Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Victoza is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide is usually given after other diabetes medicines have been tried without success.
Victoza is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Important information
You should not use Victoza if you are allergic to liraglutide, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, insulin-dependent diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin)
In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Before using Victoza, tell your doctor if you have stomach problems causing slow digestion, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or if you have ever had pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcoholism.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
You should not breast-feed while using Victoza. Never share an injection pen with another person. Sharing injection pens can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Victoza is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar.
Before using this medicine
You should not use Victoza if you are allergic to liraglutide, or if you have:
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multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands);
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a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
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if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure Victoza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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stomach problems causing slow digestion;
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kidney or liver disease;
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a history of pancreatitis;
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a history of gallstones; or
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a history of alcoholism.
In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
It is not known whether Victoza will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether liraglutide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Victoza.
Victoza is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Victoza?
Use Victoza exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Victoza comes in a prefilled injection pen. Ask your pharmacist which type of needles are best to use with your pen.
Victoza is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Victoza is usually given once per day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
You may use Victoza at any time of the day, with or without a meal.
Do not use the medicine if it has changed colors or looks cloudy, or if it has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your Victoza dose or dosing schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Use a disposable needle only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Victoza is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Storing unopened Victoza injection pens: Store in the refrigerator. Do not store near the refrigerator"s cooling element.
Storing after your first use: You may keep "in-use" injection pens in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect the pens from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Use within 30 days. Remove the needle before storing an injection pen, and keep the cap on the pen when not in use.
Do not freeze Victoza, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Victoza?
Never share an injection pen with another person. Sharing injection pens can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Victoza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Victoza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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signs of a thyroid tumor - swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or if you feel short of breath;
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symptoms of pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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severely low blood sugar - extreme weakness, confusion, tremors, sweating, fast heart rate, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizure (convulsions); or
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signs of a kidney problem - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.
Common Victoza side effects may include:
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headache;
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nausea; or
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diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Victoza?
Victoza can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
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oral diabetes medicine - Glucotrol, Metaglip, Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucovance, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with liraglutide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
