As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where Victoza (liraglutide) use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with Victoza include the following:
- Oral medications – This drug delays gastric emptying, which could potentially interfere with the absorption of oral medications taken at the same time as Victoza
- Insulins- there is not a direct drug interaction other than liraglutide may lower blood sugar and so does insulin (too low of blood sugar is very dangerous)
- Other medications that lower blood sugar or affect food absorption – please ask provider
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur. It is important to monitor your blood sugar when on different types of blood sugar lowering agents.
Victoza and Metformin
No direct interactions exist between liraglutide and metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet), which is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
NOTE: Both medications can lower blood sugar so it is important to monitor blood sugar frequently throughout the day.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Aside from alcohol, though, there are no known food or drink interactions with Victoza.
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Victoza and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on Victoza and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions.
According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with Victoza include:
- None
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take Victoza.
Victoza and Heartburn
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists heartburn as a potential side effect of Victoza.
Victoza and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on Victoza and pregnancy risks.
Victoza and Weight Loss
Victoza is not for weight loss. It may, however, slow the emptying of the stomach, which can result in loss of appetite and weight loss. The manufacturer of Victoza refers to clinical studies in which adults with type 2 diabetes lost an average of up to 6.2 pounds when taking Victoza and metformin.
Victoza and Pancreatitis
According to the FDA, patients treated with Victoza have developed acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. Prescribers should carefully observe patients who are just starting this medication for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, which may include persistent severe abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the back; vomiting may or may not occur.
In cases of suspected pancreatitis, physicians should promptly discontinue Victoza or initiate appropriate management measures. The clinician should not restart this medication if pancreatitis is confirmed. Research has not yet established if patients with a history of pancreatitis have a higher risk for developing the disease while on liraglutide.
Victoza and Diarrhea
Victoza may cause diarrhea as a common side effect.
Victoza and Diabetic Retinopathy
Research shows drugs like Victoza, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, are not associated with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eyes as a result of diabetes; may result in vision damage).
Victoza and Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of Victoza. In people with kidney problems, liraglutide may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that leads to dehydration, which can further worsen kidney problems.
Victoza and Fatigue
There are no reports of interactions between Victoza and fatigue.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
Medically Reviewed by:
Paul Bossung, Pharm. D. is a Missouri Board of Pharmacy certified pharmacist. He practices at a Mercy ospital in in the inpatient pharmacy aswell as other outpatient pharmacies. Paul attended St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP) and graduated in 2018. He worked at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon for six years as a student pharmacist prior to graduating.OVERVIEWDOSAGESIDE EFFECTSINTERACTIONSHALF-LIFE
Generic Name: Liraglutide
Brands: Victoza,Victoza 3-Pak, Victoza 2-Pak, Saxenda
Class: Antidiabetics, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists
Availability: Prescription only
Molecular Formula: âC172H265N43O51
Substance UNII: 839I73S42A
What is Victoza?
Victoza is an injectable anti-diabetic drug regularly used with other diabetes medications. The generic drug liraglutide is often sold under the brand names Victoza 3-Pak, Victoza 2-Pak, and Saxenda.
What is Victoza Used For?
People with diabetes use Victoza along with diet and exercise to lower their blood sugar levels and to control their A1C(a blood test that detects blood sugar levels from the previous 3 months). Victoza can control blood sugar levels in adults and in children aged 10 and older who have type 2 diabetes when other medications have not worked well enough. When used along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan, this medication can help promote and maintain weight loss people who are overweight or obese and have weight-related medical problems.
Victoza can also reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart and blood vessel disease.
How Does Victoza Work?
Victoza works by increasing the amount of insulin released by the pancreas and by decreasing the excessive release of glucagon. Namely, insulin “unlocks” body cells to allow the cells to absorb sugar, or glucose, from the bloodstream; absorption of glucose from the bloodstream allows blood sugar levels to drop. Glucagon is a hormone that stops the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream to prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too low. An excessive release of glucagon would thereby cause the body to maintain an unhealthy high blood sugar level, known as hyperglycemia.
How Long Does it Take for Victoza to Work?
It takes about two weeks for Victoza to lower blood sugar levels, according to the manufacturer’s website.
Do Not Use Victoza If:
There are several situations where Victoza may not be the right choice for a consumer. According to the FDA, the following should not use Victoza:
- Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the thyroid, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia, which is a group of disorders that affect the endocrine system (a system that releases hormones to the body)
- Those with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction, which is an overreaction of the immune system, to Victoza or any of its components
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other situations where Victoza use is not advisable.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
