Victoza - Liraglutide

What is it?

Composition

The composition of Victoza is based on the active substance liraglutide, which is the main component of this drug. Liraglutide belongs to the class of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists and acts by binding to the receptors of this peptide in the body.

Excipients that may also be part of Victoza include components necessary to stabilize the solution and maintain its properties, such as:

• Glycerol
• Phenol
• Sodium hydrochloride
• Water for injection

These components ensure the safety, stability and effectiveness of the drug when administered. This combination of substances allows Victoza to work stably and effectively for a long time, providing a constant therapeutic effect.

How to use?

Using Victoza requires strict adherence to the instructions to ensure maximum effectiveness of the drug and minimize the risk of side effects. Victoza is injected subcutaneously using an injection syringe, usually once a day, regardless of mealtimes. It is recommended to choose a specific time for daily administration to make it easier to adhere to the regimen.

Before you start using it, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Check the pen: make sure the drug is clear and colorless, does not contain particles and has not changed its consistency.
2. Choose an injection site: the drug is injected into the abdomen, front of the thigh or upper arm. It is recommended to alternate injection sites to avoid skin irritation.
3. Insert the needle and inject the drug smoothly, holding the pen for a few seconds to ensure the full dose is injected.

After the injection, make sure all the medicine has been injected and dispose of the used needle correctly. It is also important to periodically check the syringe pen for the amount of drug remaining and replace it in a timely manner.

How does it work?

Victoza works by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors in the body. This leads to increased insulin secretion in response to food intake, which helps control blood sugar levels. The drug’s mechanism of action is aimed at reducing blood glucose levels, especially after meals, which plays a key role in the management of type 2 diabetes.

In addition, Victoza slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps reduce appetite and promotes weight control. It also helps reduce hunger and allows patients to feel fuller for longer. These effects not only help control glucose levels, but may also be useful in achieving weight loss goals in people with type 2 diabetes.

Indications

Indications for Victoza include the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control. The drug is used in combination with diet and exercise and can be prescribed as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, sulfonylurea or insulin.

The main indications for Victoza are:

• Improving blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
• Maintaining target A1C levels, which is especially important to prevent long-term complications of diabetes.

Contraindications

Contraindications for Victoza include several important factors that need to be taken into account before starting therapy. The drug is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions or individual characteristics that may increase the risk of side effects.

The main contraindications for Victoza:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type II (MEN 2).
• Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the components of the drug.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the effect of Victoza on the fetus and breast milk has not been studied.

Caution should also be exercised when using Victoza in patients with pancreatitis, since there are data on the possible risks of exacerbation of this condition when taking the drug. In these cases, it is recommended to consider alternative treatment methods.

Side effects

The main side effects of Victoza are usually related to the gastrointestinal tract and can range from mild to moderate. Most patients experience these symptoms early in treatment and they may decrease over time. Side effects do not usually require stopping therapy, but it is important to discuss them with your doctor if they become too severe.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomition
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Rare but more serious side effects may include acute pancreatitis and kidney dysfunction. If you experience signs of severe abdominal pain or other serious symptoms, it is recommended to stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical attention.