Victoza
Victoza Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Victoza is a brand name. Its generic name is Liraglutide.
Victoza Introduction
Victoza is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Victoza is produced by recombinant DNA technology, using a strain of Escherichia coli into which the DNA that codes for human GLP-1 has been inserted. The recombinant GLP-1 produced in this way is identical to human GLP-1.
Uses for Victoza
Victoza is used to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. It may be used alone or in combination with an oral glycemic medicine, insulin, or both. It is also used in combination with another drug, Saxenda, to treat obesity in adults who are affected by weight-related medical problems, or are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above.
Mechanism of Action
Victoza is a long-acting GLP-1 agonist. It mimics the activity of human GLP-1 in the body, stimulating the release of insulin and decreasing blood glucose levels. It also suppresses glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, promoting satiety and delaying gastric emptying. Victoza prevents excessive food intake by reducing hunger stimulation in the hypothalamus, which helps to induce weight loss.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Victoza begins to work within hours of administration and its full effects are reached within 1 to 2 weeks of use. For weight loss, it generally takes about 12 weeks of therapy for liraglutide to demonstrate maximal effects.
Absorption, Route of Elimination, Dosage, Administration
Victoza is rapidly and completely absorbed when given subcutaneously. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved approximately 1.5 hours after subcutaneous administration. Victoza is extensively metabolized in the liver, and has a half-life of approximately 13 hours.
The recommended dosage of liraglutide for glycemic control is 0.6 to 1.8 mg once daily given subcutaneously. The initial dose should be 0.6 mg once daily; this may be increased every one to two weeks in increments of 0.6 mg to the recommended target dose of 1.2 to 1.8 mg daily.
For obesity, the injection should be given as a single subcutaneous dose of 3 mg/day in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dosage should not be increased until at least 5 weeks have passed since initiating treatment, and it should not be increased more than once per month. The maximum recommended daily dose is 3 mg a day.
Side Effects, Toxicity, Precaution, Interactions
Common side effects associated with liraglutide include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and decreased appetite. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, weight loss, dizziness, dyspepsia, constipation or upper gastrointestinal pain.
Victoza is generally well-tolerated. However, drug toxicity can occur if liraglutide is used in combination with certain other drugs or if taken at too high of a dose. Therefore, it is important to consult with a physician before taking liraglutide.
Victoza may interact with certain drugs, including insulin, oral antidiabetic medications, antibiotics, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, steroids and sulfonamides. It can also interact with certain herbal products, dietary supplements, and other diabetes medications.
Disease Interactions, Drug Interactions, Food Interactions, Pregnancy Use, Lactation Use, Acute Overdose, Contraindication, Use Direction, Storage Condition, Volume of Distribution, Half-Life, Clearance
The safety of liraglutide in pregnant and lactating women has not been established. It should not be used for diabetes treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes or for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Victoza should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment and in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors for heart disease. It should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of its excipients.
Do not use liraglutide if you are hypersensitive to GLP-1 products, have had an acute myocardial infarction, have active gastrointestinal bleeding, have congestive heart failure, or have a history of pancreatitis. Victoza must not be injected into any vein, muscle, or joint.
Victoza should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). If stored at room temperature (15°C - 25°C), it should be used within 30 days.
The volume of distribution of liraglutide is 4.8 L/kg and the half-life of liraglutide is approximately 13 hours. Clearance of liraglutide is mainly through metabolism, with kidneys responsible for approximately 10%.
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