Liraglutide is an anti-diabetic medication which was approved for its medical use on 25th January 2010.

Liraglutide is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss in obese individuals. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and helps slow gastric emptying to control post-meal blood sugar spikes. Additionally, it may aid in preventing the progression in high-risk individuals.

Liraglutide is available as a solution for injection in doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. It is intended for subcutaneous administration into the abdomen or thigh. Only use if the solution is clear, colorless, and contains no particles. Do not double the dose to compensate for the one you missed. Even if the needle is replaced, avoid sharing Liraglutide with other patients.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Liraglutide are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, constipation, back pain, skin reactions at the site of injection, and upper respiratory tract infection. Notify your physician immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Inform your doctor immediately if you have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Report to your doctor immediately if you have severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylactic reactions and angioedema). Tell your physician before treatment commencement if you have kidney, heart, and liver diseases. Avoid drinking alcohol since it could lower the blood sugar level. You might require a routine thyroid ultrasound test while taking Liraglutide to monitor your serum calcitonin level.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. Liraglutide is unsafe during pregnancy as it causes fetal risk. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment as it is unknown if Liraglutide passes into the breast milk.

Avoid reusing or sharing your needles with others as they might have blood-borne pathogens and spread infections to other people. A fresh needle should be used and stored in a refrigerator for every injection. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery during this treatment if you experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness.

1. Novo Nordisk, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on August 2017] [Accessed on 3rd Sep 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/022341s027lbl.pdf
2. Novo Nordisk A/S, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on April  2014] [Accessed on 3rd Sep 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/21986#
3. KD Tripathi, Insulin, Oral Antidiabetic Drugs and Glucagon, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 280-305.
4. Martha S. Nolte Kennedy, Umesh Masharani, Pancreatic Hormones & Anti-diabetic Drugs, Lange’s  Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 747-771.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.