What is Victoza: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider when taking this medicine.

Victoza injections are self-administered once a day under the skin. 

The Victoza pen is a multi-dose pen. You will use the same pen for several days until the doses run out. The number of doses in the pen will depend on the daily dosage prescribed.

A healthcare provider or pharmacist will demonstrate how to self-administer Victoza injections and where to give injections. Be sure you understand these instructions.

Please read the medication guide that comes with this medicine before taking the first dose.

Please review the prescription Instructions before use.

When first using the pen:

• Remove the pen from the refrigerator.

• Remove the cap from the pen.

• Attach a needle. Use only Novo Nordisk disposable needles on the pen.

• Remove the outer and inner caps from the needle.

• Follow the Instructions to remove air bubbles from the medicine.

Preparing the injection:

• Remove the pen injector from the refrigerator.

• Wash your hands.

• Check the pen label to confirm the medication is Victoza (liraglutide).

• Pull off the pen cap. Discard the pen if the medicine is discolored, cloudy, or contains particles.

• Wipe the rubber stop.

• Attach the needle. Use only Novo Nordisk disposable needles.

• Pull off the outer and inner needle caps.

• Dial the proper dose (0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg) into the pen.

Giving the injection:

• You can administer injections in the abdomen, upper arms, or thighs. 

• Rotate the injection site use a new injection site for each day’s dose.

• Insert the needle under the skin.

• Press the dose button until the dial has returned to zero AND then for an additional six seconds. 

• Keep the dose button pressed down and pull straight up to remove the needle.

• Put the outer cap back on the needle.

• Screw off the needle and put the needle in a sharps container.

• Replace the cap on the Victoza pen.

Store Victoza pens in the refrigerator in their original carton to protect it from light and heat. Do not freeze.

Use a new needle for each injection. 

If a pen is removed from the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Keep the pen away from sunlight and protected from heat.

Dispose of the pen after 30 days, even if there’s still medicine left. 

Do not share a pen with another patient, even if the needle is new. 

Also, dispose of the pen if it runs out of doses or is exposed to temperatures hotter than 86˚F.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. 

Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. 

If doses are missed for three days or more, contact the prescribing healthcare provider. The doctor will restart treatment at the lowest possible dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had a reaction to liraglutide or if you have: 

• Type 1 diabetes

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)

The prescribing doctor will see you regularly and administer blood tests to make sure Victoza is working and that you are on the correct dose. They will also confirm that the medication is not causing problems. Keep all appointments.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using Victoza. 

Before starting Victoza, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Pancreas problems

• Stomach problems, particularly slowed stomach emptying or issues digesting foods

Victoza can cause serious problems, including:

• Increased risk of medullary thyroid cancer

• Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

• Gallbladder disease

• Kidney injury

• Low blood sugar 

• Elevated heart rate

• Severe allergic or drug reactions

Victoza can make other oral medications less effective, so tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take before starting Victoza.

Tell other healthcare professionals about Victoza before they prescribe new medications.

Victoza is more likely to cause low blood sugar in people taking diabetes drugs called insulin secretagogues (meglitinides and sulfonylureas). You can find a complete list of sulfonylureas here and meglitinides here.