Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda): A Guide to Uses & Side Effects

Person preparing liraglutide injection pen (Victoza, Saxenda) for managing type 2 diabetes or weight

What Is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a prescription-only injectable medication designed to help manage long-term weight in adults with obesity or excess body weight, and to control type 2 diabetes. Depending on its intended use, it is marketed under the brand names Saxenda^® and Victoza^®.

This medication is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). It functions by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This process helps to regulate appetite, slow down how quickly the stomach empties, and lower blood sugar levels.

For optimal results, treatment with liraglutide is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive care plan that includes lifestyle adjustments like a healthy diet, consistent physical activity, and other medical interventions.

Liraglutide Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?

Liraglutide works by imitating a natural hormone to improve the body's management of blood sugar and appetite. It achieves this through a multi-faceted approach:

It targets hunger centres in the brain to effectively reduce appetite, which can lead to a lower calorie intake and assist with weight management.
It delays the process of stomach emptying, which helps you feel full for longer after meals and prevents sharp increases in blood sugar.
It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high, helping cells absorb glucose from the blood.
It suppresses the production of glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose, thereby helping to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Liraglutide vs Other GLP-1 Medications

Liraglutide is a member of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, a class of medications used for weight management and treating type 2 diabetes. While all medicines in this group operate through a similar mechanism, they are not interchangeable.

Key differences exist in their dosing schedules, the specific receptors they target, and the health conditions they are officially approved to treat.

Medication	Receptor Targets	Dosing Frequency and Route	Used For
Liraglutide (Victoza / Saxenda)	GLP-1 only	Daily injection (under the skin)	Type 2 diabetes (Victoza) Weight management (Saxenda)
Semaglutide (Ozempic^® / Wegovy^® / Rybelsus^®)	GLP-1 only	Weekly injection (under the skin)	Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) Weight management (Wegovy)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity^®)	GLP-1 only	Weekly injection (under the skin)	Type 2 diabetes
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro^®)	GLP-1 + GIP	Weekly injection (under the skin)	Type 2 diabetes Weight management

What Are the Uses of Liraglutide?

Medication	Purpose
Saxenda	Used with diet and exercise to aid long-term weight control in adults. Typically suitable for adults who have: A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity) A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with a related condition like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure
Victoza	To improve blood sugar control. Typically suitable for: Adults and children aged 10 years and over with type 2 diabetes, usually when other diabetes medications have not been sufficiently effective

Liraglutide Dosage and Administration

Person checking blood sugar using glucometer to check effects of liraglutide on type 2 diabetes

Liraglutide is administered as a once-daily injection just under the skin (subcutaneously), with common injection sites being the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

Saxenda (Weight Management) – The starting dose is 0.6 mg per day. To improve tolerance, the dose is increased weekly by 0.6 mg until the target maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily is achieved.
Victoza (Type 2 Diabetes) – The typical initial dose is 0.6 mg daily. If further blood sugar control is needed, this may be increased by your doctor to 1.2 mg or a maximum of 1.8 mg per day.

The dosage is carefully determined based on the specific condition being treated and a person’s individual response. Your doctor will keep track of your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and should not replace professional medical guidance.

What Are Potential Side Effects of Liraglutide?

Like any medicine, liraglutide carries a risk of side effects, though many are mild and often lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects can include:

Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, or constipation
Decreased appetite or a change in your sense of taste
Mild reactions at the injection site, such as itching, swelling, or redness
Tiredness or low energy
Slightly elevated heart rate

While most side effects are not serious, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms:

Intense and persistent abdominal pain, which could be a sign of pancreatitis.
Signs of gallbladder issues, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
An allergic reaction involving a rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling.

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

Who Should Not Use Liraglutide?

Doctor holding diagnosis form showing type 1 diabetes, indicating unsuitability for liraglutide

Liraglutide is not appropriate for every person, and its use is contraindicated in certain individuals. It is generally not prescribed to people with:

Personal or family history of specific thyroid cancers, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, or by those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), due to a potential risk of tumours.
Type 1 diabetes, because its mechanism depends on the body's ability to produce some of its own insulin, which is compromised in this condition.
Severe digestive conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), as the medication can worsen the condition by further slowing down digestion.

Is Liraglutide Available Over the Counter in Singapore?

Liraglutide cannot be purchased over the counter in Singapore as it is a prescription-only medication.

To obtain liraglutide, you must undergo a consultation with a qualified doctor to ensure that the medication is an appropriate treatment for your specific health needs and circumstances.

Regular follow-up appointments are also crucial for monitoring your response to the treatment and allowing your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.