Liraglutide
Also known as: Victoza, Saxenda
What it's for
Liraglutide helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It also aids weight loss. It works like a natural gut hormone to control appetite and blood sugar.
Comes as: Injection (daily)
How to take it
- For diabetes (Victoza): Start with 0.6mg daily, increased to 1.2mg or 1.8mg.
- Inject at the same time each day.
- Inject in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- You can take it with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick (usually improves after first few weeks)
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headache
- Low blood sugar (if used with other diabetes medicines)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Nausea is common when starting - usually gets better
- Tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems
- Not suitable if you have a history of pancreatitis
- Store in the fridge (or at room temperature for up to 30 days)
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe stomach pain spreading to your back
- You have persistent vomiting
- You notice a lump in your neck
- You have signs of severe allergic reaction
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.