Victoza contains liraglutide for type 2 diabetes and is given daily from a multidose pen. Saxenda contains the same ingredient and concentration, but its doses and approved uses differ.
The approved uses and formulations described here follow US prescribing information. They may differ in other countries.
| Medicine detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient(s) | liraglutide |
| Medicine class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Forms and strengths | 6 mg/mL solution in a 3 mL multidose pen; doses of 0.6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg |
Approved uses in the United States
Victoza is approved alongside diet and exercise for glucose control in people aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. That cardiovascular indication is specific to this adult group.
Daily pen use
The 3 mL pen contains liraglutide 6 mg/mL and delivers labeled doses of 0.6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg. It is a multidose daily device. The prescribed stage and daily dose determine how long it lasts, subject to the product’s in-use instructions.
Important safety information
Victoza has a thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning based on animal findings, with human relevance unknown, and contraindications for personal or family medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2. Pancreatitis, gastrointestinal effects, dehydration-related kidney injury and gallbladder disease are additional concerns. Hypoglycemia risk increases with some accompanying diabetes medicines.
Victoza and Saxenda
Saxenda is used for weight management and has different doses from Victoza. Follow the instructions for the product named on the prescription and pen. Their shared liraglutide concentration does not make the products or their dosing instructions interchangeable.
Generic liraglutide
FDA announced the first generic referencing Victoza in December 2024. Approval does not guarantee stock at a particular pharmacy or mean that every liraglutide product has the same approved uses. A pharmacist can check whether a proposed generic matches the prescription and may be substituted under local rules.
Questions and answers
Is Victoza a weekly medicine?
No. The labeled injection regimen is daily.
Does FDA generic approval prove my pharmacy has it?
No. Approval, permitted substitution and local inventory are separate questions.
Can Saxenda instructions be used for Victoza?
No. The products share liraglutide, but their doses and approved uses differ.
Related reading
Sources
Sources checked 1 October 2026. This information does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. For complete warnings and instructions, read the product information and consult the prescribing team.
Reviewed by: Mattias Hagman, PhD
About the reviewer:
Dr Mattias Hagman (PhD, University of Sydney) has an academic background and experience working with healthcare-related content and regulated industries. He has lecturing experience at international universities, including Stockholm University and the University of Malta.
Last reviewed: October 2026