Victoza, a once-daily injection drug used primarily for type 2 diabetes, is prescribed off-label for type 1 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and weight loss.
What is Victorza?
This therapy is a once-daily injectable drug containing liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist, in a pre-filled pen. Approved for children over the age of 10 and adults with type 2 diabetes.
Similar GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic are formulated for similar purposes.
Injections work by reducing liver glucose production and increasing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity and helping to manage blood glucose levels.
Additionally, this drug slows digestion and helps you feel full after eating.
Who can take Viktosa?
Adults with a body mass index (BMI, weight scale) of 30 or higher, and those with a BMI of 27 or higher with one or more weight-related medical conditions are often prescribed a once-daily shoot-off label.
The use of medication for people with type 1 diabetes is not FDA approved due to the risk of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia) when combining Victorza and insulin. However, its use has become increasingly popular in recent years.
It is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancer, as it may increase the risk of thyroid cancer.
Can Viktosa help you lose weight?
Yes, important evidence suggests that it helps you lose weight.
Although it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose, treatment suppresses appetite, slows digestion and reduces liver glucose production.
Many doctors prescribe it along with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Clinical trials show that participants with this drug after diet and exercise guidelines are more likely to lose 5% to 10% of their total body weight, with an average additional loss of 5.8 kilograms (kg; 12.75 pounds) in diet and exercise alone.
How fast does Victorza work to lose weight?
Clinical studies show that weight loss may begin within the first few weeks of taking the drug, but the amount and time frame vary from person to person.
A meta-analysis for 2023 has been published Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Liraglutide users experience a significant weight loss of 5.3-6.0 kg (11.6-13.2 lbs) average over 20-56 weeks, with the most noticeable reduction occurring within the first three months of treatment.
This loss appears to be sustainable as research over a year has shown continuous results.
Factors like starting weight, diet, exercise, and overall health affect how quickly and how quickly you lose weight with this medication. Discuss your weight loss and health goals with your doctor before starting Victorza.
Why am I not losing weight with Viktosa?
Weight loss in this therapy can stall for a variety of reasons.
Food choices such as high calorie and unhealthy food consumption and low physical activity levels can counteract the effectiveness of the medication.
See more details: Foods to Avoid when taking Viktosa.
Individual metabolism, which is influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and hormonal imbalance, also plays a role.
Furthermore, if you are taking lower doses of the drug, the effects on appetite and metabolism may not be as pronounced.
Certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) can allow for even more complicated weight loss.
It is important to continue to match your diet, exercise and medication, and to consult your healthcare provider about personalized advice and potential dosage adjustments.
For more information: Victorza Dosing: How much does it cost?
When is the best time to take Viktosa with you for weight loss?
According to the manufacturer, the drug can be taken at any time, with or without food. The best time to take it is whenever it is easiest to get in on a daily basis and remember your dose.
What are the side effects?
When you start taking this medication, you may experience some side effects. According to drug makers, the common ones are:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Indigestion/Heartburn
- constipation
These symptoms usually resolve after a few weeks. To minimize them, your doctor may start you with a lower dose. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
It has more serious and less common side effects.
- Hypoglycemia (especially if you are taking insulin)
- Allergic reactions
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Kidney problems
- Gallbladder problems
Before starting this medication, let your doctor know your personal or family history of thyroid cancer. Victorza has a black box warning due to the potential risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid tumor cancers, as observed in animal studies.
The risks to humans are not fully established, but it is important to discuss this with your health care provider.
See more details: Side effects of victoza: What you need to know.
How much does it cost to lose weight?
There is no recommended dose as this drug has not been expressly approved by the FDA for this purpose.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in losing weight, discuss your options with your doctor. There are other drugs that have been specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
Who should not take Victorza for weight loss?
This GLP-1 agonist is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplastic syndromes. Animal studies suggest that the potential risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors may be increased.
Additionally, people with a history of pancreatitis are advised to take Viktosa.
Due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia, people who use short-acting or rapid insulin should be careful when taking medication.
This treatment may be prescribed to people with type 1 diabetes, especially those who are using bolus or corrective doses of insulin, but it is important to recognize the risks of hypoglycemic levels and know how to manage them.
Is Ozempic or Victorza better to lose weight?
Ozempic and Victorza work in the same way, helping you lose weight by suppressing your appetite, slowing your digestion and stabilizing your blood sugar levels. Although neither drug is FDA approved due to weight loss, these effects often lead to weight loss in many users.
A study published in late 2022 provided strong evidence of weight loss in Victorza, but noted that people tend to lose more weight when taking Ozempic.
However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to discuss options with your doctor.
See more details at Ozempic vs. Victorza: Which should I choose?
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