Liraglutide
Also known as: Saxenda, Victoza
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist available since 2010. Victoza is used for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight loss. A generic version launched in 2025, making it the first generic GLP-1 for weight management.
How it works
Liraglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone that your gut releases after eating. It slows stomach emptying so you feel full longer, reduces appetite by acting on brain centers that control hunger, and helps your pancreas release the right amount of insulin after meals.
Common uses
- Chronic weight management (Saxenda)
- Type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes
Side effects
- Nausea (most common, up to 44% at higher doses)
- Vomiting (4-13%)
- Diarrhea (4-13%)
- Constipation
- Headache and dizziness
- Low blood sugar (especially with other diabetes meds)
- Injection site reactions
- Rare: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury
Key research
- SCALE trials demonstrated about 8% average weight loss over 56 weeks with Saxenda
- LEADER trial showed reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in type 2 diabetes patients
- FDA approved for adolescents aged 12+ for weight management
Safety notes
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodents)
- Contraindicated with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Do not use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Teva launched a generic Saxenda in August 2025, the first generic GLP-1 for weight loss
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