assistance.
yes your doctor should have a special form that goes directly to your insurance and they will help you get the cost down
Is anyone doing any type of exercise in order to lose your weight loss?
I do some type of exercise 5 days a week. While i’m at work I walk up 7 flights of stairs at least once a day. I also walk for 20 minutes on my break. If it’s a good day I will go to the gym too. I have been doing this since October 2009. The weight has not come off. I have lost a lot of inches but the scale fluctuates 3 to 8 pounds. I am tired of the yo yo syndrome. I just want to lose some weight and keep it off.
Wilhelmina, it might make you feel better to know that losing inches is better than losing pounds!
You are most likely losing fat but gaining healthy muscle so your weight may stay the same for a while but you are still losing. It took me a long time to wrap my head around that but my doctor and I have talked at length about exercise and weight loss. Don’t stop the stairs and gym! You got it going on!!!
no nothing at all ive been on victoza for 4 wks now and lost 15lbs
Hi Bettia:
I have been on Victoza for a week now. I generally work out four to five days a week and this week was no different. Some of those days I run for 45 minutes, others I strength train and do 45 minutes to an hour of cardio.
I am happy to report that I just upped my dosage to 1.2 with no adverse effects. Everyone talks about nausea, but I find I only get nauseous if I don’t eat. So, as long as I eat a small something every 3 – 4 hours, I’m fine.
Even better news, I started at 196.6. After one week, I am 191.6. Greatest drug EVER!
I agree, BettyG! I find that eating a good breakfast – I have one egg and one sausage patty – and then taking Victoza helps with the shakes and I have had NO nausea at all. I have dropped from 186 to 180 in 2 weeks. I am very happy with Victoza!
I was prescribed Victoza today and just did my first injection. I have been a type 2 for a little over a year. Blood sugars haven’t been bad but the weight gain has been a huge problem. I am finally hopeful. These comments have been very helpful and inspiring. Thanks to all of you.
About $600.00 with out insurance,my cost after insurance is $167.00. I have Aetna, I want be on vic to much longer.
I picked up my first 3 pen pack of Victoza yesterday, along with my Metformin and my blood pressure pill and my total for all three was only $33.00. It’s a shame that there is such a big difference in price depending on which insurance you have.
I used Byetta 4 months and lost 40 pounds. But I noticed horrible anxiety after the injection. I started Victoza 4 days ago and had to stop today because of increased anxiety, mood swings, and agitation. Anyone have this effect?? I really want to continue because the weight loss is tremendous!!
Amy,
This will go away. I thought I was going crazy when that happened to me. I started when i went 1.8 so i dropped back to 0.6. I don’t have the mood swings and i am not irratable any more, but i also take DHEA spray 25mg. DHEA really help with the anxiety but first talk to your doctor about it.
I BC/BS I pay 150.00 without it is 530.00. I have gain all my weight back plus, but i still love my bs numbers. I go next week for my my a1c, still excited about the med. I just wich I could lose the weight. Oh well!! Life goes on.
Is it safe for a person with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 2004. I’ve lost 198lbs. However, I have not reached my Goal Weight… My Medical Doctor and I are Serching to see if Victoza or Byetta is safe for me. I do have Type 2 Diabetes. controled with Amarill…
Reggie, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2001, four days after my diagnosis I had Rou-en-y surgery. My weight was 370 and within 6 months I was 200. I stayed at that weight until 2005 when I started gaining weight and had no idea why, my blood sugars had been normal until the sudden weight gain. My blood sugars were once again high and I was put on Metformin and dropped 30 pounds in 2 months. I have been at 230 since 2005. My doctor prescribed Victoza 6 weeks ago. I am injecting 1.2mg daily and have lost 20 pounds. I have had NO side effects and my fasting sugars are running between 90 and 95. It is an amazing drug, however, my insurance will not pay for it and the cheapest price I have been able to find in central Indiana is $317 a month. The 2nd sample pen my doctor gave me is almost gone and now I have to figure out how to pay for it. Best of luck to you.
I have been on Victoza for over a month. I have Type 2 diabetes and was unable to control my blood sugars. In addition to my ActoPlusMet I take one injection in the evenings at 1.2 mg. My doctor started me off with the 0.6 mg for the first week and I did experience some discomfort with nausea for the first few days or so then it subsided. Now, my fasting blood sugars are no longer in the range of 250 -350. When I test in the mornings they run between 109 – 150 depending on how bad I’ve been with my diet. So obviously, the medication is working. I have also changed a lot when it comes to my eating habits and I’m no lomger abusing my body as I had been. Victoza has decreased my appetite and breakfast usually consists of a few bites of food, I actually force more than I really want just so I can take my medication. I am proud to say that I am again a size 8, which I have not been in over 40 years! During Eastertime, I was wearing 12s and 14s.
The manufacture has a discount program that you can call and signup for. Along with my discount and my company insurance I paid $35.00 for a two-month supply. Victoza can be taken anytime of the day but should be taken the same time each day. I switched from mornings to evenings because that worked better for me. I wish you all the best with this medication.
Hi Gwen,
I have been on Victoza for a little over two weeks, I was wondering if you had any of the side effects. I was supposed to increase the dosage from .6 to 1.2, but the nausea and vomiting got the better of me. As a result of that my doctor told me to stay at the 1.2 for another week and increase it. How did you handle the side effects if you had any?
yep had all kind of side effects but they got lot better on 2nd week
I have found that if I only eat a little food and not a whole meal, that I do not have the nausea or vomiting. If I eat too much I get sick. YUCK! I went up to 1.8 for 4 days, I could not eat anything on that dose. So I stay at 1.2 and it works really well for me. I started Victoza the end of june, and as of today, I have lost 10 pounds.
YEA!!!! God bless
Thank you so very much for the information you posted, you have given me hope. I have been on Victoza for one week so far. I hope I get the same results as you have. Did you exercise while taking Victoza?
I started the Victoza a week ago and am so tired I can’t work out. All I want to do is sleep. Has anyone had this issue?
I have been on this drug for about a month. I have lost 5 pounds. This drug makes me so tired I cannot drive and do other normal tasks. The fatigue is tremedous. I now wonder if it is worth it, especially since I am afraid to drive. I changed from a night dose to a daytime dose, that didn’t work. So I am now considering using it only after I gotten things done around mid day. One thing I noticed is that the drug makes you forget to eat and I don’t think a 5lb weight loss in 4 weeks is a plus given the fatigue I experience.
Elaine,
Try taking a multivitaman. That should help you some.
I also was to tired to do anything but sleep. So I switched to taking it right before bed at 10 pm. Now I am good when I wake up and ready to go all day. I have had a little tummy trouble today, been on 1.2 for 5 days now and was on .6 for a week prior. Wonderful appetite control. I am loosing weight but have not weighed yet. I will keep posting. Also my part d will not pay for this drug. I love it and have great blood sugar now. I will contact the company and see if I qualify for the discount. If not I will find the money somehow. thanks
Just started yesterday. Took my second shot this morning and I am practically falling asleep at my desk. My coffee consumption may increase:-)
i take my insulin at night…..and i feel great i lost 11 pound the first 2 weeks…yeppie..m blood sugars are running great………hang in there
I take One-A-Day Energy multivitamin. It works well regarding the fatigue. Take the vitamin right after breakfast. I was off the vitamin for about a month and went through severe fatigue. Got back on the vitamin and 2 days later felt like my old self. I’m thinking it is because this vitamin has a little caffiene added to it (hence the name ENERGY). Hope this helps.
Yes, I am very tired since taking this medicine. All I want to do is lay down or sleep. Don’t know how long I can go with this weak tired feeling. My house needs attention. Has anyone come up with a solution for this wicked side affect.
I noticed many of you are concerned regarding the cancer risk with Victoza. I have done more research and the reason it has been downplayed is due to the high doses used in primates, which showed no increase in calcitonin levels, the primary precursor to c-cell hyperplasia, or medullary thyroid cancer. The “cancer risk” is largely due to the fact that rats has thousands of these receptors which make them prone to this sort of response. All in all, the most troubling adverse events should be the ones that prevent you for feeling well, not the cancer risk which is already being blown out of proportion.
I started Victoza 0.6 four days ago. I have hyperinsulinemia and am pre-diabetic, but Ac1 is always between 5 and 6. I am on Metformin 2000mg a day and weighed in at 196.6 on June 24th. Scale was moving so slowly downward for months even though I started running (did a 5K a week ago), work out regularly, and eat very cleanly. Doctor thought this might work for me, but I was very nervous to start given the info on this site.
My first day gave me a little lightheadedness, but not too bad. I felt kind of strange, but nothing that stopped me from working. What I did notice was that I completely lost my appetite. I forgot about lunch and got a headache and realized I hadn’t eaten in 4 hours. So I had lunch and could only eat half my normal lunch. I have to be careful because I get hypoglycemic and even though the drug is not supposed to cause it, if I don’t eat that’s what happens and since it stops your hunger, it’s easy to forget. The dizzy thing was only the first day. Now, the only thing I notice is that I crave water or my mouth will get dry. I have no nausea (unless I don’t eat and then I get queasy), no vomiting, no constipation (which is a HUGE issue for me), nothing. And this morning I weighed in at 193.6. Three pounds in four days. I finally feel like I can control how much I consume. Hooray!!!
Has anyone had any luck getting coverage for this drug if they are only pre-diabetic?
I started Victoza yesterday. I could barely get out of bed this morning and have never felt this tired. I was worried I’d fall asleep at the wheel on my way to work.
I’ve noticed in less than 24 hours I’ve eaten quite a bit less. I sort of have to make myself eat. This is great, but am I going to feel this tired all the time?
I take an energy multivitamin and have no loss of energy. I have been taking victoza since may 12th. I did trade to biata for a two week period when that was all bcbs would cover and that was when the extreme tired and stomach troubles started. My doctor is working with me to appeal their decision.
I have read through alot of comments regarding possible side effects from Victoza – I started today and am hoping for Only the Best!!! I will post again in a few weeks with my progress. By the way, thanks to all who shared their experiences (the information really helps).
I have been on victoza for months, and am at the highest daily dose. I had some nausea at first…and thought I might have to stop, but I kept going and now I am fine. I was tired at first too, and didn’t feel like exercizing- but I weighed 214 when I first started the med. I now weigh 195- but I eat about the same as I did before but wasn’t losing at all.
Edwina, I am curious to what your HBA1c was.I just started on Victoza 1 week ago. My Endo is insisting on me going up to the highest dose and I’m not sure why. I am on the 1.2 dose and no other diabetic medication. My last HGBA1C was 5.9. Do you think the highest dose is right for me?
I just purchased mine yesterday. It cost me $104.00 with my insurance. I have taken two doses and has had no nausea.
I took my second dose today. I took 15 units of insulin along with Victoza after breakfast. I had very little for lunch. I checked my blood sugar after lunch it was 117. I did not take my insulin after lunch. I checked it again at 4:07 and it is 92. This is great for me. I got sleepy and a little dizzy after taking the Victoza today but that has subsided. I really hopes this works for my weight loss. I will increase my dosage to 1.2 next week if I can tolerate the 0.6 for a week.
I have been on victoza approx. a month- every time I try to increase dosage above .06 to 1.2-I feel very nauseuos. I’m using appr. .09 &trying to work up to next dosage step. I’ve lost about 6lbs. No big difference in sugars. I eat 40 calorie ice pops when I start to feel really sick-I hope it goes away because nothing else works much for weight loss. I walk in the pool for about an hour at least 4x a wk. I alo take Lantus at nite- metformin,actos&glimerpride.Just started acupuncture for a back problem.Its very interesting reading every ones comments&knowing I’m not on this path alone. Keep up the dialogue- Thanks for sharing.
Everyone’s comments are so helpful. Feels good to know I am not on the journey to better health alone.
I started Victosa about one month ago. (.6) Have experienced a lot of nausea. I was on Byetta for a year and a half. Did have some trouble with it also. However I will keep trying to adjust I have lost only 4lbs. but have noticed that my appetite is much reduced with the Victosa as opposed to the Byetta.
I am trying one of your suggestions to take the Victosa in the evening—seems to reduce some of the nausea. Also will try to eat small amounts throughout the day. I also have experienced profound fatigue but don’t know for sure if it is these GLp1 drugs or just that diabetes itself causes fatigue.
Also had some hair thinning while on Byetta–still don’t know whether to contribute it to that or age–I’m 63 or Thyroid (I take Synthroid ) also. GAD !! sometimes you just don’t know what is best,it always comes down to trial and error and being a Guinea Pig I guess. Anyway Thanks to all for commenting. It helps us all to share info.
I started victoza 3 weeks ago. At first, I got sick feeling every night about the same time. Now that’s better. Now, I have this very annoying burning in my legs and my toes are very crampy. Has anyone else experienced this?
I’ve enjoyed all the blogs, I thought I was the only one who had the weight problem. I’ve been on Victoza about 2 weeks & have had much nausea,vomiting & gastro side effects. I’m taking dosage 1.2 now, Are the side effects less severe if taken at night? At 1pm today, I’m still feeling sick, my Metformin I took at 630am came backup undissolved. I so want this to work! One tip, I originally started injecting in the abdomin, then I tried the thigh, this seems to work better, the sudden onset of nausea is dimished when using the thigh area.
I started Vyctoza a week ago and and havent had any tiredeness but I have absolutely no appetite. I have to force myself to eat. I get a little nauseated, but it isnt bad at all. No Other stomach upset, no vomitting but I am at the lowest dose right now. I dont know what I will get when I go up to the next dose like my dr wants me too.good luck.
Hello, i was started on Victoza on Thursday for high FBS and A1C. I am morbid obese and had weight problems my whole life. I have been on every diet under the sun and only lost weight on the PHEN-Pfen program. Which was taken off the market for Heart Valve problems. I gained back every pound that i lost on that program. So i am hopefully that Victoza will work for me. Today is day 4 and i have minimal side effects so far….cramping. Today i was very sick to my stomach and diarrhea….but it only started after having 2 glasses of sweat tea….I will not drink that anymore…My appetite has decreased, and i feel less tired then usual. Usually after a meal i get very sleepy….but for the last 4 days i have taken no naps….so maybe this might be the answer..i am on 6.0 injections for 2 weeks and then my doctor will start me on 12.0. When i get weighed in and will leave a new update…..thanks for all the comments….its very helpful and answered alot of my questions
Well i went back to my Physician yesterday and had the shock of my life….i lost 11 pounds in the 2 weeks i have been on Victoza…..My doctor was so happy, my blood pressure, weight and sugar are all down…..and i feel great….the only side effect i am having is diarrhea now and then. I actually feel better then i have in months…..usually after i eat i feel tired and in need of a nap….since taking Victoza i am not as tired and i have no appetite. I don’t have craving as bad as i usually did. This might be the key to most of my issue’s…..i surely don’t want to follow the same path as my mom did. I have to return to Physician in 3 weeks,i will leave a new update on the progress.
Ok, day #7. I have been nauseated everyday around 5:30/6:00pm. In addition, I have experienced diaherra off and on over the 7 day period. My doctor wanted me to increase my dosage from .6mg to 1.2 on day 7 but, I did not because I am afraid my current symptoms/side effects will worsen. The symptoms/side effects I have at the current dosage are not bad enough for me to stop using Victoza but, I do not want the symptoms /side effects to be any worse than they are now. So for now, I will stay at the .6mg. By the way, my clothes are fitting less snug so, I am sure I have dropped either inches and/or pounds. When I weigh (not ready for that quite yet), I will post the results. Thanks again to everyone that is sharing on this site.
My side effects started easing up around day 12…..i only have diarrhea once in awhile…..my Physician was going to up my dose to 12 but her said he was going to wait until i stopped showing progress and then he will bump me up to 12….he said this insulin has hormones in it, that obese people might be lacking and that is why people are dropping the pounds. He usually is pushing me to do Medifast but it made me sick. He said every single patient he has put on this insulin has lost weigh and he is keeping a close eye on the patients at least every 2-3 weeks. Good Luck and keep updating this is very usefully.
Was prescribed Metformin & Victoza one month ago for Diabetes II & Metabolic X Syndrome. Have lost 26lbs since starting the combination of drugs, going from 196 to 170. This is really a lot of weight in a short period of time, but as a sidebar, I also quit drinking any alcohol at the same time. Had been prescribed Janumet for past two years and constantly gained weight with that drug. It may be that quitting drinking played the biggest role in the weight loss (had consumed 2-3 glasses of wine every evening for the past 30 years, and I am sure this habit adversely affected my health/weight)
Great to read the blogs in this forum and to be able follow all the various stories!
I posted last on April 28, and as of early June I had lost 15 pounds on Victoza. However I did have the worst sulfur gas bout I have ever had which made my physically ill. Finally that one passed and I figured out it was Victoza. I stopped a few days, went back to my high dose and it did it again. I stopped Victoza until 2 nights ago and I’ve started back at the low dose trying to readjust my body. I have no idea how to cure the sulfuric nastiness but if it comes again I’m afraid I may have to try and lose weight the old fashioned way. Are there any suggestions?
Chris,
I started taking gas pills and probiotics and it really helps, especially the gas pills. Pop one of those babies in the morning and i am good to go all day long.
Yes I had all this on day 7 still on .6
Horrible vomiting and the runs. The worse sulfur gas started it all. I was sick for hours and going to the bathroom all night like about 30 times.
I’ve stopped it for now but will try again soon. Meanwhile I found this:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4599959_causes-sulphur-burps_.html
wow I found this site… I feel so much better …on my 1.2 week..have lost about 6 pds. money is what Im concerned with..thats alot of money….$500 I have insurance with walmart.And my doctor gave me a discount card..soooo…When I go to pickup this meds I gonna be praying hard..Thats alot of money.. I got sick the first week but now I have more energy and only get little sick..
I also take the pill of the mornings ,I have high blood ,cholestrol those are $48 ,then the diabetes pill $4 so thats $52 then the shots….?
i
Thank all of you for so much information on VICTOZA.I’, a 63y/o retired nurse.For the very first time my A1C is at a 7.5 level (surprise …wow!!!). I know at an 8.0 you’ll have to start insulin so I’m anxious to start this new drug and see if the weight loss will help keep my blood sugar lower.I plan to start the med this evening just before dinner (around 6pm)……injected in the thigh and see what happens. I will give an update next Thurs when I increase my doseage to 1.2.
I have found Im not hungry ,so I try to dressup the food to eat healthy and mantain a well balanced diet..like mashed cauliflower cooked with parsley makes it fresher the bread part is what confuses me..starches..no potatoes unless its sweet…I did this med because of the type 2 the fact that this meds help you lose weight its a plus..i could drop 55 lbs and love it at 140..im interested to see what next week of 1.4 holds for me ..I do work as a mgr full speed cant slow down at walmart..thanks for all the input
I was reading the new blogs and my mind went back to what I spend on fast food …if we eat out 5 days a week thats 25 or 100 amonth..if we cut the grocery back to be healthy we are going to save another 100 or more if you a soda drinker or spirits..so lets be positive and stop all the bad habits and focus on the good ones..stop mickey d’s and pizza and french fries
stopping the fast food wont be a prob for me. Like you, I hve no appetite.
I just started my victoza today. About an hour after my inject (which was at the dr) i got very hypoglycemic, so i grabbed a candy bar as i was at a store. Not sure what sort of side effects there will be but hoping not alot other than weight loss. I also have hypothyroid as well and pcos and have been on metformin for a few years. Has the nauseousness just been an upset or actually vomitting? Did the dr give anyone any sort of anti nausea drug?
Hi, my physician said that this kind of insulin will not suddenly drop your sugar and it shouldn’t cause hypoglycemic attacks…..i have been on this for 15 days now and after the 12 day the diarrhea and stomach cramps have let up some….i have been taking Pepto for the side effects….i feel great my sugar, blood pressure and weight are down…yeppie…good luck and keep us updated
Christig, I have the same health issues and wanted to see how you’re doing on the Victoza? It’s been murder trying to lose any weight with hypothyroidism and pcos and I have been on metformin for a few years too without much help. I started Victoza today, any help would be appreciated!
My doctor prescribed victoza today. Based on your feedback, I feel better about starting the program which will be used with a protein drink program from my doctor and one 600 calorie meal a day. I will be using Lantus Insulin (at bed time) and metformin (1000g) per day while on victoza. I’ll keep everyone posted.
Enjoyed the messages from everyone. I was put in Victoza about 4 weeks for sugar.
Diabetic: type 2:
With diet changes I have lost over 30 pounds. 210 to 180
Reading lables has made a big difference.
Watching carbs and sugar seems to be the trick.
I eat fruit, vegetables, pasta DreamField is a great tasting pasta.
Meat, tuna cereal, sugar free cookies, low carb icecream, milk, ice tea and lots of water. Cost me $20 for three pens with my insurance.
Good luck to everyone.
Jo
to non diabetic users victoza, generally recommended not to go over 1.2 and if you are feeling lethargic stay or go back to .6. Your pen will last longer, it won’t be as expensive and you can still get benefits. Eat more frequent small healthy protein containing snacks and keep well hydrated. Keep a pkg lifesavers and eat 2 3 if you feel lightheaded.
Has anyone lost some weight by using Victoza and all of sudden gained some back ?
I started victoza about 3 months ago, and I am happy to say that it has dropped my A1C more than a full point. I went from 7.3 to 6.2. I do not have many side effects any more. No more stomach pains (Pecid AC really helped with that), no more nausea. The best side effect is that I still can’t eat what I used to, and for that, I am not complaining. I see most posts are from people who have recently started Victiza and I just thought I would give a little update from someone who has been on it for a while. My only complaint is that I have only lost about 10 lbs, I am still loosing slowly, probably because I eat much less. And that is ok with me. The fact that my A1C is down to 6.2 is the greatest benefit. I am lucky; my insurance pays all but $25. So I say to those who are just starting to take this drug, keep going and hopefully most side effects will go away and it will be tolerated well.
Good luck to all!
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE 2 4 YEARS AGO AND HAVE BEEN ON EVERY ORAL MED YOU COULD THINK OF WITH NO RESULTS. MY NUMBERS WERE ALWAYS ON THE VERY HIGH SIDE—A GOOD NUMBER FOR ME WAS ANYWHERE FROM 275 TO 300… I KEPT GAINING WEIGHT NO MATTER WHAT I ATE OR NO MATTER HOW MUCH I WOULD WOULD KEEP MYSELF MOVING… IF I ATE EXACTLY WHAT I SHOULD EAT OR ATE JUST ANYTHING I WANTED MY NUMBERS STAYED THE SAME. I WAS PUT ON VICTOZA ON APRIL 4, 2010 AND AS OF TODAY’S DATE I HAVE LOST 29 LBS. I FIND I JUST CAN’T CONSUME FOOD LIKE I USE TO. I FILL UP AFTER JUST A FEW BITES BUT THE MOST AMAZING THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IS THE CHANGE IN MY NUMBERS. A HIGH NUMBER FOR ME IS 110. I HAVE SO MUCH MORE ENERGY AND I JUST OVERALL FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF. I JUST FELT LIKE THIS DIABETES WAS A DEATH SENTENCE CAUSE I COULDN’T GET IT UNDER CONTROL.BUT NOW I CONTROL THE DIABETES NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
I have been on Victoza for 3 months..My sugar was 350-400 now it is down to 129-180…I am very large and since on shot, I have lost 49 lbs…I love this new shot…It is a miracle drug…Only side effects I have had is if I start to get full, I get nausea if I dont stop…Good luck to all that are on it…
I started my first dose of Victoza today. After taking my first injection at the Dr’s office my sugars dropped within an hour. I have been a bit edgy since taking the injection..I am optimistic about it and looking forward to what tomorrow holds. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories, because it has made taking the medication a little easier for me. I will keep everyone posted…
I HAVE BEEN DIABETIC FOR OVER 15 YRS.BUT 4 YRS AGO I GOT THE LAP BAND BUT I LOST OVER 40 LBS. B4 SURGERY THEN I DIDNT FOLLOW UP FOR 3YRS I RECENTLY START AGAIN I WAS 289 BEFOR NOW IM 238 LAST WEEK Y DR. GAVE ME A SAMPLE OF VICTOZA AND IM VERY EXCITED MY SUGARS LEVELS IN THE AM USED TO BE 220 TO 230 NOW IM 17 TO 180 IM NOT HUNGRY AT ALL I HOPE IT WORKS!! I GET VERY TIRED ITS THE ONLY KICKBACK ON MY SECOND DAY USING IT I MAKE A MISTAKE BY USING THE FULL DOSAGE AND I WAS NAUSEOUS AND VOMITING BUT I LEARN MY LESON!! ITS BEING OK EVER SINCE
Have been on Victoza for about a month now and have lost 12 pounds. I am not a diabetic, but on my way with weight being 202 lbs at 5′ 3 1/2″. Have had no side effects except some nausea in the evenings when my stomach is empty, but simply snacking on a back of peanuts helps that. Also I have Aetna insurance and that pays for the meds. I only have to pay $20 for month supply so I am very fortunate. This is a wonder drug for me.
I am a type 1 Diabetic…taking humalog insulin and Humulin N…I have been a Diabetic for 25+ years I am 44 yrs old now.
I haven’t read too many Type 1′s taking this medication. I just heard about it today by my endocrinologist..He recommended I try it and gave a trial and prescription.
I will take my first dose tomorrow AM and will keep you informed. Hopefully a few more Type 1′s post up here so we can compare notes.
I am overweight and hopefully I can shed a few pounds as Diet and exercise have been uneventful.
Gary, I too am a type 1. I’ve been on Victoza since 7/1 and go back to my Dr tomorrow. Had nausea the first couple of days and have had constipation. Now that everyone knows my secrets, I’ll go further saying nausea is no longer and stool softeners work wonders.LOL My weight before was 204 and am hoping I’ve dropped a few lbs. My blood sugars have dropped only because I’m not eating like before. I’ll keep ya’ll posted.
I HAVE BEEN TAKING VICTOZA FOR A WEEK. IT IS TIME TO UP MY DOSAGE BUT I AM NOT GOING TO DO THIS YET. I HAVE DEVELOPED A LITTLE REDNESS ON MY ARMS AND LEGS AND IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD THIS REACTION TO ACTOS. I WAS MISERABLE FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS. ANYWAY, MY FASTING BLOOD SUGARS ARE AROUND 110 TO 130 AND THEY HAD BEEN UP WAY OVER THE 200′S AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THE ONE SIDE EFFECT WHICH AT THIS SMALL DOSE IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN’T HANDLE. I CAN VOUCH FOR THE NOT BEING HUNGRY. I HAVE CUT WHAT I EAT AT LEAST IN HALF AND I AM NOT STARVING TO DEATH ALL THE TIME. ALSO I AM DOWN ABOUT 5 POUNDS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN ON THE YOYO THING WITH MY WEIGHT SO I UNDERSTAND WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT. I WILL DEAL WITH THE REDNESS AS I AM NOT READY TO LOSE THIS CONTROL OVER BLOOD SUGAR AND THE FOODS I EAT. THANKS EVERYONE FOR ALL THE HELPFUL INFORMATION AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
I PAID $15.00 FOR MY TWO PENS AFTER MY INSURANCE PAID ITS PART.I WAS ON BYETTA SINCE 2007 THEN MONDAY JULY12TH MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON THIS
Diabetic for 15 years…still on metformin.Alc 6.o…began victoza 8 weeks ago.–some nausea–much sweating—lost inches, haven’t weighed—-blood sugars very low–am taking 1.2 dose==will try injections in the thigh and eat “all day”–Suggestions for the sweating?
I have been on Victoza since April, I lost 15 lbs but I am at a standstill, Feel a little hungrier than when I first started but still do not eat at all what I used to.
Hoping it will start coming off again.
How do you become a test subject for Victozia?
I have been on victoza for one month. I am extremely fatigued and all my joints hurt constantly. I have not lost any weight even tho I eat alot less because I get full quickly. It really stinks. The really great thing is my sugars are greatly improved. My sugar was running in the 300′s fasting. Now it’s no higher than 140. I to have tried everything known to man and nothing has worked until this and I have had some really bad reactions to alot of the medications. Byetta was the worse I thought I was losing my mind it was really bad. I would totally have times where I wouldn’t even know where I was or how I got there. Be careful with that drug. I really hope these side effects go away because I have never had such good control of my sugar.
@ Wal-Mart it cost me 270 for two pens… I have lost about 10 pounds in the past 1 month
I have veen taking Victoza for several months and continue to feel nauseous and extremely weak. I don’t have enough energy to exercise. I don’t know if I have lost any weight but I certainly don’t like the all day morning sickness.
I have been on victoza now for approx 3-4 wekks..have lost 10 pounds.My dr is on it also and she told me to gradually increase the meds I have been doing this and the fisrt couple of days I do get the nausea then it goes away..as far as my blood sugars they are staying down now and in the same range…
I think it is great and hope to loose more weight..
i am only on approx 1.4 dosage..so if u get sick and all just increase it gradually.it will take a little longer to loose weight and get your sugars down but well worth it!!!
txs for listening