Victoza

Common use

Victoza is a prescription medication used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This helps to avoid catastrophic diabetes consequences such as kidney damage and blindness. Diabetes under control also helps to reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Victoza is a diabetes medication in the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) class. It works by helping the body's production of insulin and suppressing appetite. Additionally, it aids in weight loss in some individuals. Refrigerate this medication until needed, but do not freeze it.

Dosage and direction

It is typically injected once daily under the skin. The dose will be determined by your medical condition and the additional diabetic medications you are already taking. You can use it at any time of day, with or without food, but it is most beneficial if you use it at the same time each day. Your doctor or nurse will demonstrate how to inject the medication and where to inject it. Take care to follow the directions.

Precautions

Consumption of alcohol while using Victoza is not recommended.
Victoza may be dangerous to use during pregnancy. Although human research is sparse, animal studies have demonstrated negative effects on the growing fetus. Before prescribing it to you, your doctor will balance the benefits and possible hazards. Consult your physician.
Victoza is most likely dangerous to use while nursing. Human evidence suggests that the medication may enter into breastmilk and cause harm to the infant.
Generally, Victoza does not affect your ability to drive. Patients should be warned, however, to take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia while driving or using machinery, particularly when combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin.
Victoza is safe to administer to people with kidney dysfunction. No dose change is indicated for Victoza.
Victoza should be used cautiously in patients who have liver dysfunction. Victoza dosage adjustments may be necessary. Consult your physician.

Contraindications

Victoza is not indicated for patients with cirrhosis of the liver.
Consalt with doctor if you have any of these conditions:
Endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors; Gallbladder disease; High cholesterol; History of pancreatitis; Kidney disease or if you are on dialysis; Liver disease; Previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat; Stomach problems; Substance use disorder; Thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer; An unusual or allergic reaction to liraglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; Breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

The majority of Victoza side effects are minor and will go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. If they don't go away or you're concerned about them, see your doctor.
Adverse effects of Victoza:
Diarrhoea or constipation; Cold or airways infection; Low blood sugar; Low appetite or eating disorders; Headache & dizziness; Stomach ache, gas & acidity; Rashes; Toothache; Fatigue, Nausea, or vomiting.

Drug interaction

May interact with this medication:
Alcohol containing beverages; Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol; Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat; Chromium; Clonidine; Diuretics; Female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills; Fenofibrate; Gemfibrozil; Guanethidine; Isoniazid; Lanreotide; Male hormones or anabolic steroids; MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Medications for weight loss; Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough; Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances; Niacin; Nicotine; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen; Octreotide; Other medications for diabetes, like glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride; Pasireotide; Pentamidine; Phenytoin; Probenecid; Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin; Reserpine; Some herbal dietary supplements; Steroid medications such as prednisone or cortisone; Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim; Thyroid hormones.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store unopened pen in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 30 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.
Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.