# Liraglutide

The older GLP-1 medicine, injected once a day. Weight loss is smaller than on the weekly drugs, but it is off patent and sold as generics.

Also called: Victoza, Saxenda
Source page: https://peplogue.com/peptides/liraglutide/
Updated: 2026-10-22. Not medical advice.

## How it works

- Where it acts: GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, stomach and brain. One injection lasts about a day.
- What it changes: More insulin when blood sugar is high, a slower stomach and fewer hunger signals.
- What people notice: Less hunger and moderate weight loss. Nausea is common at the start.

## What the evidence shows

- **Weight loss in obesity**: Proven. SCALE: about 8% average loss at 56 weeks on 3 mg a day, against 2.6% on placebo.
- **Type 2 diabetes**: Proven. Approved as Victoza.
- **Fewer heart attacks and strokes**: Proven. LEADER: major cardiac events fell 13% in people with type 2 diabetes at high risk.

## Side effects and risks

- serious: Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, seen in rodents.
- serious: Pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.
- common: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting.
- common: Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Who should avoid it: Pregnancy, medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 in you or your family.

## How it is taken

Daily injection under the skin. For weight loss it starts at 0.6 mg and rises weekly to 3 mg. A prescriber sets the schedule.

## Legal status

- United States: undefined. Victoza, Saxenda and generic liraglutide.
- European Union: undefined. Victoza and Saxenda. Generics are sold in some countries.
- Spain: undefined. Victoza, Saxenda, Plyzari and generics such as Diavic are authorised; several are marketed (CIMA). Weight-loss use is not funded; diabetes funding not checked.
- Germany: undefined. Victoza on sale; generic Diavic (diabetes) since 1 Jun 2025. Weight-loss use is excluded from GKV. Zentiva weight generic Nevolat announced.
- France: undefined. Victoza (diabetes) stops in France late 2026. Saxenda (obesity) stays, not reimbursed. Banned in pharmacy slimming preparations since 2012.
- Italy: undefined. Saxenda (weight): classe C, you pay. Victoza (diabetes, classe A, Nota 100) left the Italian market from 30 June 2026. Generics not checked.
- Netherlands: undefined. Victoza, Saxenda and generics (Diavic, Diavorin, Byesilor, Nevolat, Vobexoryn) are listed. All are insured under conditions (Bijlage 2).
- United Kingdom: undefined. Liraglutide brands on prescription.
- Canada: undefined. Victoza and Saxenda.
- Australia: undefined. Saxenda is a private prescription for weight management.

## Questions people ask

**What is the difference between Saxenda and Victoza?**

Both are liraglutide. Victoza is the type 2 diabetes brand, and Saxenda is used for weight management.

**How does liraglutide compare with the weekly GLP-1 drugs?**

Liraglutide is injected daily and causes less weight loss than the weekly drugs. In the SCALE trial, average loss was about 8% at 56 weeks, against 2.6% on placebo.

**Is generic liraglutide available?**

Yes. It is off patent, and generic liraglutide is sold in the US and in some EU countries.

**What are the side effects of liraglutide?**

Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting are common, with nausea most likely at the start. Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents.

**Does liraglutide lower heart risk?**

In the LEADER trial, major cardiac events fell 13% in people with type 2 diabetes at high risk.

## Sources

- EMA: Saxenda product information: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/saxenda-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- FDA: first generic of Victoza approved (23 Dec 2024): https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-once-daily-glp-1-injection-lower-blood-sugar-patients-type-2-diabetes