Victoza generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Is there a generic for Victoza?
• Differences between Victoza and liraglutide
• How much is generic Victoza?
• What are the off-label uses for Victoza?
• How to switch from Victoza to liraglutide

In this article

• Is there a generic for Victoza?
• Differences between Victoza and liraglutide
• How much is generic Victoza?
• What are the off-label uses for Victoza?
• How to switch from Victoza to liraglutide

Victoza, sold under the generic name liraglutide, is an injectable anti-diabetic medication used daily. It works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar and slowing down the rate food is digested. The important treatment belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which also includes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, though these injections are typically done weekly. 

Victoza (liraglutide) was one of the first GLP-1 drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. Since then, it has risen in popularity. In 2022, it was the 139th most prescribed drug.

“Victoza was approved for diabetes management; it is very similar to medications such as Ozempic, which is just a daily form of the once-a-week medicines we have on the market,” explained Dr. Betul Hatipoglu, an MD and professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

Since 2010, Victoza has had more FDA approvals, including one in 2019, where it was approved for pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes. More recently, in December of 2024, Victoza became the first authorized generic once-daily GLP-1 injection to lower blood sugar.

Is there a generic for Victoza?

“Yes, a generic version of Victoza is now available in the U.S. In June 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals released an authorized generic, essentially the same medication as the branded version, without the Victoza branding,” explained Dr. Randall Turner, a dual board-certified physician, D.O., and medical director at Able To Change Recovery. He added, “Then, in December 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals introduced a generic liraglutide product after receiving FDA approval.”

This generic drug is sold under the name liraglutide. Typically, people find that generic options are more accessible than brand-name drugs because they’re more affordable. Since it’s cheaper, it may be more commonly available at pharmacies compared to the brand name, giving liraglutide greater patient access.

When the FDA approved the generic version of Victoza, Iilun Murphy, M.D., and the Director of the Office of Generic Drugs in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, came out with a press release stressing the importance of these alternatives. It read: “The FDA supports development of complex generic drugs, such as GLP-1s, by funding research and informing industry through guidance as part of our ongoing efforts to increase access to needed medications. Generic drugs provide additional treatment options, which are generally more affordable for patients. Today’s approval underscores the FDA’s continued commitment to advancing patient access to safe, effective, and high-quality generic drug products.”

What are the differences between brand name and generic Victoza?

The differences between a brand-name Victoza injection and a generic liraglutide injection are minimal.

“Both generic versions contain the same active ingredient, dosage strengths, and delivery method as the original Victoza, so they should work as effectively. The most significant difference you will notice is the packaging and — most importantly — the price,” said Dr. Turner.

How much is generic Victoza?

What are the off-label uses for Victoza?

Victoza has an off-label use for weight loss, in which generic liraglutide could be prescribed instead. This is because Victoza lowers blood sugar and slows the emptying of the stomach, which reduces appetite and helps individuals feel full longer. During clinical trials, one extensive study found that patients lost 6.2 pounds on average when taking Victoza in addition to metformin therapy. 

There is also an FDA-approved weight loss drug that uses the same active ingredient as Victoza, liraglutide, and sells under the brand name Saxenda. However, unlike Victoza, Saxenda has not had a generic version approved by the FDA.

How to switch from Victoza to liraglutide

Switching from Victoza to liraglutide shouldn’t be too difficult. Talk to your healthcare provider about your desire to switch, and they can update the prescription to the generic version if it’s right for you. You can also ask your pharmacist to switch to generic liraglutide, but they’ll first need to get approval from your doctor. Once you get your new prescription, you can begin taking the generic drug on the same schedule. 

Typically, a doctor won’t have a preference for a patient taking the brand-name Victoza versus the generic liraglutide. Certain generic drugs have shown less effectiveness, but this has not been reported with liraglutide.

Dr. Turner advised, “Generics are held to strict FDA standards so that you can expect the same safety and effectiveness. That said, monitoring how your body responds after the switch and reporting any concerns to your doctor is a good idea, just like with any medication change.”

It’s not the best option to immediately stop your daily injection of Victoza, as patients could experience nausea when coming off the medication abruptly. However, there are no life-threatening withdrawal symptoms with Victoza or its generic form. That being said, if you’re unable to take the medication because of a shortage, speak with your doctor about other anti-diabetic medications and GLP-1 drugs that may also work for your needs.