At a glance
Effects
- Glucose lowering: Stimulates insulin and suppresses glucagon in a glucose-dependent manner, lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes[4].
- Appetite suppression / weight loss: Delays gastric emptying and acts on brain appetite centers, reducing food intake and leading to weight loss[4].
- Reduced glucagon: Decreases inappropriate glucagon secretion, reducing hepatic glucose output[1][4].
GLP-1 receptor agonist (peptide)
~13 hours
Subcutaneous injection, once daily
Thyroid C-cell tumors (rodents)
Prescription (Rx), not controlled
About Liraglutide
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist — an injectable peptide anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medication used to treat type 2 diabetes (brand Victoza) and chronic weight management (brand Saxenda)[1][6]. It is a second-line therapy for diabetes, typically used after metformin[6].
How it works
Liraglutide is a 97%-homologous analog of native human GLP-1 with an added fatty-acid chain that binds albumin, protecting it from breakdown by the DPP-4 enzyme and extending its action so it can be dosed once daily[5][6]. It activates the GLP-1 receptor to increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decrease glucagon secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite and food intake — which lowers blood glucose and, at higher doses, produces weight loss[1][4].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Liraglutide carries an FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors: it causes dose- and duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors (including medullary thyroid carcinoma) in rats and mice, though it is not known whether this occurs in humans[1][2]. It is contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)[1].
Common
Serious
- Acute pancreatitis[8]
- Acute gallbladder disease[8]
- Serious hypoglycemia (especially combined with sulfonylureas or insulin)[8][9]
- Acute kidney injury/renal impairment, often from dehydration due to GI side effects[3][10]
- Increased heart rate[8]
- Serious hypersensitivity/allergic reactions[8]
- Suicidal behavior and ideation (listed warning)[8]
Safety & harm reduction
- In type 2 diabetes, monitor blood glucose before and during therapy, especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas[13]
- Watch for signs of pancreatitis (severe persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back) and stop the drug if suspected[12]
- Assess and maintain fluid/volume status; monitor renal function as dehydration from GI effects can cause acute kidney injury[3][10]
- Counsel on thyroid tumor symptoms (neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness); routine calcitonin/ultrasound monitoring is of uncertain value[1]
- Delays gastric emptying and may alter absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications[13]
- Increased hypoglycemia risk when combined with insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas) or insulin — a dose reduction of those agents may be needed[13]
- Should not be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other liraglutide-containing products[14]
- May interact with acetaminophen (Tylenol); review all prescription, OTC, and herbal products with a clinician[13]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported, not a prescription: for type 2 diabetes (Victoza), dosing typically starts at 0.6 mg once daily for at least one week, then may increase to 1.2 mg and up to a maximum of 1.8 mg/day[4][14]. For chronic weight management (Saxenda), the dose is titrated from 0.6 mg by 0.6 mg increments (0.6 → 1.2 → 1.8 → 2.4 → 3.0 mg) over about 5 weeks to a target/maximum of 3 mg once daily, with slow titration specifically to minimize gastrointestinal side effects[16]. Lower doses are for titration only; escalation may be delayed about a week if a dose is not tolerated[16].
Sources
- 1.Medicine.com (HCP monograph) — mechanism, MTC/dehydration monitoring
- 2.DrugBank — Liraglutide (DB06655)
- 3.FDA Victoza label (accessdata.fda.gov)
- 4.ClinicalTrials.gov protocol — liraglutide MoA & PK
- 5.RCSB PDB-101 — Liraglutide GLP-1R binding
- 6.PubMed — Liraglutide clinical pharmacology (PMID 21923591)
- 7.ClinicalTrials.gov protocol — common adverse reactions
- 8.ClinicalTrials.gov protocol — contraindications & warnings list
- 9.RxList — Liraglutide interactions & hypoglycemia warning
- 10.ClinicalTrials.gov protocol (Prader-Willi) — renal/GI risk
- 11.ClinicalTrials.gov ICF (PCOS) — antibody formation
- 12.Drugs.com — Liraglutide pancreatitis & uses
- 13.MedlinePlus — Liraglutide injection (thyroid, acetaminophen interaction)
- 14.Medscape — Victoza/Saxenda dosing
- 15.GoodRx — Saxenda dosage titration
- 16.Drugs.com — Saxenda dosage guide
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.