Liraglutide is a medication used in children and adults who are overweight, have obesity, or conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Its use should always be combined with a low-calorie diet prescribed by a nutritionist, along with increased physical activity to support weight control.
Liraglutide is available in pharmacies under the brand names Saxenda and Victoza, and it can be used only with a doctor’s prescription.
What liraglutide is used for
Liraglutide has different uses depending on the brand:
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Saxenda: used for weight loss and obesity management. It is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher when associated with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
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Victoza: used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular complications in adults.
In both cases, treatment with liraglutide should be combined with a healthy diet, ideally planned by a nutritionist, and regular physical exercise.
Differences between Saxenda and Victoza
Although both medications contain liraglutide, Saxenda is primarily used to manage obesity, while Victoza is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The main difference lies in their dosage and medical indication. Both should always be used under medical supervision.
Liraglutide dosage
The dosage of liraglutide depends on the brand being used, as shown below:
1. Victoza
The usual starting dose of Victoza for adults is 0.6 mg once a day for the first week.
After this period, the doctor may increase the dose to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg daily, depending on how well blood sugar is controlled.
2. Saxenda
With Saxenda, the liraglutide dose is gradually increased each week, as shown in the table below:
Liraglutide should always be prescribed and adjusted under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
How to use
Liraglutide 6 mg/mL is administered subcutaneously, meaning it is injected into the layer of fat just beneath the skin.
It can be injected into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen, and should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day.
Injection sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation or discomfort. The area of application should always be clean, healthy, and properly disinfected before injecting.
Possible side effects
Although liraglutide is generally effective, it can cause some side effects, such as:
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Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may cause dizziness, increased hunger, cold sweats, and paleness
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Headache
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
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Indigestion and gas
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Abdominal pain and bloating
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Gastritis and acid reflux
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Fatigue or weakness
Injection site reactions may also occur, including bruising, pain, irritation, itching, or rash.
Can liraglutide cause rebound weight gain?
There is no evidence that liraglutide causes rebound weight gain, meaning regaining weight after stopping the medication.
However, both starting and discontinuing liraglutide must be done under medical supervision. This ensures safe and appropriate use tailored to each person’s needs and helps prevent possible complications.
Contraindications
Liraglutide is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components. It should not be used in individuals with type 1 diabetes or in those being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis.
Its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended, as there are not enough studies to confirm its safety.
Are liraglutide and semaglutide the same?
Liraglutide and semaglutide are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and help manage body weight.
Although they have the same mechanism of action, there are important differences. Liraglutide must be injected daily, while semaglutide is administered once a week because it stays in the body longer.
Semaglutide is generally considered more effective for promoting weight loss compared to liraglutide.
The choice between liraglutide and semaglutide depends on individual needs and a doctor’s recommendations.