Saxenda, Victoza (Liraglutide – 1 Pen)

Description

Saxenda and Victoza are once-daily injectable medications that contain liraglutide, a synthetic GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analog. While they share the same active ingredient, they are approved for different medical purposes:

• Saxenda (Liraglutide 3.0 mg) is FDA-approved for weight management in adults and adolescents (12–17 years) who are obese or overweight with related medical conditions. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and slow gastric emptying—ultimately supporting weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

• Victoza (Liraglutide 1.2 or 1.8 mg) is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing digestion. Victoza also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and injection site reactions. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and thyroid tumors. Both drugs should be used under a doctor’s supervision and are not insulin.