Victoza (Liraglutide) - the first GLP-1 analogue that started it all

Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family — a group of medicines that work by mimicking a natural gut hormone involved in glucose control and appetite regulation.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is released from the gut after eating. It helps the body release insulin when glucose levels rise, reduces excess glucose production from the liver, slows stomach emptying, and increases feelings of fullness.

Victoza delivers a longer-acting version of this hormone, allowing these effects to be sustained throughout the day. Because insulin release only occurs when glucose levels are elevated, Victoza on its own carries a low risk of hypoglycaemia.

Liraglutide is also the same active molecule used in the weight-loss medication Saxenda, but at a lower daily dose for diabetes management.

Why is Victoza prescribed?

Victoza is commonly used when metformin alone is no longer enough to maintain good glucose control, particularly when excess weight or cardiovascular risk is part of the picture.

Benefits of Victoza often include improved HbA1c, modest but meaningful weight loss, and a low risk of low blood sugar when not combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Cardiovascular protection

Victoza is one of the best-studied GLP-1 medications for heart protection. In the landmark LEADER trial, liraglutide was shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events — including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death — in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk.

Importantly, the trial also demonstrated a reduction in all-cause mortality, making Victoza one of the first glucose-lowering medications shown to extend life expectancy in this population.

These findings are a key reason GLP-1 therapies like Victoza are now recommended earlier in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Primary source: LEADER Trial – New England Journal of Medicine

How is Victoza used?

Victoza is injected once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. Treatment usually starts at a low dose to minimise nausea, then increases gradually over several weeks.

Side effects and safety

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These effects are usually dose-related and tend to improve as the body adjusts.

Victoza should not be used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), and it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Where does Victoza fit compared to newer GLP-1 drugs?

While newer once-weekly agents such as Ozempic and Mounjaro often produce greater weight loss, Victoza remains a reliable and well-understood option — particularly when daily dosing is preferred or access to newer agents is limited.