Victoza

What is Victoza?

Controls blood sugar and insulin levels.Victoza can be used in conjunction with diet and physical activity to control blood sugar levels for adults and children aged 10 and older who have type II diabetes.

Victoza can also reduce the risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attacks or strokes, in adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It is given when other diabetes medications have failed to work. Victoza does not treat type 1 diabetes.

Warnings

Saxenda liraglutide can be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for people who have certain medical conditions to lose weight. Saxenda does not treat type 1 or 2 diabetes. Saxenda should not be taken with Victoza.Victoza should not be used if you suffer from multiple endocrine carcinoma type 2, insulin-dependent diabetic ketoacidosis, medullary thyroid tumors, or a family history.

Animal studies have shown that liraglutide can cause thyroid cancer or tumors. These effects may not occur with regular doses of liraglutide.If you notice any symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as swelling, a lump on your neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

Victoza should not be used if:

• Multiple endocrine carcinoma type 2 (tumors on your glands);
• A personal or familial history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer);
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Call your doctor to get treated.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Victoza will be safe for you:

• Stomach problems causing slow digestion;
• Kidney or liver disease
• High triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.
• Heart problems
• If you have a history with your gallbladder or pancreas,
• A history of depression or thoughts of suicide.

Victoza has caused thyroid cancer or tumors in animals. These effects may occur even in patients who take Victoza at regular doses. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.

Controlling your diabetes during pregnancy is important. High blood sugar can cause complications for both mother and baby.Liraglutide may make it unsafe to breastfeed. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Victoza should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.

How to take Victoza?

Victoza can be taken once a day. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer.Saxenda and Victoza should not be used together. Both brands contain the active ingredient but should not be taken together.

You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions.If you have questions, consult with either your doctor or pharmacist.Victoza can be injected into the skin at any time during the day. You will learn how to inject at home. You should not inject this medicine yourself if you don't know how to properly give an injection or dispose of used needles.

Victoza is available in an injection pen that has already been pre-filled. Your pharmacist can tell you which needles work best with your pen.Your healthcare provider will show you the best spots on your body where you can inject Victoza. Each time you inject Victoza, use a new location. Don't inject in the same spot twice.

Victoza should not be used if the color has changed, if there are particles, or if the liquid has become cloudy or has a different appearance. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Anyone with diabetes can experience low blood sugar. The symptoms of low blood sugar include headaches, sweating, and irritability. They can also cause nausea, dizziness, or even a fast heartbeat. Always keep sugary foods such as hard candy, raisins, crackers, or non-diet soft drinks on hand to treat low blood sugar.

If you are suffering from severe hypoglycemia and can't eat or drink anything, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit. Make sure that your family members and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection.Watch for other signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), such as an increased thirst, increased urination, or blurred vision. Also, fatigue, headaches, and migraines are all possible symptoms.

Stress, illness, surgery, and alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Use a single disposable needle. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.

Victoza may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular blood sugar tests and medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.How to store an unopened injection pen: Keep it in the fridge. Do not freeze Victoza, and discard the medication if frozen. If the expiration date is past, do not use an injection pen that hasn't been opened.

After your first use, you can store "in-use", injection pens at room temperature or in the fridge. Protect the pens against moisture, heat, and sunlight. Use within 30 days. When storing the injection pen, remove the needle and leave the cap on.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage of Victoza for diabetes type 2:

Initial dose: 0.6mg subcutaneously, once daily for 1 week. This dose is meant to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and is not effective for glycemic management.
Maintenance dose: 1.2 mg once daily subcutaneously; if acceptable control of glycemic levels is not achieved, then the dose may be increased to 1.8mg once daily subcutaneously.
Maximum dose: 1.8 mg once a day.
Comments:
Consider reducing the dose of insulin secretagogues to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
This drug is not recommended for first-line treatment in patients who have inadequate glycemic management with diet and exercise.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the missed dose. Use the next regularly scheduled dosage. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

Avoid this

Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if you have changed the needle. This can cause infection or disease.

Side effects of Victoza

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, fast heartbeats, dizziness, trouble breathing, swallowing, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

If you experience:

• Heartbeats that are pounding or racing;
• Suicidal thoughts or sudden mood changes
• Severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• Signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer: swelling in the neck or a lump; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness of voice; feeling of shortness of breath.
• Gallbladder problem: fever, upper stomach discomfort, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and clay-coloured stool.
• Pancreatitis symptoms: severe abdominal pain that spreads to the back; nausea, with or without vomiting; fast heartbeat.
• Severe low blood sugar: extreme weakness and confusion; tremors or sweating; difficulty speaking; nausea or vomiting; rapid breathing (convulsions); fainting;
• Kidney disease: no or little urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of your ankles or feet; feeling tired or breathless.

Victoza may cause the following side effects:

• Vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain (especially when Victoza is first started)
• Diarrhea, constipation;
• Headache, dizziness,
• Feeling tired?

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Victoza may slow down your digestion and make it harder for you to absorb medicines that you take orally.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.

• Insulin
• Oral diabetic medicine: Glucotrol, Metaglip, Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact, diabeta, Micronase, Glucovance, and other brands.

This list is incomplete. Liraglutide may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.