Victoza, previously only manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes that was FDA-approved in January 2010. Since then, it has become a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. Victoza contains the active ingredient, liraglutide, which helps manage blood sugars by mimicking the natural hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). After the Victoza patent expired in November 2024, the FDA allowed other manufacturers to start making the generic version of Victoza, known as liraglutide.
A fundamental understanding of Victoza’s generic, liraglutide, is critical to sustainable diabetes control. This article aims to provide a clear, practical overview of how liraglutide compares to Victoza, the dosing schedule, and comparisons to other GLP-1s like Saxenda and Ozempic. Understanding these details is essential for maximizing the medication’s effectiveness and ensuring safe, l
ong-term use.
What Is Victoza and How Does It Work?
Liraglutide, Victoza’s active ingredient, is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) receptor agonist, meaning it binds to these receptors and increases GLP-1’s activity.
GLP-1 is a hormone released from the intestine and secreted in response to food ingestion. This hormone is responsible for at least five key mechanisms, including optimizing insulin secretion, increasing satiety, slowing gastric emptying, regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, and lowering blood pressure.
Victoza is indicated for children (10 years or older) and adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Based on available data, Victoza has been shown to be beneficial for patients with kidney disease and to reduce the risk in those with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Is There a Generic Version of Victoza?
Once a drug patent expires, other drug manufacturers can apply to the FDA to begin making the generic version of Victoza. Once the FDA approves, the manufacturer can begin production; however, it usually takes some time for the generic drug to be readily available. Recently, the FDA approved generic liraglutide, now available in the U.S. Even before Victoza’s patent expiration, drug manufacturers announced plans to start production.
As of 2025, multiple manufacturers are producing liraglutide, and it is now readily available to patients. In fact, many drug formularies now include liraglutide injections with preference as they are cheaper than the previous brand-name Victoza. Generic Victoza produced by other manufacturers contains the same active ingredient, liraglutide, but may contain different inactive ingredients. Although this usually is not a concern, individuals can react negatively to certain inactive ingredients. If this does occur, talk with your pharmacy to see if you can switch to a different manufacturer.
Liraglutide Cost Without Insurance
The list price for liraglutide can range from $400 to $800 for two to three pens, depending on the pharmacy and potential coupon use. At BuyCanadianInsulin, the cost of two liraglutide pens is $255. A prescription is required, and the medication ships within 4-10 business days in temperature-appropriate containers. It is becoming more common for liraglutide (generic Victoza) to be on drug formularies as a higher-tiered medication, resulting in lower out-of-pocket drug costs for patients.
Victoza for Weight Loss
Victoza has the same active ingredient as Saxenda, which was FDA-approved for weight loss in December 2014. During Victoza clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, the manufacturers observed a significant weight-loss effect with Victoza. Because of this, they then began to market their ‘weight-loss’ version of liraglutide, Saxenda. In December 2024, the FDA approved the first generic version of Victoza, now widely available at pharmacies, making it much more cost-effective. While Victoza and Saxenda both contain liraglutide, Saxenda is dosed higher (up to 3.0 mg daily) and is specifically indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents.
Although Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it may lead to a 5-10% body weight reduction while taking the medication for type 2 diabetes. In particular, the Victoza 1.2 mg dose and the Victoza 1.8 mg dose have been shown to support weight loss while improving blood sugar control. In a clinical trial evaluating Victoza in adults with type 2 diabetes, Victoza 1.2 mg resulted in an average weight loss of 4.6 lbs, while the 1.8 mg dose led to a 5.5 lb weight loss on average. This was over a 52-week study period.
Victoza vs Ozempic: Which Is Better?
When choosing between GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza and Ozempic, factors such as A1C reduction, cardiovascular benefits, dosing frequency, and weight loss potential can guide treatment decisions. Both medications offer strong clinical outcomes but differ in convenience and degree of effect. The table below highlights key comparisons to help inform therapy selection.
| Feature | Victoza (liraglutide) | Ozempic (semaglutide) |
| A1c Reduction | ~1.0-2.5% reduction | ~1.4-1.8% reduction (dose-dependent) |
| Cardiovascular (CV) Outcomes | Proven CV benefit | Proven CV benefit |
| Dosing Convenience | Once daily injection | Once weekly injection |
| Weight Loss Potential | Average weight loss of 4-6 lbs | Average weight loss of 9-12 lbs |
Common Victoza Side Effects and Safety
Common side effects
When starting Victoza, mild symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, headache, or injection site reactions are expected. These usually improve with time, especially when the dose is slowly increased.
More serious risks
Though uncommon, Victoza has been linked to pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and a potential risk of thyroid tumors. It carries a boxed warning for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and should not be used by those with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
Tips for easing side effects
- Begin at the lowest dose and titrate gradually
- Take injections at the same time daily
- Stay hydrated and eat smaller, lighter meals
Always contact your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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Victoza Dosing and Administration Guide
Victoza is injected once daily at any time. Choosing a time that is most convenient is important, as it will help you remember to take it every day. However, some patients may experience reduced side effects if taken first thing in the morning, allowing the medication to start working before consuming any food or drink.
If you accidentally forget to take a Victoza dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose. If not, skip the Victoza dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double doses to make up for missed ones.
After gathering your supplies, follow these steps to administer Victoza properly:
- Inspect your Victoza pen
- Attach a New Needle
- Prime the Pen
- Set Your Dose
- Choose Your Injection Site
- Clean the Skin
- Inject the Dose
- Remove and Dispose of the Needle
What Kind of Needles Do You Need for the Victoza Pen?
Fortunately, you don’t need a special needle to use Victoza. The pen is compatible with most standard insulin pen needles, including brands like BD Ultra-Fine, NovoFine, and SureComfort. These needles screw directly onto the pen and are easy to swap out with each injection.
Needle size matters, especially for comfort. Most people prefer:
- 4 mm or 5 mm length
- 31 or 32 gauge (thinner = less painful)
These shorter, finer needles effectively deliver the medication subcutaneously and are less likely to cause bruising or discomfort.
Tips for Injecting Liraglutide
- Always use a new needle for each injection. This helps prevent infection and dull-needle pain.
- Dispose of used needles in a sharps container, not the trash.
- After each use, remove the needle and store your Victoza pen without a needle attached to avoid air bubbles and leaks.
Ask your pharmacist or provider if you’re unsure which needle is best for you. They can help you find the right match for comfort and effectiveness.
Diabetes Injection Options Besides Victoza
Although studies have shown that the newer GLP-1 medications are more effective at relative A1c reduction and weight loss, Victoza remains an option for individuals who prefer daily injections over weekly injectables. More importantly, the active ingredient in Victoza was recently FDA-approved for a generic option, making it substantially cheaper compared to other GLP-1 type medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This potentially provides a cost-effective option for individuals who find that other GLP-1 medications are too expensive.
For patients who prioritize affordability or whose insurance does not cover newer GLP-1 therapies, generic liraglutide may be a valuable alternative. Additionally, some individuals may respond better to daily dosing due to more consistent blood levels or simply feel more in control with a daily routine. It’s also worth noting that Victoza has a longer safety track record, having been on the market since 2010, which may appeal to patients and providers who prefer medications with established efficacy and side effect profiles. While it may not match the weight loss potential of medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy, it still offers meaningful benefits in blood glucose control, cardiovascular risk reduction, and modest weight loss, making it a reasonable and accessible option in diabetes management.
Conclusion
With the introduction of generic liraglutide, patients can now access a more affordable version of Victoza without compromising effectiveness. While newer GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may offer once-weekly dosing and slightly greater weight loss, Victoza remains a strong option, especially for those prioritizing cost, cardiovascular benefit, and proven A1C reduction.
Whether you’re starting GLP-1 therapy for the first time or considering a switch, understanding the nuances between brand-name and generic liraglutide and how Victoza compares to other injectables can help you and your provider make the most informed decision. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes, and don’t hesitate to ask about the best options for your health and your budget.
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