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Liraglutide

Brand names: Victoza, Saxenda

Liraglutide is a once-daily shot for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and weight management (Saxenda).

Brand namesVictoza, Saxenda
Type of medicineGLP-1 receptor agonist
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It acts like a gut hormone that lowers blood sugar and appetite.

What it's used for

  • Type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10 and older)
  • Lowering heart risk in type 2 diabetes with heart disease
  • Weight management (Saxenda)

How to take it

  • Inject once a day at any time, with or without food.
  • The dose is raised slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
Call 911Severe belly pain that spreads to the back, with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
Call your provider todayVomiting or diarrhea that won't let you keep fluids down
Call your provider todayPain in the upper right belly, fever, or yellow skin (gallbladder)
Call your provider todayA lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
  • Tell anyone giving you anesthesia that you take it.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Insulin and sulfonylureas raise the risk of low blood sugar.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Stop it if you become pregnant; talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you miss more than 3 days, ask your provider how to restart.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.