Liraglutide
Also known as: GLP‑1 analog, liraglutide, NN2211, NN9535, Saxenda, Victoza
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Summary
Liraglutide is a 31‑amino‑acid peptide analogue of human GLP‑1, administered subcutaneously once daily for type 2 diabetes (brand Victoza) and chronic weight management (brand Saxenda). It improves glycaemic control, promotes weight loss, and reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in high‑risk patients.
Mechanism of Action
Activates the glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor, enhancing glucose‑dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)HepaticModerate
- Blood pressure reductionCardiovascularModerate
- Cardiovascular risk reductionCardiovascularHigh
- Appetite suppressionMetabolicHigh
- Weight loss / obesity managementMetabolicHigh
- Weight reductionMetabolicHigh
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetesMetabolicHigh
- Glycaemic controlDiabetesHigh
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinomaOncologicHigh
- Severe renal impairment / end-stage renal diseaseRenalModerate
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2OncologyHigh
- Medullary thyroid carcinomaOncologyHigh
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)Genetic/EndocrineHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipientsImmunologicModerate
- History of pancreatitisGastrointestinalModerate
- Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipientsImmunologicHigh
Adverse Effects
- PancreatitisGastrointestinalRareInflammation of the pancreas
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- ConstipationGastrointestinalCommonReduced bowel frequency or difficulty passing stool
- Thyroid C-cell tumorsOncologicUnknown
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- VomitingGastrointestinalCommonForceful expulsion of stomach contents
- Acute pancreatitisGastrointestinalRare
- Hypoglycaemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)MetabolicUncommon
- DiarrhoeaGastrointestinalCommon
- DiarrheaGastrointestinalCommonLoose or frequent stools
Drug Interactions
- InsulinModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
- Insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas)Moderate
- WarfarinLow
- Oral medications with narrow therapeutic indexLow
- Other GLP‑1 receptor agonistsHigh
- SulfonylureasModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- LactationReproductiveRelative
- Severe gastroparesisGastrointestinalRelative
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)RenalRelative
- Pediatric patients under 12 yearsAgeAbsolute
- Children <18 yrAgeAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesityMarketing authorisation granted 2010 (diabetes) and 2015 (obesity)
- United StatesApprovedApproved: type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic weight managementVictoza (diabetes) approved 2010; Saxenda (obesity) approved 2014
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesitySame as EU; NHS reimbursement for both indications
FDA approved Victoza (liraglutide 1.8 mg) for T2DM in 2010 and Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) for chronic weight management in 2014. EMA approvals followed. Carries a boxed warning regarding risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a 31‑amino‑acid peptide analogue of human GLP‑1, administered subcutaneously once daily for type 2 diabetes (brand Victoza) and chronic weight management (brand Saxenda). It improves glycaemic control, promotes weight loss, and reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in high‑risk patients.
What is Liraglutide used for?
Liraglutide is educationally associated with: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Blood pressure reduction, Cardiovascular risk reduction, Appetite suppression, Weight loss / obesity management, Weight reduction, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Glycaemic control. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Liraglutide administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Liraglutide?
Reported adverse effects include: Pancreatitis, Injection site reactions, Constipation, Thyroid C-cell tumors, Nausea, Vomiting, Acute pancreatitis, Hypoglycaemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas), Diarrhoea, Diarrhea. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Liraglutide?
Recorded contraindications: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Severe renal impairment / end-stage renal disease, Pregnancy, Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, Medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipients, History of pancreatitis, Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipients. Consult a qualified clinician before use.