GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
FDA Approved

Liraglutide

Saxenda / Victoza

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk · Subcutaneous injection

Avg Weight Loss

~8% body weight over 56 weeks at 3

Dosing

Once daily

Brand Cost

$1,300-1,500 (Saxenda); $900-1,100 (Victoza)

Compounded

Not widely compounded

How It Works

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog with 97% homology to native human GLP-1. It binds to GLP-1 receptors to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety via hypothalamic appetite centers. An acyl side chain enables albumin binding, extending its half-life compared to native GLP-1.

Saxenda (Weight Management) Victoza (Type 2 Diabetes)

Dosing & Titration

saxenda

0.6mg 1.2mg 1.8mg 2.4mg 3.0mg

victoza

0.6mg 1.2mg 1.8mg

Titration Protocol

Saxenda: Start at 0.6mg daily for 1 week, increase by 0.6mg weekly until reaching 3.0mg daily maintenance dose. Victoza: Start at 0.6mg daily for 1 week, increase to 1.2mg, may increase to 1.8mg if needed.

Common Side Effects

Common Nausea Common Diarrhea Common Constipation Common Vomiting Common Headache Common Decreased appetite Common Dyspepsia Common Fatigue Common Dizziness Common Abdominal pain

Serious Risks

Pancreatitis (rare)

Thyroid C-cell tumors (observed in rodent studies; relevance to humans unknown)

Gallbladder disease

Acute kidney injury

Hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)

Increased heart rate

Cost Comparison

Brand Name

$1,300-1,500 (Saxenda); $900-1,100 (Victoza)

per month

Compounded

Not widely compounded

per month

Pharmacy Options

Brand (retail)

Insurance Coverage

Victoza is commonly covered for Type 2 Diabetes. Saxenda coverage for weight management is limited; some commercial plans cover it with prior authorization. Medicare does not cover Saxenda.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Longest track record of any GLP-1 for weight management (FDA approved 2014)
  • Extensive long-term safety data
  • Proven cardiovascular benefit (LEADER trial)
  • FDA approved for adolescents 12+ (Saxenda)

Disadvantages

  • Daily injection required (vs weekly for newer agents)
  • Lower weight loss compared to semaglutide and tirzepatide
  • Higher daily injection burden reduces adherence
  • Expensive for modest results compared to newer options
  • Being displaced by more effective weekly alternatives

Clinical Evidence

Clinical Trial Programs

SCALE program (weight management: SCALE Obesity, SCALE Diabetes, SCALE Maintenance, SCALE Sleep Apnea), LEADER trial (cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes)

scaleObesity

8.0% mean weight loss vs 2.6% placebo over 56 weeks. 33.1% achieved >=10% weight loss.

leader

13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in Type 2 Diabetes

Contraindications

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients
  • Pregnancy

Find providers offering Liraglutide near you

Compare pricing, pharmacy sourcing, and clinical oversight across verified providers prescribing Saxenda and Victoza.

Compare Providers → Search by Location

Get weekly GLP-1 medication updates

New research, pricing changes, and provider comparisons — delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Compare all GLP-1 medications

See how Liraglutide stacks up against other GLP-1 options. Compare efficacy, cost, side effects, and dosing schedules side by side.

View All Medications →