Victoza For Weight Loss Reviews - How To Get Victoza (Liraglutide) For Losing Weight, Results, Side Effects And Dosage

Victoza is a prescription drug created to treat diabetes but is also prescribed off label for weight loss. 

At first glance Victoza injections appear to be ideal for anyone intent on losing weight, but when you take into consideration the high cost, the possibility of serious side effects and the potential to regain all the body weight lost when you cease using - maybe it would be better to use a cheaper, safer alternative to Victoza for weight loss instead! 

Cheaper Natural Alternatives Over the Counter 

Here are some of the most popular and effective non-prescription weight loss alternatives to Victoza. 

#1 - PhenQ - Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressant 

CLICK to view PhenQ price and special offers 

PhenQ is a multi action fat burner and appetite suppressant that can also prevent the formation of new fat cells. It is naturally formulated and can be ordered directly from the manufacturers website without prescription at a fraction of the cost of Victoza. 

PhenQ is safe to use and doesn't cause side effects or dependency. It is also effective for sustainable weight reduction. PhenQ has a long 60 day money back guarantee and free delivery to most countries including the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. 

#2 - Altai Balance - Supplement to Lower Blood Sugar Levels 

CLICK to view Altai Balance price and special offers 

Altai Balance is a natural formulation that can lower blood sugar levels and aid weight management. It is also non-prescription and far cheaper than other diabetes medications and weight loss drugs. 

Altai Balance is a combination of scientifically studied ingredients and also free from side effects and addiction. 

Latest News: Cheaper and Safer Alternatives to Victoza (Liraglutide) 

What is Victoza 

Victoza is a brand name of Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It was developed by Novo Nordisk as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Victoza works by activating GLP-1 receptors which stimulate the release of insulin and inhibit glucagon secretion from the pancreas. This helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics after eating by improving insulin production and sensitivity.  

Victoza comes as a solution for injection. It is approved for use alone or in combination with other glucose lowering medications like metformin to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The typical starting dose for diabetes is 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously once daily. The dose can be increased in increments of 0.6 mg up to a maximum of 1.8 mg daily based on blood sugar response and tolerance. 

While Victoza can produce weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake, it is not specifically FDA- approved for weight loss, obesity or weight management. Any body fat reduction achieved with Victoza for type 2 diabetes is considered an added benefit. For losing weight, higher doses of 1.2 mg up to 3 mg daily are often required to maximally suppress appetite, but this also increases risks of side effects. Using Victoza off-label and at higher doses for weight loss remains controversial and unregulated. 

Some key points about Victoza: 

• It is a prescription drug for treating diabetes and regulates blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics by activating gut hormones involved in insulin secretion and glucagon inhibition.  

• It helps people lose weight by decreasing appetite, calorie consumption and slowing digestion. But it is officially only indicated for glycemic control. 

• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar levels and pancreatitis. Risk of thyroid tumors and heart rate increase are potential concerns, especially at high doses. 

• Victoza can be used alone or combined with other medications, but should not be used with DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin.   

• It is administered via self-injection once daily. Titrating the dose slowly helps minimize nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects. 

Victoza Weight Loss Benefits 

Here are the potential weight loss benefits of Victoza (liraglutide) and how it may aid weight reduction even in non-diabetics: 

Victoza works by activating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. This stimulates the release of insulin while inhibiting glucagon secretion from the pancreas. It also activates areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and satiety. This combination of effects helps lower blood glucose levels in diabetics, but also reduces appetite and calorie intake which can lead to significant weight loss too. 

At the doses used for losing body fat and obesity (1.2mg to 1.8mg daily), Victoza reduces appetite and makes people feel full sooner and for longer after eating. This decreases overall food consumption and daily calorie intake without significant effort or lifestyle change. For some, Victoza seems to take away interest in food or change their relationship with eating and hunger cues. 

Victoza slows digestion and the emptying of the stomach. This also contributes to feelings of fullness and smaller meals. Food sits in the stomach for longer, keeping you satisfied for more hours until the next meal.  

Related: Best Appetite Suppressants to Buy Over the Counter  

Victoza may increase metabolism slightly by elevating heart rate. However, the majority of weight loss achieved seems to result from appetite suppression and lower calorie consumption rather than increased energy expenditure. Lifestyle intervention with a balanced diet and exercise provides the most meaningful and sustainable effects. 

In clinical trials, people with obesity lost up to 8% of their body weight over 6-12 months on average using Victoza. For initial weight reduction, higher doses of 2.4mg to 3mg may be required and then decreased to 1.8mg for the drug maintenance. Effects tend to plateau after 6-12 months, so cycling or increasing/lowering doses may be needed long term. 

For weight loss in non-diabetics, Victoza is used off-label. Risks versus benefits must be assessed for each patient to determine suitability. Frequent blood sugar monitoring may not be required if levels remain normal, but other potential side effects are similar to diabetics. Lifestyle changes should always accompany pharmacotherapy for best success. 

Victoza activates gut hormone pathways involved in glucose regulation and appetite suppression.  

At proper doses, it can significantly reduce appetite, calorie intake and help men and women lose weight, especially combined with a healthy diet and exercise.  

For obesity, Victoza provides a mechanism to overcome biological barriers to weight reduction when used appropriately under medical guidance. However, risks versus benefits must be considered for long term use, especially in non-diabetic populations. Lifestyle intervention remains essential for meaningful and sustainable results. 

Side Effects of Victoza 

Here are the potential side effects, cautions and warnings associated with the injectable medication Victoza (liraglutide). This applies to using Victoza as a weight loss medication as well: 

The most common side effects of taking Victoza alone are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. These effects are usually temporary but can be minimized by slowly titrating the dose and taking it with food. 

Victoza is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Liraglutide may cause a specific type of thyroid tumor called medullary thyroid carcinoma. 

Liraglutide can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylurea. Symptoms of low blood sugar like dizziness, confusion and rapid heartbeat may occur. Blood glucose should be monitored closely. 

Victoza may lead to severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, especially at higher doses. Proper hydration and dose reduction or discontinuation may be required. 

There is a risk of acute pancreatitis, particularly at initiation or dose escalation. Pancreatitis symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. If pancreatitis occurs, Victoza should be discontinued and not restarted. 

VLiraglutide may cause gallbladder problems like cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent stomach pain.   

Victoza can increase heart rate, especially at higher doses. The effects on heart rhythm are unknown. Caution is advised in patients with cardiac disorders or arrhythmias. 

Injection site reactions including pain, tingling and rash may occur. Rotate injection sites to minimize reactions.     

Animal studies suggest a potential risk of both thyroid cancer and C-cell tumors. Long term effects on humans are still unknown. Victoza should only be used when benefit outweighs potential risks. 

The safety and efficacy have not been established in children or pregnant/nursing women. Use in these groups only if clearly needed. 

Victoza has not been studied in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin. Caution is advised if using these drugs together. 

What is The Victoza Dosage for Weight Management 

To make people lose weight, the typical starting dose of Victoza is 0.6 mg injected once daily for 1 week. This helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects as your body adjusts. After the first week, the dose is usually increased to 1.2 mg daily. At 1.2 mg per day, most people will lose around 1-2 pounds per week through appetite suppression and lower calorie intake. 

For greater weight loss, the Victoza dose can be further increased to 1.8 mg once daily. At this dose, average weight loss of 1-3 pounds per week or about 5% reduction over 3-6 months may be achieved. The 1.8 mg dose seems to provide the maximum effect on appetite and calorie reduction for many using Victoza for obesity. Higher doses beyond 1.8 mg daily do not appear to provide added weight loss benefits and primarily increase side effects. 

If Victoza is not producing a satisfactory decrease of BMI at 1.8 mg after 3 months, cycling the dose (e.g. alternating between 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg each week or monthly) may help re-stimulate its effects. Some studies have also looked at combination therapy with other medications like metformin or bupropion to enhance results. Lifestyle intervention with diet and exercise should always accompany Victoza for meaningful and sustainable progress. 

After the initial 6-12 months of use and maximum weight loss has plateaued, the dose of Victoza is usually decreased for maintenance. Dropping to 1.2 mg or 0.6 mg daily helps sustain appetite regulation and help with weight loss maintenance while minimizing risks and potential side effects from long term use. Continual medical monitoring and lifestyle counseling remain essential. 

The dose of Victoza should be individualized based on your response and tolerance. Only increase the dose under guidance from your doctor. Frequent checks of blood sugar levels may not be required for non-diabetics using Victoza for weight loss only, but risks of side effects remain, especially at high doses. 

Where To Get Victoza for Weight Loss 

Victoza is available by prescription only in the US. It can be obtained through most major pharmacies across the country. Here is an overview of where you can get Victoza: 

• Retail pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger, Publix, etc. Victoza is stocked by most large retail pharmacy chains and can be obtained by filling a valid prescription from your doctor. Cash prices will vary between locations based on current promotions. Using discount cards or insurance coverage is recommended to lower out-of-pocket costs. 

• Brick and mortar pharmacies. In addition to large chains, many independent local pharmacies will also stock and dispense Victoza upon receiving your prescription. Comparing prices between different pharmacies in your area may identify the most affordable option. 

• Mail order pharmacies. Both CVS and Express Scripts operate mail order pharmacies that ship Victoza directly to customers across the US. Home delivery may provide more convenience but limit your ability to compare real-time prices with local pharmacies. Check with your insurance provider, as mail order pharmacies are often mandatory in some plans. 

Must Read: Cheaper and Safer Alternatives to Victoza (Liraglutide) 

• Compound pharmacies. Some compounding pharmacies prepare custom doses of liraglutide to specifications ordered by physicians for weight loss. Compounded liraglutide may be available as oral capsules, sublingual drops or injectable doses different from the standard pre-filled Victoza pens. However, compounded drugs are not regulated or approved by the FDA, so quality, efficacy and safety cannot be assured. Use only under guidance of a medical professional. 

• Online and Canadian pharmacies. Some websites offer to ship liraglutide and other prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada and other countries where regulations on dispensing may be less strict. However, purchasing from unverified foreign or online pharmacies can be very dangerous due to the risk of counterfeit, contaminated or expired medication. It is not advisable to obtain liraglutide from any uncontrolled sources. 

• Diabetes prevention programs. Newly launched diabetes prevention programs partnering with digital health companies like Omada Health, Livongo and Virta Health provide coaching and medication support for people at high risk of diabetes. Liraglutide for weight loss and glycemic control may be dispensed and monitored through these structured programs. Access and costs vary, but insurance coverage is expanding. 

Can You Get Victoza on Health Insurance Coverage 

Here are some tips for getting Victoza covered by your health insurance: 

Obtain a prescription from your doctor. Victoza is only available by prescription. Your doctor can determine if it is medically necessary and appropriate for your condition based on factors like your type 2 diabetes diagnosis, blood sugar levels, response to other medications, weight loss effects, etc. A prescription is required for health insurance coverage and pharmacy dispensing. 

Check if your insurance covers brand name Victoza. Victoza can be expensive, so coverage and co-pay/co-insurance costs are important to determine upfront. Contact your insurance provider to check if Victoza is included on your plan's formulary drug list and if any restrictions apply. Less expensive alternatives may need to be tried first. 

Apply for manufacturer copay or discount cards. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Victoza, offers copay cards that can lower out-of-pocket costs for insured patients. They also offer patient assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured people who cannot afford Victoza. The Victoza website provides details on these cost saving options. 

Explain the medical necessity to your insurance. If Victoza is initially denied based on lack of formulary inclusion or cost, your doctor or healthcare professional can file an appeal with your insurance provider.  

They will need to demonstrate why Victoza is medically necessary for you compared to other medications, and that alternatives have either failed or are less suitable based on factors like side effects, contraindications, diabetes control, etc. Medical necessity exemptions can prompt coverage approval in some cases.  

Apply for third party patient assistance. Independent organizations like the Diabetes Hands Foundation and Patient Access Networks offer patient assistance programs that can help cover co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles for select brand name diabetes drugs based on financial need. Victoza may be covered through some of these programs for qualified applicants. Information and application details are provided on their websites. 

Victoza for Weight Loss Review Summary 

Victoza is one of a number of prescribed diabetes medications that is also used to help people lose weight. It contains Liraglutide and is injected into the stomach once daily. 

There are warnings and cautions attached to using Victoza as a weight loss drug, it has been connected to some serious side effects including cancer, it is expensive and the weight lost is not permanent and some people experience weight gain once they stop using the drug. 

There are however cheap and natural alternatives to Victoza available without prescription such as PhenQ and Altai Balance. 

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.