Type of medicine: antidiabetic; GLP-1 receptor agonist
Generic and brand names: liraglutide, injection; Victoza
This medicine is given by injection (shots) along with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection or fever. Also tell your provider if you have had surgery recently, or if you are scheduled to have surgery.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
This medicine is injected once a day, with or without food. Talk with your healthcare provider for specific instructions. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Your healthcare provider will adjust your dosage based on your blood sugar levels. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Measure your dosage very carefully to avoid an overdose, which can lead to a coma.
These shots are given in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully regarding dosage and times of injection. Be sure you know how and when to have these shots and how much medicine to use.
This medicine is available in a prefilled pen. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which type of needles are best to use with the pen. Remove and discard the needle from the pen after each injection.
Do not use this medicine if the liquid in the vial looks cloudy or has changed color.
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Warm the medicine to room temperature before you use it. Follow these steps to give yourself the shots:
If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for help.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, dizziness, confusion, flushing, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremors.
This medicine may cause thyroid tumors. While taking this medicine, if you develop a lump in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Follow the diet and exercise program prescribed by your healthcare provider. Eat regular meals and do not skip meals, even when you travel or are sick. Your dosage of this medicine is based on your food intake. Also, your must test your blood sugar tested regularly. Follow your healthcare provider's advice exactly.
Alcohol may affect your response to medicine and food. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you miss or delay meals, drink too much alcohol, use too much of this medicine or too much insulin, or exercise more than usual. Symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint. Treat the condition quickly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it such as candy, juice, or nondiet soda. Taking glucose tablets or gels (available in drug stores) is another quick way to treat hypoglycemia.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. Carry an ID card or a Medic Alert bracelet. If you become unconscious, the ID tells emergency healthcare providers that you are a diabetic and need special care.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report this to your healthcare provider if these symptoms happen often): Lump in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath; symptoms of hypoglycemia (confusion, shaking, weakness, strong hunger, cold sweats, headache, nausea, vision problems, and feeling faint), severe or constant nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain.
Other: Mild nausea, headache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stuffy or runny nose, back pain, tiredness, dizziness, injection site redness or rash.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
This medicine slows stomach emptying and can affect other medicines you take. Talk with your healthcare provider about this if you are taking other medicines.
Many medicines may change how well this medicine controls your blood sugar. Be sure to tell the healthcare provider who prescribed this medicine about any other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products. Also, tell any other healthcare providers who treat you that you are taking this medicine for diabetes.
Many nonprescription products contain sugar, alcohol, or other ingredients that may interfere with this medicine or increase your blood sugar. Check product labels for warnings for diabetics or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Before you use the pen for the first time, you may store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature before using it.
After the first use, you may store the injection pen at room temperature for up to 1 month. Remove and discard the needle after each injection, and store the pen without a needle attached.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
