Liraglutide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Complete Patient Guide

Introduction

Liraglutide is a medicine belonging to the group of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) typically used for management of diabetes. It works like the body’s natural hormone GLP-1, which helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin reducing glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach so sugar levels rise more steadily after meals. It also helps to reduce appetite. Because of these actions, it is useful for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and for supporting weight management in individuals with obesity^1,2. 

This medicine is available in two brands: Victoza and Saxenda^3,4. The U.S. FDA approved Victoza in 2010 for diabetes control, while Saxenda was approved in 2014 for weight management at a higher dose².  

In this blog, we will try to explain how liraglutide works, its recommended dosage, possible side effects, precautions, and helpful tips for its safe use. 

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is a prescription medicine approved for the following medical conditions: 

• It is prescribed to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. It helps control blood sugar not by producing insulin directly but by supporting the body’s own natural hormones (incretin effect). This means it encourages the pancreas to release insulin when sugar levels are high and reduces glucagon. It is used along with healthy eating and exercise to improve blood sugar control^1,5. 
• It is also used for long-term weight control in adults who are overweight or obese and have health problems related to excess weight. This includes adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) who also have conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or abnormal cholesterol⁴. 
• Additionally, liraglutide is used to reduce the chance of heart attack, stroke, or death in those who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease^1,5. 

How Liraglutide Works?

Liraglutide works by copying the action of the GLP-1 hormone in the body. GLP-1 hormone has four main roles. It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high. It reduces the release of another hormone called glucagon, which normally raises blood sugar. It slows down how food leaves the stomach so blood sugar rises more gradually after meals. It also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and give a feeling of fullness^1,6. 

Liraglutide medicine is almost 97% similar to the GLP-1 our body makes. This medicine attaches to special spots (receptors) not only on the pancreas but also in the gut and brain, which helps regulate sugar and appetite. On the pancreas, it encourages release of insulin and reduces glucagon. This lowers blood sugar and keeps it in the correct level. Importantly, this medicine does not make the body release too much insulin when sugar is normal or low. 

It also acts on the brain, especially in areas like the hypothalamus and brainstem to reduce hunger and food intake⁷. It may increase the body’s sensitivity to leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, which helps give a feeling of satiety^1,8. Another special feature of liraglutide is that it does not break down easily, so its effects last longer. Because of these effects, liraglutide helps manage blood sugar in diabetes patients and also supports weight loss in obese individuals^1,9. 

Liraglutide Brand Names & Generic Availability

Liraglutide is commonly available under 2 brand names- Victoza and Saxenda. Even though they contain the same drug, they are used for different health conditions. 

Victoza is used for people with type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar levels when combined with healthy food choices and regular exercise. This medicine is not used for type 1 diabetes or for serious conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not meant to be taken with insulin. People who had problems with the pancreas in the past need to be careful with it.  

Saxenda is used to help manage body weight. It is given to adults who are overweight or obese, especially if they also have health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. It works best when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Saxenda is not a treatment for type 2 diabetes and should not be taken with insulin or with similar medicines.  

Victoza comes as an injection pen with doses such as 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. While Saxenda also comes as an injection pen, it comes as Liraglutide doses ranging from 0.6 mg up to 3 mg. Both are usually started at a low dose of 0.6 mg and then Victoza is gradually increased to 1.2–1.8 mg for diabetes but Saxenda may be given till 3 mg for weight management^3,4. 

Liraglutide is sold under different brand names and is available in many countries across the world. 

• In the United States, it is sold as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and as Saxenda for weight management^3,4. 
• In the United Kingdom, it is available as Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for obesity, and Xultophy, which combines liraglutide with insulin¹⁰. 
• In European countries, both Victoza and Saxenda are approved by the European Medicines Agency^11,12. 
• In India, liraglutide brand name is Lirafit, which was approved in January 2024, launched by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals^13,14. 
• In Russia, it is marketed as Eligria, which is a brand name for liraglutide, mainly used for obesity treatment¹⁵. 
• In Australia, it is sold as Victoza for type 2 diabetes and also to reduce the risk of heart disease in diabetic patients¹⁶. 

Recently, the US FDA has approved a generic liraglutide version for treating type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. It’s the first generic Liraglutide and only the second GLP-1 receptor agonist allowed as a generic. This aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of this medication for a wider population¹⁷. 

Liraglutide Dosage & Administration

The liraglutide dosing is different depending on whether it is used for diabetes management or for weight management. 

• For diabetes management, the dose usually starts at 0.6 mg once daily for the first week. This low dose helps the body adjust. After one week, it may be raised to 1.2 mg daily and further increased to 1.8 mg daily if needed, as guided by the doctor³. 
• For weight management, the treatment begins at 0.6 mg daily in the first week, then increases step by step: 1.2 mg in the second week, 1.8 mg in the third week, 2.4 mg in the fourth week, and finally 3 mg from the fifth week onward, as prescribed by the doctor. If the patient has not lost at least 4% of their starting body weight by by week 16 while on 3 mg daily, the doctor may stop the treatment⁴. 

The medicine is available as liraglutide injection pens. It is injected under the skin, usually in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, and should not be injected into a vein or muscle. To avoid swelling or small lumps, the liraglutide injection site should be changed each time. The injection is to be taken once daily at about the same time, following doctor’s instructions. It is important to follow the step-up schedule carefully and not take it more than prescribed^4,5. 

Missed Dose & Overdose Guidance

If a liraglutide dose is missed, the next dose can be taken as per usual schedule on the following day. There is no need to take an extra dose to make up for the missed one. If the medicine is missed for 3 days or more, doctor should be consulted before restarting the treatment. He may restart from the lower starting dose (0.6 mg) and gradually increase again to avoid stomach-related side effects. 

In case of an overdose of liraglutide, symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting may occur. It can also lower blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), especially if taken along with other medicines that reduce blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. If after taking the medicine a patient collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or does not wake up, they must be taken to the hospital without delay^4,5. 

Common Side Effects of Liraglutide

Some patients taking liraglutide injection may experience mild side effects, including: 

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or decreased appetite (these are the most common, especially in the first few weeks) 
• Feeling tired or weak 
• Headache 
• Constipation 
• Heartburn or upset stomach 
• Redness, rash, or itching at the injection site 

Changes in blood sugar may also be noticed, though this is uncommon when liraglutide is taken alone. The risk of low blood sugar increases mainly when combined with other medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas. Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can include: 

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded 
• Sweating 
• Shakiness 
• Feeling very hungry 
• Irritability or mood changes 
• Fast heartbeat or feeling jittery 
• Drowsiness or headache^3,5 

Serious Side Effects – When to Call Your Doctor

Some Liraglutide side effects are serious and need immediate medical attention. These include: 

• Strong or ongoing pain in the upper stomach that may spread to the back (possible pancreatitis) 
• Severe nausea or vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or clay-coloured stools (gallbladder issues) 
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin 
• Rash, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, throat, or eyes (allergic reaction) 
• Trouble breathing or swallowing 
• Fainting, dizziness, or a very fast or pounding heartbeat (possible heart or kidney issues) 
• New or worsening depression, unusual mood changes, or thoughts of hurting yourself 

These are red flag symptoms that require urgent attention. Always contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual while using liraglutide^3,4. 

Who Should Not Use Liraglutide

Liraglutide should not be used in individuals: 

• Having medullary thyroid cancer or a family history of MEN 2 
• Who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding 

Tell your doctor before using liraglutide if you have: 

• Stomach problems like gastroparesis (where food moves very slowly in the stomach), as this medicine may further slow stomach emptying. 
• Pancreatitis, gallstones, liver or kidney problems 
• Very high blood fats (severe hypertriglyceridaemia), as this may increase the risk of pancreatitis 
• Dehydration, or heavy alcohol use^3,5 

Drug, Food & Alcohol Interactions

Liraglutide may slow stomach emptying, which can affect how oral medicines work. Most medicines are not affected by liraglutide, but some, like digoxin, lisinopril, paracetamol, and birth-control pills, may have small changes in how they are absorbed. For this reason, doctors may adjust the timing of these medicines so that they do not interfere with each other¹. 

When liraglutide is taken together with other anti-diabetic medicines such as sulfonylureas, there is a risk of lowering blood sugar too much, which is called hypoglycaemia. Liraglutide can be used with sulfonylureas or insulin, but the dose of these medicines may need to be reduced, and blood sugar should be monitored carefully³.  

It is best to limit or completely avoid alcohol while using liraglutide. Liraglutide itself does not directly interact with alcohol, but people with diabetes who also use insulin or sulfonylureas may face a higher risk of low blood sugar when they drink. Alcohol can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, which makes it unsafe for people taking liraglutide^19,20. 

Lifestyle & Diet Tips While on Liraglutide

When taking liraglutide, it’s important to follow proper certain lifestyle and dietary changes. These include: 

• Eating slowly and in small portions in more frequent meals that helps reduce Liraglutide side effects, such as nausea. 
• Stopping to eat when full. 
• Staying hydrated by drinking up to 2–3 litres per day. 
• Including high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Gradually increase fibre intake along with good fluid intake to prevent constipation^21,22. 
• Exercising regularly. Aim for a 30-minute brisk walk 5 days per week and 2 days of muscle-strengthening exercises²³. 

Taking the medicine along with following a proper diet and exercise helps achieve better results. 

Storage & Handling of Liraglutide

When using liraglutide injection, these instructions for proper storage and handling must always be followed: 

• Before using liraglutide for the first time, it should be kept in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not store it in the freezer. 
• If the pen is unopened and kept in the refrigerator, it is safe to use until the expiry date printed on the pack. 
• After starting to use the injection, it can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Always keep the pen cap on when not in use. 
• Do not store it in direct heat or sunlight. 
• Always remove and safely throw away the needle after each injection. 
• Store the pen without the needle attached to prevent contamination, infection, or leakage⁴. 

Conclusion

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and supports weight control in adults with obesity. This injection should be used safely by following the doctor’s prescribed dose, proper injection technique, along with recommended lifestyle changes. Always work closely with your doctor for personalised dosage and monitoring. Do not adjust the dose on your own, and report severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), continuous vomiting, swelling in the neck (possible thyroid issue), or any other unusual side effects of liraglutide promptly to ensure your treatment is safe and effective. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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15. Vidal.ru. Enligria (liraglutide) – prescribing information. Vidal; updated 28 Jul 2025. Available from: Enligria instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Enligria solution for subcutaneous administration 6 mg/1 ml: syringe pens 3 ml 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 pcs. (65339) – reference book of drugs and medicines 
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18. Kalaria T, Ko YL, Issuree KKJ. Literature review: drug and alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia. Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Jul 30 [cited 2022 May 31];6(0). Available from: https://jlpm.amegroups.com/article/view/6405/html  
19. Molina-Castro M, Rowitz B, Pepino MY. Glucagon-like peptide-1, fibroblast growth factor 21, and other endocrine responses to alcohol ingestion in women before and after metabolic surgery. Front Pharmacol. 2025 May 22;16:1575156. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1575156. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12137268/
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21. Gorgojo-Martínez JJ, Mezquita-Raya P, Carretero-Gómez J, Castro A, Cebrián-Cuenca A, de Torres-Sánchez A, et al. Clinical Recommendations to Manage Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with Glp-1 Receptor Agonists: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus. Journal of Clinical Medicine [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1;12(1):145. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/1/145 
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