What is Victoza?
Victoza is liraglutide for type 2 diabetes, approved in 2010 — the GLP-1 that established the class years before Ozempic existed. It lowers A1C, produces modest weight loss, and carries an approval for reducing major cardiovascular events.
Its sibling Saxenda is the same molecule at a higher 3 mg dose with a weight-management label. Victoza tops out at 1.8 mg, which is why weight loss on it is real but modest — usually 5 to 6 lbs.
Generic liraglutide arrived in 2024 and has expanded since, so the branded pen is no longer the only option. Brand Victoza supply has been intermittent, appearing on shortage lists during Novo Nordisk manufacturing delays.
How it works
Liraglutide binds the GLP-1 receptor, prompting glucose-dependent insulin release, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Because insulin release only rises when blood sugar is elevated, hypoglycemia risk is low unless it is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
The cardiovascular benefit appears to come from more than glucose control — LEADER showed the effect in patients whose A1C differences alone could not explain it.
Dosing schedule
Victoza uses a short three-step titration, and the 0.6 mg starting dose exists only to reduce nausea:
| Dose | When |
|---|---|
| 0.6 mg / day | Week 1 — starter dose, not therapeutic |
| 1.2 mg / day | Week 2+ — first maintenance dose |
| 1.8 mg / day | Step up if more A1C control is needed — maximum dose |
Results in clinical trials
In the LEADER trial (NEJM 2016), liraglutide cut major adverse cardiovascular events by 13% and cardiovascular death by 22% over 3.8 years in adults with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk. A1C reductions across the LEAD program ran roughly 1.0 to 1.5 points, with average weight loss of 5 to 6 lbs.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney injury from dehydration
- Severe hypoglycemia with insulin or sulfonylureas
How much does Victoza cost?
Diabetes coverage for Victoza is generally reliable, and generic liraglutide provides a cash-pay floor:
| Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Brand Victoza (list price) | ~$800–$1,000 / month |
| Generic liraglutide | $230–$500 / month |
| With insurance (diabetes diagnosis) | $25–$100 / month copay |
| Medicare Part D | Covered for diabetes; annual out-of-pocket capped under the IRA |
Prices vary by clinic, dose, and location — always confirm directly. See real local pricing on our clinic listings.
Frequently asked questions
Can Victoza be used for weight loss?
Only off-label, and the results are modest — about 5 to 6 lbs at the 1.8 mg maximum. Saxenda is the same drug at 3 mg with an actual weight-management approval, which is what a provider will prescribe if weight is the goal.
Victoza vs Ozempic — which is better for diabetes?
Ozempic generally wins on A1C reduction and weight loss, and it is a weekly injection instead of a daily one. Victoza has the longer track record and a well-established cardiovascular outcomes result in LEADER, plus a cheaper generic. Coverage and dosing preference usually decide.
Is generic Victoza available?
Yes. Generic liraglutide for diabetes launched in 2024 and additional manufacturers have entered since. Availability varies by pharmacy, and brand Victoza itself has had intermittent supply constraints.
Related medications
Guides
Primary sources
- Victoza prescribing information — Novo Nordisk
- Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (LEADER) — New England Journal of Medicine
This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Victoza is a prescription medication — talk to a licensed healthcare provider about whether it is right for you. GLPFinders is a directory service and does not prescribe, sell, or dispense medications.