Victoza Reviews – Does It Work As Advertised?

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About the Brand

Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, manufactures Victoza medication. In 2019 the company got approval from the FDA to manufacture Victoza to be used by children aged 10-17 years to treat type 2 diabetes.

There were efforts by another pharma company known as Teva Pharmaceuticals to manufacture and sell a generic option of a similar drug which led to a legal battle with Novo Nordisk. However, AstraZeneca PLC sells a similar drug at $905, while Victoza retails at $1,100 for a month’s supply.

In addition to Victoza, the company also produces another type 2 diabetes drug, Ozempic. Novo Nordisk is carrying out ongoing studies to establish if Victoza can be used in treating and managing type 1 diabetes.

How Does It Work?

Before they start using Victoza, many people think it’s an insulin product, but it’s not. It is the first non-insulin product to receive approval since 2010 for treating type 2 diabetes.

Like other GLP-1 antagonists, it is also referred to as incretin mimetics. From the intestines, your body produces incretins as hormones whose purpose is to release insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

The insulin separates the glucose from the blood, releasing it into the cells as energy after you have eaten. This process helps control blood sugar from getting too high and emptying the gastric system.

Victoza is manufactured to mimic GLP-1, which is a type of incretin. This GLP-1 is also released by your body by the small intestines, which then activate the pancreas to produce the adequate amount of insulin to control blood sugar. Individuals with type 2 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin to carry through the above process.

With a 97% similarity to GLP-1, Victoza detects a rise in blood glucose levels and then releases GLP–1 receptor that attach themselves to the pancreas and release insulin, making up for the insufficient quantities produced by the body.

Victoza injections also help slow down the speed at which food leaves the stomach and digestive tract, helping control a rise in blood glucose levels. By slowing down food movement, the drug helps you feel full, avoid cravings, and helping you manage your weight.

Another action that we came across by Victoza is the control of sugar produced by the liver, which would otherwise become too high and excess. The drug also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

If you are looking for another product for you or your loved ones to help control blood sugar levels, we reviewed one such product Altai Balance where we highlighted how this supplement also works on blood sugar regulation.

Taking Victoza, the Do’s and Don’ts

Victoza comes packaged in an injectable pen that you should use once every day. The drug is injected into the thigh, stomach, or upper arm. It can be taken anytime and does not need to be taken at a specific time, although taking it at the same time makes it easier for you to remember the prescription.

Even though taking it should preferably be done at the same time, the Victoza injection site should be on rotation when administering each dose. If you inject the drug through the thigh, you can do so several times, but you must pick different spots on the thigh. Repeated injections of Victoza in the same place can cause the formation of lumps in the skin.

You can take Victoza with or without food as it doesn’t affect how the drug works and is absorbed by your body.

If you miss taking a dose of Victoza in a 1 or 2-day window, you don’t need to take extra doses to make up for the one you missed. You wait until the next day to take your next dose as usual.

We understand that you might need a break from injecting yourself every now and then, if that is so, you can opt for organic supplement capsules like Mellitox, which also helps manage type 2 diabetes.

Victoza Side Effects

Victoza has some side effects, varying from mild to severe, depending on the individual. We discovered that most of the side effects are experienced during the first days of taking the medication before your body gets used to it and can be easily managed at home.

Some of the common side effects associated with Victoza are:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Common cold
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion

Most stomach-related side effects can be managed by eating small portions and hydrating properly.

Serious side effects are rare and are most likely not going to occur, but they are worth mentioning. They are:

• Pancreatitis
• Hypoglycemia
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney problems that arise due to dehydration
• Risk of thyroid cancer

If you experience any of the above severe side effects, you should contact your doctor or emergency services within your locality.

Victoza for Weight Loss

We must highlight that even though not originally intended to help with weight loss, people using Victoza have experienced significant weight loss. It is essential to note that the FDA has not approved this drug to aid in weight loss. If you are looking for options to help you with weight loss, you can go through the products curated here.

Other drugs containing Liraglutide, like Victoza, have been approved to help with weight loss. An example of such a drug is Saxenda, prescribed for weight loss with a combination of workouts and a balanced diet. Saxenda is not used for regulating blood sugar, unlike GlucoseMD, nor for treating any illnesses in children.

FAQS about Victoza

Q: Can Victoza be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes?

A: No. Victoza is meant for and approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Victoza manufacturer is still researching to determine if this drug can be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Q: Will I still take insulin together with Victoza?

A: Yes. You can still take mealtime insulin if Victoza turns out not to be effective. Unless informed by your doctor, you must keep taking insulin and other diabetes drugs.

Q: What is the best time to take Victoza?

A: Victoza can be taken any time of the day. The time you choose to take the drug does not affect its effectiveness as long as you set a time you can easily remember. Due to side effects like nausea or vomiting, you can take Victoza in the evening or when you are likely more settled.

Q: Is Victoza similar to insulin?

A: No. Victoza is a non-insulin drug that works differently from how insulin controls blood glucose levels.

Reviews from Victoza Users

In summary, the reviews we touch on were sourced from Drugs.com. Varied, they give first-hand experience of patients who have had the opportunity to use Victoza. From the site, the drug has a rating of 7.6 out of 10, derived from 518 reviews.

Below is what some of the users had to say about Victoza

“Despite doing research about this medication I was still nervous. My doctor prescribed it to me to get my blood sugar levels back in check. The drug worked fast with no side effects at all other than feeling a little nauseous. My energy levels are up, I have lost some weight and feel full for longer with no cravings and a curbed appetite.”

After using Victoza for a few months, I was doing great with my weight loss and managing my blood sugar levels. Then a few months later started gaining back the weight, and my blood sugar shot up. Victoza doesn’t seem to work.

As a 57-year-old woman who has been obese, Victoza has successfully helped me lose weight. My success in losing weight can also be attributed to changing my diet, logging my food, walking, and drinking water.”

Final Thoughts on Victoza

Victoza (Liraglutide) is a daily injection used to treat type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it has other health benefits that cohesively contribute to a patient’s overall well-being and health. To reap the full benefits of the drug, you should adopt an exercise regimen and consume a balanced diet.

However, it might not be safe for everyone as it might have contraindications for patients with a history of thyroid cancer. To ensure your safety and minimize the side effects, we advise you to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking or any medical conditions (kidney disease or pancreatitis) that might worsen after taking Victoza.

Alternatively, we did a review where we listed 20 of the best supplements you can take to regulate your blood sugar levels.