Liraglutide Dosing Schedule
Complete liraglutide dosing guide. Saxenda titrates from 0.6mg to 3.0mg daily over 5 weeks. Victoza maxes at 1.8mg. Missed doses and timing tips.
Saxenda max dose
3.0mg daily
Victoza max dose
1.8mg daily
Titration period
5 weeks (Saxenda)
Dose increments
0.6mg weekly
Frequency
Once daily
Saxenda Titration (Weight Management)
Saxenda follows a 5-week titration: Week 1: 0.6mg once daily. Week 2: 1.2mg once daily. Week 3: 1.8mg once daily. Week 4: 2.4mg once daily. Week 5 onward: 3.0mg once daily (maintenance). If you cannot tolerate a dose increase, stay at the current dose for an additional week before trying again.
All doses are administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Inject at approximately the same time each day. The injection can be given with or without food.
Victoza Dosing (Diabetes)
Victoza for type 2 diabetes uses lower doses: Start at 0.6mg once daily for at least 1 week. Increase to 1.2mg once daily. If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 1 week, increase to the maximum of 1.8mg once daily.
The maximum Victoza dose (1.8mg) is lower than the Saxenda weight management dose (3.0mg). Prescribing Victoza at Saxenda doses for weight loss is off-label and should only be done under provider supervision.
Daily Injection Timing
Liraglutide should be injected at approximately the same time each day. Unlike weekly injections where timing is flexible, consistency matters more with daily dosing. Choose a time that aligns with your routine -- morning, afternoon, or evening all work.
Some patients find that evening injection (before bed) reduces awareness of nausea. Others prefer morning injection so the appetite suppression aligns with daytime eating. There's no medically superior time; choose what works for your lifestyle.
Missed Doses
If you miss a liraglutide dose, skip it and take the next dose at the regular scheduled time the following day. Do not double up. If you miss doses for 3 or more consecutive days, consider restarting at 0.6mg and re-titrating to reduce the risk of GI side effects.
Consistent daily dosing is important for maintaining steady medication levels. Setting a daily alarm or linking the injection to an existing daily habit (like brushing teeth) can improve adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Saxenda injected daily?
Liraglutide has a half-life of ~13 hours, much shorter than semaglutide (~7 days) or tirzepatide (~5 days). This requires daily dosing to maintain therapeutic levels. Newer GLP-1 medications have been engineered for longer half-lives.
Can I take Saxenda every other day?
Saxenda is designed for daily use. Every-other-day dosing would result in sub-therapeutic levels and reduced effectiveness. If cost is a concern, discuss alternatives with your provider.
What time should I inject Saxenda?
Any consistent time works. Some patients prefer evening to sleep through any nausea; others prefer morning for daytime appetite suppression. The key is consistency.
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