At first glance, Victoza and Saxenda might seem identical. Both are injectable medications formulated from the same active ingredient, liraglutide. They also belong to the same class of drugs, which makes some people assume they’re the same. However, they’re approved for different purposes. Victoza is prescribed for diabetes, while Saxenda is used to manage obesity. If you’re considering these treatment options, this Victoza vs. Saxenda guide that covers key differences, side effects, and costs will help you decide which best suits your health goals.
Are Victoza and Saxenda the Same?
Victoza and Saxenda are identical in the following ways:
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- Class of drugs: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
- Active ingredient: Liraglutide
- Administration: Subcutaneous injection
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
- Mechanism of action: Both mimic the hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar, slows gastric emptying, and increases satiety.
- Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Drug interactions: Some oral medications
Victoza and Saxenda are a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and work the same way. They contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, which is delivered through subcutaneous injection.
Once injected, liraglutide functions as synthetic GLP-1, a hormone produced in the pancreas, to increase insulin secretion when blood sugar is high, suppress glucagon that raises blood sugar, and slow digestion to reduce overall calorie intake.
So, is Saxenda the same as Victoza due to these shared features? No. Although Novo Nordisk manufactures both prescription-only drugs, they’re approved for different purposes.
Victoza was approved by the FDA in 2010 for treating Type 2 diabetes in children and adults, whereas Saxenda was approved in 2010 for managing obesity and overweight in children and adults. They’re not interchangeable and shouldn’t be used simultaneously.
Both Saxenda and Victoza slow digestion, which can delay the absorption of some oral medications. Inform your doctor about any other medications you’re taking to prevent potential interactions.
What Is the Difference Between Victoza and Saxenda?
Saxenda and Victoza have notable distinctions, so you can’t substitute one for the other. Here’s a table summarizing their differences.
| Victoza | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA approved for | Treat Type 2 diabetes | Manage weight in people who are overweight and obese |
| Indicated for | Adults and children aged 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes | Adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) of:
|
| Dosage |
|
|
| Dosage form and strength | 6 mg/mL solution in a prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg | 6 mg/mL solution in a 3 mL prefilled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg |
| Price from Drugs.com | $1,450.10 | $590.21 |
1. FDA Approval
The FDA has approved both Victoza and Saxenda, but for different uses.
Victoza treats Type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 and older and is prescribed to lower the risk of heart complications in patients with co-existing diabetes and heart conditions.
Meanwhile, Saxenda is FDA-approved to treat obesity and overweight in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher and 27 kg/m2 or higher with one weight-related comorbidity, like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and Type 2 diabetes.
It’s also recommended for children aged 12 and older who weigh over 60 kg and have a BMI that corresponds to adult obesity.
2. Victoza vs. Saxenda Dosage
The starting dose for both Victoza and Saxenda is 0.6 mg and titrated until the maximum or recommended dosage is reached. The highest dose of Victoza is 1.8 mg, while the recommended daily dosage of Saxenda is 3 mg.
Healthcare providers may adjust the dose in pediatric patients based on how well they tolerate the side effects and other health-related factors.
How often is Victoza administered? Victoza and Saxenda are injected once daily in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm at any time, with or without meals.
3. Side Effects
Victoza and Saxenda cause almost the same side effects. However, since Saxenda is titrated to a much higher dose, users often experience more and stronger gastrointestinal adverse reactions, especially during increased doses. These symptoms typically subside over time.
Common side effects of Victoza include:
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- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Immunogenicity-related events, including urticaria
Typical adverse reactions of Saxenda include:
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- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Increased lipase
- Upper abdominal pain
- Pyrexia
- Gastroenteritis
- Headache
- Hypoglycemia
- Dyspepsia
Rare but serious risks for both drugs include:
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- Pancreatitis
- Thyroid C-cell tumors
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Damage to the kidneys
- Low blood sugar levels
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Pulmonary aspiration
Saxenda users are also at a rare risk of developing depression, which may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Speak with your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms, so they can adjust the dose or treatment plan accordingly.
4. Effectiveness: Victoza vs. Saxenda for Weight Loss
Although approved for diabetes, Victoza has some weight loss benefits. How does it compare with Saxenda?
In a clinical trial, researchers divided 746 adults with Type 2 diabetes into three groups. One group took glimepiride — an anti-diabetic medication — and the rest were randomized to receive 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg of Victoza.
After 52 weeks, the results were as follows:
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- Those who took 1.2 mg of Victoza lost 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) from the baseline body weight of 92.1 kg
- Patients treated with 1.8 mg of Victoza lost 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) from the baseline weight of 92.6 kg.
- Those who took glimepiride gained 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) from the baseline weight of 93.3 kg.
These results show Victoza users lost between 2.3% and 2.7% of their body weight.
In a separate study, people who were obese or overweight with one weight-related comorbidity were treated with Saxenda, titrated to 3 mg daily over 4 weeks. Treatment included a calorie-restricted diet and at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Participants had a baseline weight of 107.5 kg.
After 56 weeks, the findings were:
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- 62.3% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight
- 33.9% lost at least 10% of their weight
If you want to reduce your BMI, Saxenda is a better option than Victoza. You may lose some pounds with Victoza, but this benefit is secondary to its glucose-lowering effects.
5. Saxenda vs. Victoza for Diabetes
Victoza may be more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than Saxenda.
In the same clinical trial, those treated with Victoza 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg for 52 weeks reduced their HbA1c by 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively, from the baseline average of 8.2%.
Meanwhile, patients with obesity and co-occurring diabetes who took 3 mg of Saxenda titrated in 4 weeks decreased their HbA1c by 1.3% from 7.9% after 56 weeks of treatment.
Both drugs show significant changes in HbA1c levels.
6. Saxenda vs. Victoza Price
An 18 mg/3 mL solution of Saxenda costs $1,450.10, while an 18 mg/3 mL of Victoza is priced at $590.21.
Insurance coverage, patient assistance, and manufacturer savings programs can help reduce medication costs if you qualify.
Another way to afford Victoza or Saxenda is to purchase them in online Canadian pharmacies. Online prescription delivery platforms like Buy Canadian Insulin offer up to 90% off your injections.
You can get five prefilled pens of 6mg/mL of Saxenda for $515 instead of $1,450 and two prefilled pens of 6 mg/mL of Victoza for only $255 instead of $590.21. If it’s your first time ordering, you get an additional 10% off your prescriptions using the coupon code FIRST10.
Even without insurance, it’s easier to afford your medications by buying from us. We provide express shipping from Canada to ensure your injections arrive safely and on time.
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Alternatives to Victoza and Saxenda
Generic liraglutide is a good alternative to Saxenda and Victoza. The FDA recently approved it for treating Type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.
Here are other GLP-1 agonists that your doctor may prescribe in exchange for liraglutide:
If your doctor suggests switching to another medication for a medically valid reason, these Saxenda and Victoza alternatives are some of the best ones to consider.
Victoza vs. Saxenda: Which Is Better For Diabetes and Weight Loss
Victoza and Saxenda are both GLP-1 drugs that contain liraglutide. They have the exact mechanism of action, mimicking GLP-1 to suppress appetite and normalize blood sugar levels.
Victoza is approved for Type 2 diabetes, whereas Saxenda treats obesity and overweight. Both have been shown to effectively reduce HbA1c levels and body weight in clinical trials.
Because Saxenda and Victoza are once-daily injections, they can be costly for Americans who don’t have insurance or do not qualify for savings programs. Purchasing prescriptions from Canadian prescription delivery platforms like Buy Canadian Insulin lowers out-of-pocket medication expenses. Generic liraglutide is also available for those looking for a cheaper option.
If you want to switch medications, ask your doctor for personalized advice before changing your prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Publish Date: 3/01/2021 – Updated 5/16/2025
