What are the common side effects of Victoza. How does Victoza affect fatigue levels. What strategies can help manage Victoza-related side effects. How does Victoza impact blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. When should you consult a doctor about Victoza side effects.

What is Victoza and How Does It Work?

Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and certain children. It’s administered as a daily subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Unlike insulin, Victoza belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking a hormone that stimulates insulin production, helping to lower blood sugar levels and reduce hemoglobin A1c.

In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, Victoza is also approved to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established heart disease. This dual action makes it a valuable treatment option for many patients managing both diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.

Key Functions of Victoza:

• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Decreases hemoglobin A1c
• Reduces cardiovascular risk in certain patients
• Administered once daily via subcutaneous injection

Common Side Effects of Victoza: What to Expect

While Victoza can be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Common side effects reported by patients using Victoza include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Constipation
• Headache
• Injection site reactions

Is fatigue a common side effect of Victoza? While not listed among the most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials, some patients have reported experiencing fatigue while using Victoza. It’s important to note that fatigue can have many causes, including the underlying diabetes itself. If you experience persistent fatigue while taking Victoza, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Managing Victoza Side Effects: Practical Strategies

For many patients, side effects of Victoza are mild and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, there are several strategies that can help manage common side effects:

Nausea and Vomiting:

• Take Victoza with or without food, whichever causes less nausea
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid fatty or spicy foods
• Stay hydrated
• Consider anti-nausea medications if recommended by your doctor

Diarrhea:

• Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• Avoid foods that may exacerbate diarrhea (e.g., dairy, high-fat foods)
• Consider over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications if approved by your healthcare provider

Decreased Appetite:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods to ensure adequate nutrition
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Consider working with a dietitian to develop a balanced meal plan

Can side effects be reduced by adjusting the Victoza dosage? In some cases, your doctor may recommend a slower dose escalation or a temporary dose reduction to help manage side effects. Never adjust your Victoza dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects of Victoza: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most side effects of Victoza are mild, there are some potentially serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Kidney problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

What are the warning signs of pancreatitis while taking Victoza? Symptoms of pancreatitis may include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Boxed Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors

Victoza carries a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning from the FDA, regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This risk is based on animal studies, and it’s unknown if it applies to humans. However, Victoza should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Victoza and Blood Sugar Control: Balancing Benefits and Risks

One of the primary benefits of Victoza is its ability to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. By stimulating insulin production and suppressing glucagon secretion, Victoza helps lower both fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels.

How effective is Victoza at reducing HbA1c levels? Clinical studies have shown that Victoza can lead to significant reductions in HbA1c, with many patients achieving a decrease of 1% or more. However, individual results may vary, and Victoza should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for optimal glycemic control.

Monitoring Blood Sugar While on Victoza

While Victoza can improve blood sugar control, it’s essential to monitor glucose levels regularly, especially when starting or adjusting the medication. This helps ensure that blood sugar levels don’t drop too low (hypoglycemia) or remain too high (hyperglycemia).

• Check blood sugar levels as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., dizziness, confusion, sweating)
• Have a plan for treating low blood sugar if it occurs
• Keep a log of blood sugar readings to share with your healthcare team

Victoza and Cardiovascular Health: Understanding the Benefits

In addition to its glucose-lowering effects, Victoza has been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease. This makes it a valuable treatment option for patients managing both diabetes and heart disease.

How does Victoza protect against cardiovascular events? The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it’s believed that Victoza’s effects on body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles may contribute to its cardiovascular benefits. Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza may have direct protective effects on the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular Outcomes with Victoza

The LEADER trial, a large clinical study involving over 9,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, demonstrated that Victoza reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (including cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke) by 13% compared to placebo.

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular death
• Decreased incidence of non-fatal heart attacks
• Lower rates of non-fatal strokes
• Potential improvements in heart failure outcomes

Long-Term Use of Victoza: What to Consider

For many patients, Victoza is prescribed as a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes management. While the medication can be effective over extended periods, it’s important to consider several factors when using Victoza long-term:

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
• Periodic blood tests to assess glycemic control and overall health
• Potential dose adjustments based on response and side effects
• Monitoring for any changes in kidney or liver function

Does the effectiveness of Victoza change over time? Some patients may experience a gradual decrease in the glucose-lowering effects of Victoza over time, a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis. If this occurs, your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Long-Term Safety Considerations

While Victoza has been studied extensively, as with any medication, long-term use may carry potential risks. Ongoing research continues to evaluate the long-term safety profile of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza.

• Continued monitoring for rare but serious side effects
• Awareness of any new safety information or guidelines
• Regular discussions with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of ongoing treatment

Victoza and Weight Management: An Added Benefit?

While Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight loss, many patients experience some degree of weight reduction while using the medication. This can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as excess weight often contributes to insulin resistance and poor glycemic control.

How much weight loss can be expected with Victoza? The amount of weight loss varies among individuals, but clinical studies have shown an average weight loss of about 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) over 52 weeks of treatment. Some patients may experience more significant weight loss, while others may see minimal changes.

Mechanisms Behind Weight Loss

• Decreased appetite and increased feelings of fullness
• Slowed gastric emptying, leading to prolonged satiety
• Potential effects on brain regions involved in appetite regulation

It’s important to note that while weight loss can be a positive side effect for many patients, Victoza should not be used solely for weight management. If weight loss is a primary goal, discuss appropriate treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Comparing Victoza to Other Diabetes Medications

Victoza is one of several GLP-1 receptor agonists available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Understanding how it compares to other medications can help patients and healthcare providers make informed treatment decisions.

Victoza vs. Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

• Dosing frequency: Victoza is administered once daily, while some newer GLP-1 receptor agonists offer weekly dosing options
• Efficacy: Comparable glucose-lowering effects among GLP-1 receptor agonists, with some variations in cardiovascular benefits
• Side effect profiles: Similar common side effects, but individual tolerability may vary
• Device design: Different pen designs and injection mechanisms among various products

How does Victoza compare to oral diabetes medications? Unlike oral medications such as metformin or SGLT2 inhibitors, Victoza is injectable and works through a different mechanism. It may offer more potent glucose-lowering effects and additional benefits like weight loss and cardiovascular protection for some patients.

Combination Therapy

Victoza is often used in combination with other diabetes medications to achieve optimal glycemic control. Common combinations include:

• Victoza + metformin
• Victoza + sulfonylureas
• Victoza + basal insulin

The choice of combination therapy depends on individual patient factors, including glycemic control, cardiovascular risk, and tolerability of different medications.

Practical Tips for Using Victoza Effectively

To maximize the benefits of Victoza and minimize potential side effects, consider the following practical tips:

Injection Technique

• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps under the skin)
• Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm as recommended
• Use a new needle for each injection to ensure comfort and proper dosing

Timing of Injections

Can Victoza be taken at any time of day? Victoza should be injected at approximately the same time each day, but the specific time can be chosen based on individual preference and schedule. Some patients find that taking Victoza in the evening helps minimize nausea during the day.

Storage and Handling

• Store unused Victoza pens in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
• Once in use, Victoza pens can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days
• Protect from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight
• Do not freeze Victoza pens

Lifestyle Considerations

To complement the effects of Victoza and manage type 2 diabetes effectively:

• Follow a balanced, diabetes-friendly diet
• Engage in regular physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Monitor blood glucose levels as instructed
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

By following these practical tips and working closely with your healthcare team, you can optimize your experience with Victoza and better manage your type 2 diabetes.

Side Effects and How to Manage Them

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Victoza (liraglutide) as a treatment option for you. Before you begin using Victoza, you may want to know about its possible side effects.

Victoza is a prescription medication that’s used to:

• treat type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, in adults and certain children
• reduce the risk for serious cardiovascular problems (problems related to the heart and blood vessels) in adults who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Victoza is a solution that you’ll inject under your skin using a prefilled pen once daily. It’s not insulin, like some other injectable diabetes medications. But like insulin, this drug decreases your blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (the amount of hemoglobin that has sugar attached, which is another indicator of blood sugar levels).

If you have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Victoza may also reduce your risk for serious cardiovascular problems. Examples include heart attack and stroke.

If Victoza works for you, your doctor will likely recommend that you use it long term.

For more information about Victoza, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, some people may have mild or serious side effects from using the Victoza pen. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may have mild or serious side effects during their Victoza treatment. Examples of Victoza’s commonly reported side effects include:

• nausea*
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• decrease in appetite
• indigestion (upset stomach)

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

For more information about the mild or serious side effects that you may have from receiving Victoza, see the sections below.

You may have mild side effects from using Victoza. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Victoza include:

• nausea*
• diarrhea
• constipation
• vomiting
• low blood sugar*
• decrease in appetite
• indigestion (upset stomach)
• headache*
• injection site reactions*

* To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Victoza unless your doctor recommends it.

Victoza may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the Victoza medication guide for more information.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Victoza, visit MedWatch.

Although rare, serious side effects may occur from using Victoza. Serious side effects that have been reported with Victoza include:

• risk of thyroid tumor*†
• pancreatitis (swelling of your pancreas)
• allergic reaction†‡
• kidney problems
• gallbladder problems
• severe low blood sugar*

* Victoza has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Victoza. Although not reported in studies, this side effect has occurred in people using Victoza. But it’s unclear how often it happened or if Victoza was the cause.

If you develop serious side effects while using Victoza, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Victoza’s side effects.

Does Victoza cause weight loss?

It’s possible that Victoza may cause some weight loss. However, it isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. Victoza is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s also used to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems (which are related to the heart and blood vessels) in people with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Weight loss wasn’t reported as a side effect in studies of people receiving the medication. However, Victoza did cause decreased appetite, which may lead to a small amount of weight loss.

Victoza contains the active drug ingredient liraglutide. Although Victoza isn’t approved for weight loss, another medication, Saxenda, is. Saxenda also contains the active drug ingredient liraglutide.

Victoza and Saxenda are not interchangeable. They’re given in different doses and have different approved uses. (To learn more about how Saxenda compares with Victoza, see this article.)

If you’re interested in a medication for weight management, talk with your doctor. Victoza likely isn’t the best option for you. But other treatments that are approved for weight management, such as Saxenda, may be better options.

Will I experience hair loss during my Victoza treatment?

It’s unlikely. Hair loss wasn’t reported as a side effect in studies of people using Victoza.

But it’s possible that diabetes itself may cause hair loss. If you have hair loss during your diabetes treatment, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease your hair loss.

Is fatigue a side effect of Victoza?

No, fatigue (lack of energy) isn’t a side effect that was reported in people using Victoza. However, it’s a common symptom of diabetes.

It’s also possible for you to have fatigue from other side effects of Victoza. For example, low blood sugar is such a side effect. You’re especially at risk for this side effect if you’re also using other diabetes medications. Low blood sugar can cause you to feel tired.

Fatigue may also be a sign of kidney problems, which may occur rarely in people using Victoza.

If you’re feeling more tired than usual during Victoza treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend blood tests to check your blood sugar level and your kidney function. They may also be able to recommend ways to increase your energy level.

How long do side effects from Victoza last?

It depends. You may have more common side effects when you first start using Victoza or your dose increases. Examples of common side effects include nausea and vomiting. These side effects may go away within a few weeks after you begin treatment or have your dose increased.

But other side effects, such as injection site reactions, may occur each time you inject Victoza.

If you have side effects that don’t go away within a few weeks, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease your side effects.

Does Victoza cause joint pain?

No, joint pain wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of people receiving Victoza. But other medications used to treat diabetes may cause joint pain. Examples of these drugs include Januvia (sitagliptin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin).

If you have joint pain during your treatment with Victoza, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to decrease this side effect.

Learn more about some of the side effects Victoza may cause.

Risk of thyroid tumors

Victoza has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning lets doctors and patients know about possible serious risks from taking a medication.

Victoza has been shown in animal studies to increase the risk of certain thyroid cancers, such as medullary thyroid cancer. This rare side effect didn’t occur in studies of people receiving Victoza. However, there have been reports of this side effect in people using this medication. At this time, it’s unclear how often people using Victoza developed thyroid tumors or if Victoza was the cause.

You should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid cancer. This way, if you develop these symptoms, you can tell your doctor right away. Symptoms may include:

• a mass or lump in your neck
• trouble swallowing
• trouble breathing
• hoarse voice

What might help

If you have had medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a rare genetic disorder associated with thyroid cancer), you should not use Victoza. If you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, you also should not use Victoza.

Throughout your treatment with Victoza, your doctor may monitor your blood for any changes in thyroid hormone level. They may also do an ultrasound of your thyroid to look for changes to the gland.

You may want to keep track of any symptoms you have during your treatment with Victoza. If you develop any symptoms of a thyroid tumor, tell your doctor right away. They will likely do some tests to see what’s causing your symptoms. They may also recommend that you stop treatment with Victoza.

Headache

You may have headaches while you’re using Victoza. Headaches are one of the most common side effects reported in studies of Victoza.

What might help

If you have headaches while you’re using Victoza, talk with your doctor. They will be able to recommend ways to decrease your headaches. For example, they may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions were a rare side effect that was reported in studies of people using Victoza. Since Victoza is an injectable medication, you may develop side effects around the area where you inject the drug. Examples of injection site reactions include redness, deepening of skin color, or rash at the area of injection.

What might help

If you develop injection site reactions that are bothersome to you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To decrease the risk of this side effect, they may recommend changing where you inject the drug or the way you’re injecting it.

Low blood sugar

You may develop low blood sugar during Victoza treatment. Your risk for low blood sugar could be even higher if you take other diabetes medications that also decrease your blood sugar. An example is insulin.

In studies, most people who had low blood sugar were using Victoza with either insulin or sulfonylurea drugs. Examples of sulfonylurea drugs include Glucotrol (glipizide) and DiaBeta (glyburide).

The risk of low blood sugar was higher in children using Victoza. This risk was higher even for children who weren’t also taking other medications that may cause low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar can be severe or even life threatening if not treated. So knowing the symptoms of this side effect may help you to treat it as soon as possible. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• sweating
• increased heart rate
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• blurry vision
• headache
• confusion or drowsiness

What might help

Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar during Victoza treatment. If you have low blood sugar, treat it right away.

You can treat low blood sugar by taking food or drinks with sugar in them. These could include glucose tablets, juice or soda (but not diet soda), sugar or honey, or hard candy. The American Diabetes Association recommends having 15 grams of carbohydrates every 15 minutes until your glucose level reaches 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

If you’re experiencing low blood sugar, be sure to tell your doctor. They may recommend decreasing your dose of other diabetes medications you might be taking.

Nausea

You may have nausea when using Victoza. In studies of this drug, nausea was the most common side effect.

You should tell your doctor if you’re experiencing nausea when you’re using Victoza. Although very rare, it’s possible that nausea may be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Victoza. This includes pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems.

What might help

If you have nausea during Victoza treatment, talk with your doctor. They may do some tests to be sure that the nausea isn’t related to other problems. Your doctor will suggest treatments or recommend ways to decrease your nausea.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Victoza can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergic reaction wasn’t a side effect seen during studies of Victoza. However, there have been reports of allergic reaction in people using Victoza. But it’s unclear how often this side effect happened or if Victoza was the cause.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color for a brief time)
• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Victoza, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Victoza, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Victoza treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things like:

• what dose of Victoza you were receiving when you had the side effect
• how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
• what your symptoms were from the side effect
• how it affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were also taking
• any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Victoza affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Victoza is used to treat type 2 diabetes in children ages 10 years and older. In studies of Victoza, children had the same side effects as adults. But children had an increased risk for low blood sugar.

For adults receiving Victoza, this side effect mostly affected those taking multiple medications for their diabetes. Children receiving the drug had a risk for low blood sugar even if they weren’t taking other diabetes medications.

Because of this risk in children, it’s important to know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it. For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Victoza has several warnings that may affect whether you can safely use this drug.

Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

Victoza has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It is possible that Victoza may increase your risk for certain thyroid cancers, such as medullary thyroid cancer. You should not use Victoza if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer. You should also not use Victoza if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, a rare genetic disorder associated with thyroid cancer.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Victoza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you start Victoza treatment. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Kidney problems. Victoza may increase your risk for kidney problems, which may be serious. If you have had kidney problems in the past, tell your doctor before you start using Victoza. They may monitor your kidney function more often during your treatment.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Victoza or any of its ingredients, you should not use Victoza. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.

Liver problems. Before you start using Victoza, tell your doctor if you have any liver problems, such as hepatitis. Increased liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver damage, have been reported in people using Victoza. If you have or have had liver problems, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring or blood tests during Victoza treatment.

Pancreas problems. If you have problems with your pancreas or have had pancreatitis, tell your doctor. Victoza may increase your risk for pancreatitis. Your doctor may monitor you more often if you have any pancreas problems.

Slowed stomach emptying. Before you start using Victoza, tell your doctor if you have had any stomach emptying disorders, such as gastroparesis. Victoza may cause your stomach to empty slower than usual. If you already have slowed stomach emptying, this can make your condition worse. In this case, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Alcohol use and Victoza

Alcohol can increase your risk for low blood sugar. Your liver usually helps to manage your blood sugar. But when you drink alcohol, this organ works to get rid of the alcohol in your blood. As a result, your blood sugar may become too low, which can be very dangerous.

Mixed drinks and frozen cocktails may have a lot of sugar in them, which can affect your diabetes.

Discuss with your doctor how much alcohol is safe for you to drink. This will likely depend on how well your diabetes is managed.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Victoza

Pregnancy. It’s not known if Victoza is safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, Victoza showed that it may cause harm to a developing fetus. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether Victoza is a good treatment option for you.

Breastfeeding. There have been no studies on using Victoza while breastfeeding. So it is not known if the drug may be present in breast milk or have an effect on a breastfeeding child.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about whether Victoza is right for you.

Side effects can occur while taking Victoza. These tend to be mild, though in rare cases Victoza can cause serious side effects.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about Victoza’s side effects. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

• Do you have tips for dealing with nausea caused by Victoza?
• If I become pregnant during my treatment with Victoza, what can happen?
• Do my other medical conditions put me at an increased risk for other side effects?
• If I have these side effects, how can I best treat them?

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Q:

If I’m taking other medications for my diabetes as well as Victoza, am I at an increased risk for side effects?

Anonymous patient

A:

It’s likely that taking Victoza with certain drugs to treat diabetes will increase your risk for side effects.

The risk of low blood sugar may be increased when using Victoza with certain diabetes medications called sulfonylureas, such as DiaBeta (glyburide) or Glucotrol (glipizide), or insulin-containing drugs. When you start Victoza, your doctor may decrease the dose of your other diabetes drugs to reduce your risk for low blood sugar.

If you’re interested in taking other drugs with Victoza to treat your diabetes, talk with your doctor.

Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCPAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

What they are and how to manage them

Victoza is a prescription brand-name medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for:

• Improving blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. For this purpose, Victoza is used in adults as well as children ages 10 years and older.
• Lowering the risk of severe cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. For this purpose, Victoza is used in adults with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Victoza is typically used as a long-term treatment.

Here are some fast facts on Victoza:

• Active ingredient: liraglutide
• Drug class: glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1)
• Drug form: liquid solution in a pen, given by subcutaneous injection

Like other drugs, Victoza can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Victoza, see this article.

Victoza can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Victoza in clinical trials:

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• indigestion
• diarrhea

To learn about these and other side effects of Victoza, see the sections below.

Mild side effects can occur with Victoza use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the Victoza medication guide.

Mild side effects of Victoza can include:

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• indigestion
• diarrhea
• headache
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is more common in children than adults

These side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Victoza and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Victoza may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the Victoza medication guide.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Victoza, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Gallbladder disease. Symptoms can include:
  • pain in the abdomen (belly)
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes)
  • nausea and vomiting
• Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
  • confusion
  • drowsiness
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • swelling in the feet or lower legs
  • urinating less frequently than normal
• Risk of thyroid tumors (see “Side effect specifics” below).*
• Pancreatitis (see “Side effect specifics” below).
• Allergic reaction (see “Side effect specifics” below).

* Victoza has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Victoza may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Is weight loss a possible side effect of Victoza?

It’s possible that you’ll experience minor weight loss while taking Victoza.

Weight loss wasn’t reported as a side effect in clinical trials of Victoza. However, some people did have decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

The active drug in Victoza, liraglutide, is also the active ingredient in Saxenda, which is a prescription medication. Saxenda is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a weight-loss aid. Saxenda and Victoza are prescribed at different doses, so you shouldn’t use Victoza for the purpose of losing weight.

If you have additional questions about weight loss and Victoza, talk with your doctor.

If I take Victoza, will I experience fatigue?

Fatigue wasn’t reported as a side effect in people taking Victoza in clinical trials. Fatigue is when you feel like you have less energy than usual.

However, some people taking Victoza in these trials developed minor infections, such as the common cold. Fatigue can be a symptom of certain infections. It’s important to note that people taking a placebo also had infections in these trials. A placebo is a treatment without an active drug.

Fatigue can also be a symptom of liver problems. Liver problems are a rare side effect that has been reported since Victoza was approved. Because the live problems didn’t occur in clinical trials, it isn’t known for sure whether Victoza or something else was the cause.

If you have additional questions about fatigue and Victoza, talk with your doctor.

Does Victoza cause hair loss?

Hair loss wasn’t a side effect in people taking Victoza in clinical trials. Hair loss also hasn’t been reported in people taking the drug since it was approved.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor. They can work with you to help find the cause and suggest possible treatments.

Can taking Victoza cause burping?

In clinical trials of Victoza, burping wasn’t a reported side effect in people taking the drug. Burping also hasn’t been reported in people taking Victoza since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medication. However, a side effect of Victoza is indigestion, and burping may be a related symptom.

If burping is a concern, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause and suggest treatment options.

Is joint pain a side effect of Victoza?

Joint pain wasn’t a side effect in people taking Victoza in clinical trials. Joint pain also hasn’t been reported in people taking the drug since it was approved. However, the FDA has noted that another class of diabetes medication called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors may cause severe and disabling joint pain. Victoza belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1) drug class, which doesn’t have the same warning.

If you have bothersome joint pain, talk with your doctor. They can recommend treatments that may help.

Have there been any deaths from Victoza?

In clinical trials, there weren’t deaths due to Victoza reported in people taking the drug.

In one specific case, a person receiving Victoza developed pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which was ultimately fatal. However, researchers weren’t able to definitively say that the death was caused by Victoza.

Since Victoza was approved, there have been a few reports of acute pancreatitis. This includes hemorrhagic pancreatitis that, in rare cases, was fatal. With this type of pancreatitis, there’s bleeding within or around the pancreas.

It’s important to note that it usually isn’t possible to tell whether a drug was responsible for a side effect reported after the drug was approved.

For information about pancreatitis symptoms to watch for while taking Victoza, see the “Side effect specifics” section below. You can also talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Victoza may cause.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the more common side effects of Victoza. Nausea was fairly common in people taking the drug in clinical trials compared with people taking a placebo. A placebo is a treatment without an active drug.

Nausea may also be a symptom of a more serious side effect, such as gallbladder disease or pancreatitis.

What you can do

If you experience nausea while taking Victoza, talk with your doctor. They can show you how to deal with nausea caused by Victoza. Your doctor can also help determine if the nausea is related to a more serious side effect.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect of Victoza.

In one specific case, a person receiving Victoza developed pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which was ultimately fatal. However, researchers weren’t able to definitively say that the death was caused by Victoza.

Since Victoza was approved, there have been a few reports of acute pancreatitis. This includes hemorrhagic pancreatitis that, in rare cases, was fatal. With this type of pancreatitis, there’s bleeding within or around the pancreas. Another type of acute pancreatitis reported was necrotizing pancreatitis, in which part of your pancreas dies and may become infected.

It’s important to note that it usually isn’t possible to tell whether a drug was responsible for a side effect reported after the drug was approved.

What you can do

While taking Victoza, watch closely for the following symptoms of pancreatitis:

• bloating
• fever
• nausea and vomiting
• persistent, severe abdomen (belly) pain that doesn’t go away
• severe pain wrapping around your upper belly and to the back

If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll typically have you stop taking Victoza. It’s recommended that you don’t restart the drug once you’ve had pancreatitis.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a potential side effect of Victoza. Low blood sugar wasn’t common in clinical trials, but it occurred more often in people taking Victoza than people taking a placebo. A placebo is a treatment without an active drug.

Most people who developed low blood sugar with Victoza were using the drug in combination with a sulfonylurea, such as glipizide (Glucotrol).

What you can do

Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar while taking Victoza. These may include:

• anxiety
• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• shakiness

If you notice symptoms of low blood sugar, check your blood sugar level right away. If you’re unable to check your blood sugar, you should still treat yourself for low blood sugar.

Treating low blood sugar

You can treat mild low blood sugar by eating or drinking something with at least 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates in it. Examples include:

• 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
• ½ cup fruit juice, such as orange or apple juice
• ½ cup of non-diet soda (The soda should contain at least 15 g of sugar. )
• 3 to 4 glucose tablets, which you can purchase at a pharmacy

Keep in mind that a diet soda won’t treat low blood sugar.

After having something to eat or drink, check your blood sugar again in 15 minutes. If it’s still low, you may need more glucose.

If you develop severe low blood sugar, call 911 or your local emergency number, or have someone drive you to an emergency room. You shouldn’t drive a car while your blood sugar is severely low.

Indigestion

Indigestion (upset stomach) is a potential side effect that may occur while taking Victoza. People taking Victoza in clinical trials experienced indigestion more often than people taking a placebo. A placebo is a treatment without an active drug.

What you can do

If you experience indigestion while taking Victoza, talk with your doctor. They may:

• Recommend a medication to help with this side effect. This may be a new prescription drug or an over-the-counter (OTC) product.
• Adjust your Victoza dose.
• Suggest a different medication to treat your condition.

Risk of thyroid tumors

Victoza has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid tumors. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In animal studies, Victoza has been shown to cause certain types of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Whether the drug can cause the tumors to form in humans isn’t known.

What you can do

Due to the risk of thyroid tumors, you shouldn’t use Victoza if you or a family member has a history of MTC.

You also shouldn’t use Victoza if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). Like MTC, this is a type of cancer that’s hormone-related.

Your doctor will monitor you for MTC symptoms while you take Victoza. Symptoms they will look for include a hoarse voice, growths in your neck, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. If you notice these symptoms while taking Victoza, talk with your doctor immediately. They may want you to stop taking the drug.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Victoza can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergic reactions weren’t reported in clinical studies. There have been a few reports of cases after Victoza was approved, but this wasn’t common. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include:

• rash
• itching
• flushing (warmth, swelling, or redness in your skin)
• swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Victoza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Victoza. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid tumors

This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid tumors. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In animal studies, Victoza has been shown to cause certain types of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Whether the drug can cause the tumors to form in humans isn’t known. For more information on steps you and your doctor can take, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Victoza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Victoza. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Serious allergic reaction. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Victoza or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Victoza. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Kidney problems. Since Victoza was approved, there have been rare cases of people having acute kidney failure or worsening of existing kidney failure while taking the drug. If you have a history of kidney problems, such as end-stage kidney disease, using Victoza may worsen these problems. Therefore, be sure to talk with your doctor before using Victoza. They can work with you to determine whether the drug is right for you.

Liver problems. It isn’t known if Victoza is safe to use in people with existing liver problems, such as end-stage liver disease. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver problems. They can help determine the best treatment plan for you.

Slow stomach emptying. Victoza slows the speed at which your stomach empties after you eat or drink. If you have gastroparesis, talk with your doctor, because it may not be safe for you to use Victoza. They can help determine the right treatment plan for you.

Alcohol use with Victoza

Drinking alcohol while taking Victoza may increase your risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When your blood sugar level becomes low, your liver typically releases glucose, which is another name for sugar. Alcohol can block this action from occurring. If alcohol and Victoza are taken together, your risk for severe hypoglycemia increases.

Talk with your doctor about how much, if any, alcohol is safe for you to consume while being treated with Victoza.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Victoza

Here’s some information on the use of Victoza while pregnant or breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy. It’s not known if Victoza is safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that Victoza can harm a fetus when given to a pregnant animal. It isn’t known if this also occurs when the drug is used during pregnancy in humans. Before taking Victoza, talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. They can advise you on the benefits and risks of the drug.
• Breastfeeding. It isn’t known whether Victoza is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about whether Victoza is right for you.

Side effects can occur while taking Victoza, but they’re usually mild. Most mild side effects of the drug are temporary and don’t require medical attention.

It’s important to note that Victoza may be used on its own to treat type 2 diabetes. Or it may be used in combination with other diabetes drugs. Some side effects of other diabetes medications and Victoza overlap, but the drugs can cause different side effects as well. Your doctor or pharmacist can help explain similarities and differences in side effects you may expect from each drug.

The most common side effects from Victoza treatment include:

• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• indigestion
• diarrhea

You should talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), gallbladder disease, or an allergic reaction. These side effects could be serious and require medical attention.

If you’d like to learn more about Victoza, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you may have about the side effects of the drug.

For more information on type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, see our lists of diabetes articles and cardiovascular/cardiology articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Diabetes mellitus type 2

A number of measures will help you control your blood glucose levels as accurately as possible, which will help to avoid complications.

Healthy eating
Contrary to popular belief, there is no special diet for diabetics. You don’t have to eat bland, tasteless food all your life. On the contrary, he needs vegetables, fruits and whole grains – that is, nutritious, but low-calorie and low-fat foods.
The child, as well as the whole family, is advised to reduce the consumption of animal products and sweets.
Patients with diabetes are advised to consume foods with a low glycemic index. The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar after consumption. Foods with a low glycemic index help stabilize glucose levels. Usually these are foods that contain a large amount of fiber.
A certified dietitian can create a meal plan that will help control your disease and fit your tastes and lifestyle. It will also teach you how to count the amount of carbohydrates in your diet to keep your sugar levels stable.

Physical activity
Everyone needs aerobic exercise from time to time, and a type 2 diabetic is no exception. Consult your doctor before starting any sports activities. Choose your favorite activity – walking, swimming, cycling. Accustom yourself to regular physical activity.
Aim to practice at least 30 minutes a day almost every day of the week. Don’t forget about strength training and stretching. If you haven’t done anything in a while, start with low-intensity exercise.
A combination of different types of exercise – aerobic (walking, dancing) and developing endurance (yoga, exercise on machines) – reduces blood sugar levels more effectively than a preference for only one type of exercise.
However, remember that physical activity lowers blood sugar levels. Check your glucose levels before exercising. You may need to snack to prevent a critical drop in blood sugar levels, especially if you are taking medication.

Measuring Your Blood Sugar
Depending on the type of insulin you are taking, you may need to measure and record your glucose readings only periodically, or vice versa, strictly several times a day. Ask your doctor how often you need to do this. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure your glucose levels stay within the normal range. Blood sugar levels can fluctuate for no apparent reason. With the help of specialists, you will learn how to predict how glucose levels will change depending on food, exercise, alcohol, diseases, and drugs.

Medications and insulin therapy
Some people with type 2 diabetes successfully manage their glucose levels with diet and exercise, but some patients require medication. The choice of specific drugs depends on a number of factors, including the degree of increase in blood sugar levels and comorbidities. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe therapy in the form of a combination of drugs from different groups to more effectively control glucose. Below are the main drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Metformin (Glucophage and others) is usually the first drug given to all patients with type 2 diabetes. Metformin increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, as a result of which this hormone works more efficiently.
It also reduces hepatic glucose excretion. However, metformin by itself does not cause a decrease in blood sugar levels. Along with its intake, it is recommended to increase physical activity and monitor nutrition.
Side effects of metformin include nausea and diarrhea. They usually go away when the body gets used to the drug. If metformin and lifestyle changes are not enough to control your blood sugar, your doctor will recommend adding other drugs by mouth or by injection.

• Sulfonylureas. This group of drugs stimulates the body to synthesize more insulin. These include preparations of glyburide, glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl). Possible side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain.
• Meglitinides. The drugs in this group are similar in action to sulfonylurea drugs, but their action develops faster and they are removed from the body earlier. They can also lead to a strong decrease in glucose levels, but to a lesser extent than sulfonylurea drugs. Side effects also include weight gain. The drugs in this group include repaglinide and nateglinide .
• Thiazolinediones . Like metformin, drugs in this group increase tissue sensitivity to insulin. However, this class of drugs can cause weight gain and other, more serious effects, such as an increased risk of heart disease and kidney failure . Because of these side effects, thiazolindiones are not first-line drugs. These include rosiglitazone . pioglitazone .
• Dipeptyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. These drugs help lower blood sugar but are only moderately effective. They do not lead to weight gain. Representatives – sitagliptin , saxagliptin , linagliptin.
• Glucan-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. These drugs slow digestion and lower glucose levels, but are not as effective as sulfonylurea drugs. The use of glucan-like peptide-1 receptor agonists is recommended only in combination with other drugs. Representatives: exenatide (Bieta), liraglutide (Victoza). Side effects include nausea and an increased risk of pancreatitis .
• Sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors. This is one of the most advanced drugs for diabetes. They prevent the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, resulting in it being excreted in the urine. Representatives: canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Forksiga). Side effects include frequent fungal infections and urinary tract infections.

Insulin therapy
Some people with type 2 diabetes need insulin. Previously, insulin therapy was used only when all other methods failed, but now doctors prescribe it much earlier due to the number of advantages of such treatment.
In the stomach, insulin interacts with other substances, so it must be given as an injection. Depending on the individual case, the doctor may prescribe a combination of different insulin preparations to control blood sugar during the day and night. Often, insulin therapy for type 2 diabetics begins with a single injection of long-acting insulin at night.
Insulin injections can be given through special syringes with fine needles or with a pen, a device that looks like a regular pen but contains an insulin cartridge instead of ink.

There are several types of insulin, each of which works differently. Isolate:

• Insulin glulisine
• Insulin lispro
• Insulin aspart
• Insulin glargine
• Insulin detemir
• Insulin isophane

The pros and cons of each can be discussed with your doctor. It will help you choose the best option for you based on many factors, including cost, comorbidities, and others.
In addition to sugar-lowering drugs, your doctor may prescribe low-dose aspirin , as well as drugs that lower cholesterol and blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart and vascular disease.

Obesity surgery
If you have type 2 diabetes and your body mass index is above 35, then you are advised to undergo weight loss surgery. The operation ensures the normalization of glucose levels in 55-95% of patients. The most effective are operations in which part of the small intestine is “turned off” from the digestion process.
However, surgical treatment has a number of disadvantages. This is an expensive method and has a number of risks, including death. Long-term adverse effects include osteoporosis and nutritional disorders

Pregnancy
Women with type 2 diabetes will need to change therapy during pregnancy. Many patients in this period use insulin preparations. Cholesterol-lowering drugs and some antihypertensive drugs should be avoided.
If you have diabetic retinopathy, it may get worse during pregnancy. Consult an ophthalmologist during the first trimester of pregnancy and one year after childbirth.

Warning Signs
Since many factors affect glucose levels, it is impossible to control all of them, which can lead to medical emergencies:
Hyperglycemia . Sugar levels rise for a number of reasons, including overeating, eating unrecommended foods, low insulin dose, illness.

Watch out for the following signs:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Nausea

If hyperglycemia is suspected, measure blood glucose. You will have to change your meal plan and medication doses.
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketone syndrome. Signs of this dangerous condition include a rise in sugar levels above 600 mg / dL (33.3 mmol / L), dry mouth, severe thirst, fever above 38 ° C, fatigue, confusion, blurred vision, hallucinations, dark urine. Not every glucometer is able to accurately assess the level of sugar in this condition, most likely it will show a “high” icon.
This syndrome occurs due to a critical increase in glucose levels, due to which the blood changes consistency, becomes thicker. It is more common in older people with type 2 diabetes who have recently had an infection or other illness. This syndrome usually develops over several days or weeks. Seek help immediately if you suspect you have this condition.

Increased urinary ketone levels (diabetic ketoacidosis). If the patient’s cells are in urgent need of energy, an increased breakdown of fats begins with the formation of toxic substances called ketones. Symptoms of this serious condition include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dry, reddened skin
• Sweet, fruity breath 90 050
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme fatigue

If ketoacidosis is suspected, test urine for elevated ketones using a kit available from a pharmacy. With a pronounced increase in ketones, contact your doctor or call an ambulance. This condition usually occurs in people with type 1 diabetes, but can also occur in type 2 diabetes.
Hypoglycemia . If the blood level falls below the values ​​recommended by the doctor, then it is considered low. Decreased glucose levels can occur for a number of reasons, including skipping meals and strenuous exercise. This condition usually occurs when taking drugs that stimulate insulin synthesis, or when insulin is administered

Have your blood tested regularly and carefully evaluate yourself for the following symptoms:

• Sweating
• Trembling of the limbs
• Drowsiness
• Hunger
• Dizziness

90 043 Irritability

• Headache
• Heart flutter
• Blurred vision
• Abrupt changes in behavior
• Speech disorders
• Agitation or confusion
• Convulsions

If hypoglycemia develops at night, the patient wakes up because the pajamas are wet or because of a headache. But due to the natural rebound effect, sugar levels rise in the morning.
If you have low blood sugar, drink fruit juice, glucose tablets, soda (not diet), candy, or any other source of sugar. Check your sugar levels again to make sure it has risen. If it has not reached the normal level, give the baby more sweets and measure the glucose after another 15 minutes. If its level has not risen, eat more sweets and take a second measurement after 15 minutes.
If unconsciousness occurs, the patient needs an immediate injection of glucagon , a hormone that stimulates the flow of sugar into the blood.

what you need to know – Drink-Drink

Victoza contains the active ingredient liraglutide. While Victoza is not approved for weight loss, another drug, Saxenda, is. Saxenda also contains the active ingredient liraglutide.

Victoza and Saxenda are not interchangeable. They are given in different doses and have different permitted uses. (To learn more about how Saxenda compares to Victoza, see this article.)

If you are interested in weight control medication, talk to your doctor. Victoza is most likely not the best option for you. But other treatments approved for weight control, such as Saxenda, may be better options.

This is unlikely. Hair loss has not been reported as a side effect in studies of people using Victoza.

But it is possible that diabetes itself can cause hair loss. If your hair falls out during diabetes treatment, talk to your doctor. They can recommend ways to reduce hair loss.

No, fatigue (lack of energy) is not a side effect that has been reported in people taking Victoza. However, it is a common symptom of diabetes.

You may also get tired from other side effects of Victoza. For example, one such side effect is low blood sugar. You are especially at risk for this side effect if you are also using other diabetes medications. Low blood sugar can make you feel tired.

Fatigue can also be a sign of kidney problems, which rarely occur in people taking Victoza.

If you feel more tired than usual while taking Victoza, talk to your doctor. They may recommend blood tests to check your blood sugar and kidney function. They may also recommend ways to increase your energy levels.

How long do the side effects of Victoza last?

It depends. You may have more common side effects when you first start using Victoza or increase your dose. Examples of common side effects include nausea and vomiting. These side effects may disappear within a few weeks after starting treatment or increasing the dose.

But other side effects, such as reactions at the injection site, may occur every time you give Victoza.

If you have side effects that don’t go away after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. They may recommend ways to reduce your side effects.

Does Victoza cause joint pain?

No, joint pain was not a side effect reported in studies of people receiving Victoza. But other medications used to treat diabetes can cause joint pain. Examples of these drugs include Januvia (sitagliptin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin).

If you experience joint pain while taking Victoza, talk to your doctor. They may recommend ways to reduce this side effect.

Side effects explained

Find out more about some of the side effects Victoza may cause.

Risk of thyroid tumors

Victoza has a warning in the box for risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning lets doctors and patients know about the possible serious risks associated with taking a medicine.

Victoza has been shown in animal studies to increase the risk of certain thyroid cancers such as medullary thyroid cancer. This rare side effect has not been observed in studies of people receiving Victoza. However, there have been reports of this side effect in people using this medication. It is currently unclear how often people taking Victoza developed thyroid tumors and whether Victoza was the cause.

You should be aware of the symptoms of thyroid cancer. Thus, if you develop these symptoms, you can tell your doctor right away. Symptoms may include:

• mass or swelling in the neck
• trouble swallowing
• difficulty breathing
• hoarse voice

What can help

If you have had medullary thyroid cancer or endocrine neoplasia type 2 (rare genetic disease associated with with thyroid cancer), you should not use Victoza. If you have a family history of medullary thyroid cancer, you should also not use Victoza.

Throughout your treatment with Victoza, your doctor may monitor your blood for any changes in your thyroid hormone levels. They may also do an ultrasound of your thyroid to look for changes in the gland.

You can monitor any symptoms you have while you are on Victoza. If you develop any symptoms of a thyroid tumor, tell your doctor immediately. They will likely run several tests to find out what is causing your symptoms. They may also recommend that you stop taking Victoza.

Headache

You may experience headaches while using Victoza. Headaches are one of the most common side effects reported in studies of Victoza.

What can help

If you experience headaches while using Victoza, talk to your doctor. They will be able to recommend ways to reduce your headaches. For example, they may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions have been a rare side effect reported in studies of people taking Victoza. Because Victoza is an injectable, you may experience side effects in the area where you inject the drug. Examples of reactions at the injection site include redness, discoloration of the skin, or rash at the injection site.

What can help

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have an injection site reaction that is uncomfortable for you. To reduce the risk of this side effect, they may recommend changing the injection site or route of administration.

Low blood sugar

You may develop low blood sugar while taking Victoza. Your risk of low blood sugar may be even higher if you are taking other diabetes medications that also lower blood sugar. An example is insulin.

In studies, most people with low blood sugar took Victoza with either insulin or a sulfonylurea. Examples of sulfonylureas include Glucotrol (glipizide) and DiaBeta (glyburide).

The risk of low blood sugar was higher in children taking Victoza. This risk was higher even for children who were not taking other medications that can cause low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar can be serious or even life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of this side effect can help you treat it as soon as possible. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• sweating
• increased heart rate
• feeling dizzy or light-headed
• blurred vision
• headache
• confusion or drowsiness

What can help

9000 4 Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar during treatment with Victoza. If you have low blood sugar, treat it immediately.

You can treat low blood sugar by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar. These can be glucose tablets, juice or soda (but not diet water), sugar or honey, or hard candies. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating 15 grams of carbohydrate every 15 minutes until your glucose level reaches 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience low blood sugar. They may recommend reducing the dose of other diabetes medications you are taking.

Nausea

You may experience nausea while using Victoza. In studies of this drug, nausea was the most common side effect.

You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea while using Victoza. Although very rarely, nausea can be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Victoza. This includes pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems.

What can help

If you experience nausea while taking Victoza, talk to your doctor. They may do some tests to make sure the nausea isn’t related to other problems. Your doctor will suggest treatment or recommend ways to reduce nausea.

Allergic reaction

Like most medicines, Victoza can cause an allergic reaction in some people. An allergic reaction was not a side effect seen in the Victoza studies. However, there have been reports of allergic reactions in people using Victoza. But it is not clear how often this side effect occurred and whether Victoza was the cause.

Symptoms may be mild or severe and may include:

• skin rash
• itching
• redness (temporary fever, redness or discoloration of the skin for a short time)
• swelling under the skin, usually on the eyelids, lips, arms or legs
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat that makes breathing difficult

What can help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or a topical product such as hydrocortisone cream to relieve your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Victoza, they will decide whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

If your doctor confirms that you have had a serious allergic reaction to Victoza, he may ask you to switch to another treatment.

Tracking side effects

Consider keeping a record of any side effects you experience during your treatment with Victoza. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new medications or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes may include things like:

• how much Victoza you were taking when you had side effect
• How soon after starting this dose did you experience a side effect
• What were your symptoms due to the side effect
• How did it affect your daily activities
• What other medications did you also take
• Any other information you think important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help him learn more about how Victoza is affecting you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

Side effects in children

Victoza is used to treat type 2 diabetes in children 10 years of age and older. In studies of Victoza, the same side effects were observed in children as in adults. But children had an increased risk of low blood sugar.

In adults treated with Victoza, this side effect mainly affected those taking multiple diabetes medications. Children who received the drug were at risk of low blood sugar even if they were not taking other diabetes medications.

Because of this risk in children, it is important to know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it. For more information about this side effect, see the “Explanation of side effects” section above.

Victoza Warnings

Victoza has several warnings that may affect whether this drug is safe to use.

Boxed Warning: Thyroid Cancer Risk

Victoza has a boxed warning on thyroid cancer risk. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It is possible that Victoza may increase the risk of developing certain types of thyroid cancer, such as medullary thyroid cancer. You should not use Victoza if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid cancer. You also should not use Victoza if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, a rare genetic disorder associated with thyroid cancer.

See the “Explanation of Side Effects” section above for more information.

Other warnings

Victoza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other health conditions. Talk to your doctor about your medical history before starting treatment with Victoza. Factors to consider include those listed in the list below.

Kidney problems. Victoza may increase your risk of serious kidney problems. If you have had kidney problems in the past, tell your doctor before you start using Victoza. They may monitor kidney function more often during treatment.

Allergic reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to Victoza or any of its ingredients, you should not use Victoza. Ask your doctor about other medicines that may be the best option for you.

Liver problems. Before you start using Victoza, tell your doctor if you have any liver problems, such as hepatitis. An increase in liver enzyme activity has been reported in people taking Victoza, which may be a sign of liver damage. If you have or have had liver problems, your doctor may recommend more frequent follow-up or blood tests while you are taking Victoza.

Problems with the pancreas. Tell your doctor if you have pancreatic problems or have had pancreatitis. Victoza may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. Your doctor may see you more often if you have any problems with your pancreas.

Delayed gastric emptying. Before you start using Victoza, tell your doctor if you have had any problems with gastric emptying, such as gastroparesis. Victoza may cause your stomach to empty more slowly than usual. If you have already slowed down the emptying of your stomach, this may worsen your condition. In this case, your doctor may recommend another treatment option for you.

Alcohol use and Victoza

Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Your liver usually helps control your blood sugar levels. But when you drink alcohol, this organ works to get rid of the alcohol in your blood. As a result, blood sugar levels can become too low, which can be very dangerous.

Mixed drinks and frozen smoothies can be high in sugar, which can affect your diabetes.

Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you. It will most likely depend on how well you control your diabetes.

Pregnancy and lactation while using Victoza

Pregnancy. It is not known if Victoza is safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, Victoza has shown that it can harm the developing fetus. However, animal studies do not always predict what will happen to humans.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether Victoza is right for you.

Breastfeeding. No studies have been conducted on the use of Victoza during breastfeeding. Thus, it is not known whether the drug can be present in breast milk or have an effect on a breast-fed child.

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about whether Victoza is right for you.

What to ask your doctor

Side effects may occur when taking Victoza. They are usually mild, although in rare cases Victoza can cause serious side effects.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the side effects of Victoza. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• Do you have any tips for dealing with Victoza nausea?
• If I get pregnant while taking Victoza, what can happen?
• Do my other medical conditions increase my risk of other side effects?
• If I have these side effects, how can I best treat them?

For tips on healthy eating, managing your condition and more, subscribe to our Type 2 Diabetes Newsletter online.

Ask a pharmacist

Q:

If I take other diabetes medications and Victoza, am I at increased risk of side effects?

Patient Anonymous

A:

It is likely that taking Victoza with certain diabetes medications will increase the risk of side effects.

The risk of low blood sugar may be increased when Victoza is used with certain diabetes medicines called sulfonylureas, such as DiaBeta (glyburide) or Glucotrol (glipizide), or insulin-containing medicines. When you start taking Victoza, your doctor may decrease your other diabetes medications to help lower your risk of low blood sugar.

If you are interested in taking other drugs with Victoza for diabetes, talk to your doctor.

Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP Answers represent the views of our medical experts. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Registration data: Drink-Drink has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.