Victoza

What is a Victoza?

Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable prescription medication that is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease.

Victoza belongs to a class of drugs called Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists. Victoza works by improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of heart problems along with diet and exercise.

Victoza is not recommended:

• If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Victoza or ingredients in Victoza
• If you suffer from type 1 diabetes
• For children under the age of 10 years
• If you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• If you take any other medication that contains liraglutide like Saxenda

What are the Indications for Victoza?

Victoza is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older along with diet and exercise. It can also help to reduce the risk of major heart problems like heart attack or stroke in adults.

Mechanism of action of Victoza

Victoza, or liraglutide, works by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It boosts insulin production, reduces the release of sugar from the liver, slows down digestion, and can make people feel less hungry, all of which together help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Victoza might have direct effects on the heart and blood vessels that could help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart disease in adults.

Pharmacokinetics of the drug

Being a polypeptide, Victoza / liraglutide must be administered subcutaneously. Liraglutide is highly protein-bound and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing without regard to meals.

How is Victoza used?

Storage

Prior to first use, Victoza should be stored in their original packaging in a refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze Victoza and do not use it if it has been frozen.

After the first use of the pen, the pen can be stored for 30 days at controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F; 15°C to 30°C) or in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F; 2°C to 8°C). Do not expose Victoza to direct heat and keep it away from light. Always keep the pen cap on when not in use.

Keep out of reach of children and do not use it after the expiration date.

Instruction

Use Victoza as prescribed and follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose and schedule based on your individual needs and medical history.

Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed or stop using Victoza without consulting with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care. Taking more than one dose of Victoza within 24 hours can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use Victoza properly and where to inject yourself. Ask your healthcare provider if you don’t understand the instructions. Inject Victoza under the skin of your upper arm, thigh, or stomach area. You can inject Victoza in the same general area each day, but avoid injecting it in the exact same spot as the previous day’s injection.

Inspect Victoza visually prior to each injection. Only use if the solution is clear, colorless, and contains no particles. If it is cloudy or slightly colored or has particles in it, return it back to your pharmacy. Do not mix Victoza with any other type of insulin and give each injection separately.

Do not share your Victoza with anyone, even if the needle has been changed, because you can transmit serious infections to each other.

Dosage

Victoza is available as a liquid solution in a multi-dose, prefilled pen. Each pen holds 18 mg of liraglutide in a 3 milliliter (ml) solution and can deliver three ranges of doses: 0.6 mg, 1.2mg, and 1.8 mg.

The usual starting dose is 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously once a day for a week. Your doctor may then increase it to 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg or keep the dose the same. Doses can be adjusted as per the prescribing healthcare provider’s instructions based on the individual’s needs and response to treatment.

Side Effects

It’s important to understand that although Victoza is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.

Before using Victoza, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects

Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Victoza, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Upset stomach, like diarrhea and indigestion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Cold or flu symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Skin reaction at the injection site

Serious Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions while using Victoza may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia: dizziness or light-headedness, headache, shakiness, irritability, sweating, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, mood change, confusion, slurred speech, anxiety, and hunger.
• Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, sweating, extreme drowsiness, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or becoming confused.
• Pancreatitis: pain in the stomach area spreading to your back, vomiting.
• Kidney problems/failure: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
• Gallbladder problems: pain in the abdomen, jaundice, clay-colored stools.
• Other: sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts, racing or pounding heartbeat, swelling, sudden weight gain.

The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

Before using Victoza, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If you take any other insulin or oral diabetic medication
• If you have other pancreas, liver, or kidney problems
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Victoza should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Victoza should be part of a complete treatment program that includes diet and exercise.

Thyroid cancer

Victoza might increase your risk for certain thyroid cancers based on studies in rats and mice. Contact your doctor if you develop any mass in your neck or hoarseness, or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Pancreatitis

Although rare, Victoza can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Contact your doctor if you

have severe stomach or back pain or throw up.

Kidney problems

Let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney problems before you start using Victoza. Victoza can cause or worsen kidney damage. Contact your doctor if you are not able to urinate or not urinating normally.

Pregnant or planning to become pregnant

It is not known if Victoza will harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, speak to your doctor who will determine if the benefit of using Victoza outweighs the risk.

Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

It is not known if Victoza passes into breast milk. If you breastfeed or plan to breastfeed, speak to your doctor who will determine if it is safe for your baby.

Interactions & Contraindications

Before you use Victoza, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Do not use Victoza if you take any medication that contains liraglutide. Victoza might also interact with other medications. Certain beta-blocker medications can prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually experience when your blood sugar falls too low.

Other medications that can affect your blood sugar are certain corticosteroids, psychiatric medications, and antibiotics. Check your blood sugar regularly if you take any of these medications.

Consult a Healthcare Provider for all Safety and Dosage Information

Regarding drug interactions, side effects and dosage: the above content is just a summary and not a complete list of important information. Always consult with your healthcare provider – doctor, nurse or pharmacist – on all safety information when considering treatment with Victoza.