Liraglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist. Sold as Saxenda, Victoza.
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. Saxenda carries that approval; Victoza, the same ingredient at lower maximum doses, is approved for type 2 diabetes. Both are injected once a day rather than once a week.
Brands and what each one is approved for
One active ingredient can hold several separate FDA approvals. They are different documents with different approved uses, and mixing them up is the most common mistake made about these medications.
| Brand | Status for this use | Supply | Label version |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaxendaNovo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP | Approved for weight loss | Prescription | 25 February 2026 |
| VictozaNovo Nordisk | Approved for another condition | Prescription | 14 October 2025 |
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
This warning appears in the labels for Saxenda, Victoza. Quoted below from the Saxenda label.
- Liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice. It is unknown whether SAXENDA causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as the human relevance of liraglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
- SAXENDA is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC with use of SAXENDA and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with SAXENDA. See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
- Liraglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice. It is unknown whether SAXENDA causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as the human relevance of liraglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
A boxed warning is the most serious warning the FDA requires. This text is reproduced from the label.
How it works
Written by us
Liraglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor. The label describes effects on insulin and glucagon secretion that depend on blood glucose, and a delay in gastric emptying. Saxenda's label attributes weight reduction to reduced calorie intake.
From the mechanism of action section of the Saxenda label
Liraglutide is an acylated human GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous human GLP-1(7-37). Like endogenous GLP-1, liraglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, a cell-surface receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase activation through the stimulatory G-protein, Gs.
What the FDA approved it for
The approved uses, as worded in the label.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with body weight greater than 60 kg and obesity.
- Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
- Coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended.
- The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established.
Victoza
- as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
Forms and strengths
The presentations and strengths listed in the label.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Injection: 6 mg/mL clear, colorless solution in a 3 mL prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg.
- Injection: 6 mg/mL solution in a 3 mL prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3 mg.
Victoza
- Injection: 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) clear, colorless solution in a prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg.
- Injection: 6 mg/mL solution in a prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg.
How the label says it is taken
What the label states about administration. It is not a dosing instruction for any individual.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Inject SAXENDA subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once daily at any time of day, without regard to the timing of meals.
- The recommended dose of SAXENDA is 3 mg daily.
- Initiate at 0.6 mg per day for one week. In weekly intervals, increase the dose until a dose of 3 mg is reached.
- If pediatric patients do not tolerate an increased dose during dose escalation, the dose may also be lowered to the previous level. Dose escalation for pediatric patients may take up to 8 weeks.
- Pediatric patients who do not tolerate 3 mg daily may have their dose reduced to 2.4 mg daily.
- Adult patients with type 2 diabetes should monitor blood glucose prior to starting SAXENDA and during SAXENDA treatment. Important Administration Instructions
Victoza
- Adult Patients: Initiate at 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously once daily for one week then increase to 1.2 mg daily. If additional glycemic control is required, increase the dose to 1.8 mg daily after one week of treatment with the 1.2 mg daily dose.
- Pediatric Patients: Initiate at 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously once daily for at least one week. If additional glycemic control is required increase the dose to 1.2 mg daily and if additional glycemic control is still required, increase the dose to 1.8 mg daily after at least one week of treatment with the 1.2 mg daily dose.
- Inspect visually prior to each injection. Only use if solution is clear, colorless, and contains no particles.
- Inject VICTOZA subcutaneously once-daily at any time of day, independently of meals, in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- When using VICTOZA with insulin, administer as separate injections. Never mix. Recommended Dosage Adult Patients
Most common adverse reactions
The adverse reactions the label reports as most common.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Most common adverse reactions, reported in greater than or equal to 5% are: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reactions, headache, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, upper abdominal pain, pyrexia, and gastroenteritis.
- most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were nausea (2.9% versus 0.2% for SAXENDA and placebo, respectively), vomiting (1.7% versus less than 0.1%), and diarrhea (1.4% versus 0%).
Victoza
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in clinical trials are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, constipation.
Warnings and precautions
The warnings and precautions section of the label.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including SAXENDA. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated.
- Hypoglycemia: Can occur in adults when SAXENDA is used with an insulin secretagogue (e.g. a sulfonylurea) or insulin. The risk may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues or insulin. In the pediatric clinical trial, patients did not have type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurred in SAXENDA-treated pediatric patients.
- Heart Rate Increase: Monitor heart rate at regular intervals.
- Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion.
- Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. SAXENDA is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema). Discontinue SAXENDA and other suspect medications and promptly seek medical advice.
- Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures.
Victoza
- Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including VICTOZA. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected.
- Never Share a VICTOZA Pen Between Patients, even if the needle is changed.
- Hypoglycemia: Adult patients taking an insulin secretagogue or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. In pediatric patients 10 years of age and older, the risk of hypoglycemia was higher with VICTOZA regardless of insulin and/or metformin use. Reduction in the dose of insulin secretagogues or insulin may be necessary.
- Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion.
- Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. VICTOZA is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema). Discontinue VICTOZA and promptly seek medical advice.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated.
- Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures.
Contraindications
Situations in which the label states the medication must not be used.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients in SAXENDA.
Victoza
- Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
- Patients with a serious hypersensitivity reaction to liraglutide or any of the excipients in VICTOZA.
Drug interactions
Interactions the label singles out.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
- SAXENDA delays gastric emptying.
- May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications.
- Use with caution.
Victoza
Effects of delayed gastric emptying on oral medications: VICTOZA delays gastric emptying and may impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The opening of the pregnancy section of the label. The full section is longer and is in the source document.
From the FDA label
Saxenda
Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to SAXENDA during pregnancy. SAXENDA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Additionally, weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant patient and may cause fetal harm.
Victoza
Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to VICTOZA during pregnancy. VICTOZA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal reproduction studies identified increased adverse developmental outcomes from exposure during pregnancy.
Generic or brand
Written by us
Generic liraglutide has been approved in the United States, which makes this the first medication in the GLP-1 class with a generic available. Availability of any particular generic presentation changes over time.
The FDA label database lists 8 approved generic applications for this ingredient.
What affects the cost
Written by us
Liraglutide is the only GLP-1 receptor agonist in this category with approved generics, which is the main way its cost position differs from semaglutide and tirzepatide. This site does not track prices and does not link to sellers.
Common questions
- What is the difference between Saxenda and Victoza?
- Both are liraglutide. Saxenda is approved for chronic weight management and goes up to a higher daily dose. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes. The labels are separate documents and both are linked on this page.
- How often is liraglutide injected?
- Once a day, according to both labels. Semaglutide and tirzepatide products in this category are injected once a week.
Other medications under weight loss
Whether each one carries an FDA approval for this use is marked on its page and in this list.
Sources
Every fact above comes from one of these documents. The date is the effective date of the label version this page was built from.
FDA prescribing information for Saxenda
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP. Label version 22, effective 25 February 2026.
FDA prescribing information for Victoza
Novo Nordisk. Label version 31, effective 14 October 2025.
Page last updated: 29 July 2026
Compiled by the HealthyStudy editorial team from FDA source documents. No medical reviewer is credited on this page, because none reviewed it.