The primary mechanism of action of liraglutide, as an incretin-like hormone or human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue, is to increase insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are high, decrease glucagon secretion, and delay gastric emptying in an attempt to lower postprandial glucose levels.
Medical uses of Victoza 6 mg/ml pens
Used for weight loss in addition to diet and exercise for adults 18 years and older:
Body mass index 30 kg/m2 or more (obesity)
BMI of 27 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2 (overweight) and weight-related health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, or breathing problems during sleep called sleep apnea)
How to use Victoza 6 mg/ml pens
Before using the pen for the first time, your doctor or nurse will show you how to use the pen.
You can use liraglutide at any time of the day, with or without food and drink.
Use liraglutide at about the same time every day - choose a time of day that works best for you.
The best places to inject are the front of your waist (abdomen), the front of your thighs, or your upper arm.
Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
Do not mix liraglutide with other injectable medicines (such as insulin).
Do not use liraglutide with other medications containing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) such as exenatide or lixisenatide.
Your treatment will start with a low dose which will be gradually increased over the first five weeks of treatment.
When first starting liraglutide, the starting dose is 0.6 mg once a day, for at least one week.
Your doctor will ask you to gradually increase your dose by 0.6 mg each week until you reach the recommended dose of 3.0 mg once a day.
Once you reach the recommended dose of 3.0 mg in the fifth week of treatment, continue using this dose until the end of the treatment period. Do not increase your dose further.
Your doctor will evaluate your treatment on a regular basis.
Doses may be changed under special circumstances, so always follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more medicine than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a missed dose.
Side effects of Victoza 6 mg/ml pens
Although the following side effects are not common to everyone, some patients may complain of the following:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation - these symptoms usually go away after a few days or weeks.
Stomach and intestinal problems, such as indigestion, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), pain in the upper stomach, heartburn, feeling bloated, flatulence, belching and dry mouth
feeling weak or tired
Change in sense of taste
dizziness
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs in the first three months of treatment.
gallstones
Injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching, and rash)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Warning signs of low blood sugar may appear suddenly and can include: sweating, pale skin, headache, rapid heartbeat, and feeling nauseous.
Feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, difficulty concentrating
Use of Victoza 6 mg/ml pens during pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Helpful tips for diabetics
All carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels, so it's important to know which foods contain carbohydrates. Choose healthy carbohydrate-containing foods and be aware of the portion size (amount of carbohydrates) required.
Reduce your salt intake. Eating too much salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. When you have diabetes, you're already at greater risk for all of these conditions.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. This can help you get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs daily to maintain your health.
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as weakness, dizziness, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating, eating or drinking something containing sugar usually helps.
Warnings and precautions while using Victoza 6 mg/ml pens
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you:
suffering from acute heart failure
Are 75 years of age or older
You have kidney disease or are on dialysis
You have liver problems
You have a severe stomach or digestive tract problem that delays stomach emptying (called gastroparesis), or if you have inflammatory bowel disease.
You have diabetes, do not use liraglutide as a substitute for insulin.
You have or have had pancreatic disease
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins and nutritional supplements.
How to store Victoza 6 mg/ml pens
Keep refrigerated (2°C - 8°C)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Must be stored in the original container to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the carton/blister/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Your health in numbers
Random blood sugar test: A blood sample will be taken at a random time. Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher indicates diabetes. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL is considered normal, and a reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates diabetes risk.
Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after you fast overnight. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL is normal. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. If your blood sugar is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test: For this test, you fast overnight, and your fasting blood sugar level is measured. You then drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours.
For more information about liraglutide
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Tamenni app
