Liraglutide FAQ: Victoza, Saxenda, Generics, Doses and Costs

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is injected once a day rather than taken as a pill ^{[1] [2] [5]}. It was first approved in the United States in 2010, and it comes as two different brand-name products: Victoza, which is approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes in people aged 10 years and older, and Saxenda, which is approved for weight management in adults and in patients aged 12 years and older who weigh more than 60 kg and have obesity ^{[1] [2]}. A third product, Xultophy 100/3.6, combines liraglutide with the insulin degludec ^[3].

Generic versions of both products now exist. The first generic referencing Victoza was approved on December 23, 2024, and the first generic referencing Saxenda launched on August 28, 2025 ^{[5] [6]}. The catch is that the two generics are not interchangeable: a Victoza-referenced generic is a diabetes product whose pen tops out at 1.8 mg per dose, while a Saxenda-referenced generic is a weight-management product that reaches 3 mg ^{[1] [2] [5] [6]}. With a GoodRx coupon, a 2-pen carton of the Victoza-style generic lists at $112.19 and a 5-pen carton of the Saxenda-style generic at $372.45 ^{[7] [8]}.

What is liraglutide and how is it taken?

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a subcutaneous injection once a day, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, at any time of day and with or without meals ^{[1] [2]}. Both brand labels state the initial U.S. approval year as 2010 ^{[1] [2]}.

According to the FDA, liraglutide improves blood sugar by creating effects in the body similar to those of GLP-1 in the pancreas, a hormone that is often found at insufficient levels in people with type 2 diabetes ^[5]. The drug also delays gastric emptying, which means it may affect how oral medicines are absorbed. The Saxenda label adds the instruction to use it with caution with oral medications; the Victoza label states only that delayed gastric emptying may impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications ^{[1] [2]}.

Both products come as a 6 mg/mL solution in a prefilled, single-patient-use pen. The Victoza pen delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg ^[2]. The Saxenda pen is a 3 mL pen that delivers 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg ^[1].

The Victoza label states that a pen should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed ^[2]. When Victoza is used with insulin, the label says the two must be given as separate injections and never mixed ^[2].

What are the brand names, and what is each one approved for?

There are two liraglutide brand products with approved uses on their labels, plus a combination product and a growing list of generics:

Product	Approved use	Ages	Pen doses
Victoza	Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, plus reducing risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease	10 years and older	0.6, 1.2, 1.8 mg [2]
Saxenda	Weight reduction and maintenance, with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity	12 years and older (over 60 kg) for obesity; adults with overweight plus at least one weight-related condition	0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3 mg [1] [6]

Victoza is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and separately to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease ^[2].

Saxenda is indicated, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with body weight greater than 60 kg and obesity, and in adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related comorbid condition ^{[1] [6]}. The Saxenda label also states that its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established ^[1].

A third liraglutide-containing product, Xultophy 100/3.6, is an insulin degludec and liraglutide combination injection from Novo Nordisk, listed on DailyMed under NDC codes 0169-2911-15, -90, and -97 ^[3]. On DailyMed, Saxenda is packaged by Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, LP under NDC codes 0169-2800-15, -90, and -97, and Victoza is packaged by Novo Nordisk under NDC codes 0169-4060-12, -13, -90, -97, -98, and -99 ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

Is a Victoza generic the same as a Saxenda generic?

No. Both cartons are labeled simply “liraglutide injection,” but they reference different brand products with different approved uses and different maximum doses ^{[3] [6]}.

A generic referencing Victoza is a type 2 diabetes product. Its pen delivers 0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg doses, matching the Victoza brand pen ^{[2] [5]}. A generic referencing Saxenda is a weight-management product, and its pen reaches 3 mg, matching the Saxenda brand pen ^{[1] [6]}. A Victoza-referenced product is not approved for weight loss, and the Saxenda label states its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established ^{[1] [2]}.

Because both types of carton say only “liraglutide injection,” the practical way to tell them apart is the reference product and the dose range on the packaging ^{[3] [6]}.

Which companies market generic liraglutide in the US?

DailyMed lists liraglutide labels from Biocon Pharma Inc., Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Meitheal Pharmaceuticals Inc., NorthStar Rx LLC, Cipla USA Inc., Hybio Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Pingshan Factory), Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies Private Limited, and Teva ^[3].

Teva appears on DailyMed as two separate labelers: Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NDC 0480-7250-46) and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (NDC 0480-3667-19, -20, and -22) ^[3]. A-S Medication Solutions also lists repackaged liraglutide (source NDC 0480-3667) and repackaged Saxenda ^[3].

The FDA approved the first generic referencing Victoza (liraglutide injection, 18 mg/3 mL) on December 23, 2024, and granted that approval to Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. ^[5]. The FDA also noted that it had approved the first generic in this class of medications the month before, with the approval of a generic referencing Byetta (exenatide) ^[5].

Teva announced FDA approval and the U.S. launch of a generic version of Saxenda on August 28, 2025, describing it as the first generic GLP-1 indicated for weight loss ^[6]. Teva’s announcement put Saxenda’s brand annual sales at $165 million as of June 2025 ^[6].

At the time of the December 2024 approval, the FDA stated that liraglutide injection and certain other GLP-1 medications were currently in shortage, and that the FDA prioritizes assessment of generic drug applications for drugs in shortage ^[5].

How much does generic liraglutide cost?

With a GoodRx coupon, the Victoza-referenced generic runs from about $112 to $154 per carton, and the Saxenda-referenced generic from about $372 per carton. GoodRx states its coupon prices were last updated on 09/14/26, that retail figures are averages across GoodRx users rather than pharmacy-specific prices, and that prices are subject to change without notice, with sales tax not included ^{[7] [8]}.

Product (generic)	Carton	Listed retail	GoodRx price
Liraglutide (Victoza)	2 pens of 18 mg/3 mL	$615.85	$112.19 [7]
Liraglutide (Victoza)	3 pens of 18 mg/3 mL	$924.00	$154.01 [7]
Liraglutide (Saxenda)	5 pens of 18 mg/3 mL	$717.63	$372.45 [8]

GoodRx also states that liraglutide (Victoza) is available as low as $102.40, which it describes as 77% off an average retail price of $455.02 for the most common version ^[7]. On the Victoza page, the standard coupon price shown is $217.71 against a retail figure of $305.19 for a 2-pen carton at Walgreens in ZIP 67025 ^[7]. A separate $101.90 figure at CVS/Target is a GoodRx Companion price, not the free coupon price ^[7].

Pharmacy-to-pharmacy spreads are wide. For the Victoza-referenced 2-pen carton in ZIP 67025, GoodRx lists Walmart at $206.38, Sam’s Club at $211.91, Hy-Vee at $337.20, and Costco at $497.80 ^[7]. For the Saxenda-referenced 5-pen carton in ZIP 33102, GoodRx lists Walgreens at $372.45, Capsule at $550.25, CVS/Target/Navarro at $570.06, Walmart Neighborhood Market at $732.12, Publix at $732.92, Walmart at $1,236, Sam’s Club at $1,239, and Costco at $1,241 ^[8].

GoodRx states that liraglutide (Victoza) is now available only as a generic drug ^[7].

What dose schedule do the FDA labels describe?

The following is a description of what the FDA-approved labels say, not a recommendation for any individual. Dosing decisions belong with a clinician.

For Victoza in adults, the label describes starting at 0.6 mg injected subcutaneously once daily for one week, then increasing to 1.2 mg daily; if additional glycemic control is required, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg daily after one week of treatment at the 1.2 mg daily dose ^[2]. For pediatric patients aged 10 years and older, the label describes the same starting dose of 0.6 mg for at least one week, with increases to 1.2 mg and then 1.8 mg daily if additional glycemic control is required, each after at least one week at the previous dose ^[2].

For Saxenda, the label states the recommended dose is 3 mg daily, initiated at 0.6 mg per day for one week, with the dose increased at weekly intervals until 3 mg is reached ^[1]. For pediatric patients, the label says that if an increased dose is not tolerated during escalation, the dose may be lowered to the previous level, that escalation may take up to 8 weeks, and that patients who do not tolerate 3 mg daily may have their dose reduced to 2.4 mg daily ^[1]. The Saxenda label also states that adult patients with type 2 diabetes should monitor blood glucose before starting and during treatment ^[1].

The Victoza label instructs users to inspect the solution visually before each injection and to use it only if it is clear, colorless, and contains no particles ^[2].

Can liraglutide be taken with Ozempic, Wegovy, or another GLP-1?

The labels advise against combining products. The Saxenda label states that coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended ^{[1] [6]}. The Victoza label carries a narrower limitation: coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products is not recommended, without the broader GLP-1 clause ^[2].

So the two labels differ in scope. Saxenda’s limitation covers all GLP-1 receptor agonists, which would include semaglutide products such as Ozempic and Wegovy; Victoza’s limitation as written covers only other liraglutide-containing products ^{[1] [2]}.

What is the boxed warning, and who should not take liraglutide?

Both brand labels carry a boxed warning stating that liraglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice, and that it is unknown whether the drug causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, because the human relevance of the rodent findings has not been determined ^{[1] [2]}. The generic liraglutide prescribing information carries the same boxed warning ^[5].

The labels list two contraindications: a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2); and serious hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the product’s excipients ^{[1] [2] [5]}.

What other warnings appear on the current labels?

The current labels include the following warnings and precautions:

• Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including both products, and the labels say to discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected ^{[1] [2]}.
• Acute gallbladder disease: if gallstones or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated ^{[1] [2]}.
• Hypoglycemia can occur when liraglutide is used with insulin or an insulin secretagogue such as a sulfonylurea, and a reduction in the dose of those medicines may be needed ^{[1] [2]}. The Saxenda label notes that hypoglycemia occurred in treated pediatric patients in the pediatric trial, where patients did not have type 2 diabetes ^[1]. The Victoza label states that in pediatric patients aged 10 years and older, hypoglycemia risk was higher regardless of insulin and/or metformin use ^[2].
• Heart rate increase: the Saxenda label says to monitor heart rate at regular intervals ^[1].
• Acute kidney injury due to volume depletion: monitor renal function in patients reporting reactions that could lead to volume depletion ^{[1] [2]}.
• Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions: use has been associated with gastrointestinal reactions that are sometimes severe, and the products are not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis ^{[1] [2]}.
• Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported postmarketing ^{[1] [2]}.
• Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures; the labels instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures ^{[1] [2]}.

What side effects are most common?

The Saxenda label lists the most common adverse reactions, reported in 5% or more of patients, as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reactions, headache, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, upper abdominal pain, pyrexia, and gastroenteritis ^[1].

The Victoza label lists its most common adverse reactions (incidence of 5% or greater) as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, and constipation ^{[2] [5]}. The FDA’s December 2024 announcement of the first generic listed the same set of common side effects ^[5].

The Victoza label also reports that immunogenicity-related events, including urticaria, were more common among Victoza-treated patients (0.8%) than among comparator-treated patients (0.4%) in clinical trials ^[2]. Teva’s patient information lists fever and gastroenteritis as additional common side effects in children ^[6].

To report suspected adverse reactions, the labels direct contacts to Novo Nordisk at 1-844-363-4448 for Saxenda or 1-877-484-2869 for Victoza, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 ^{[1] [2]}.

What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The Saxenda label states that the drug may cause fetal harm, and since May 2025 pregnancy has been addressed under Use in Specific Populations rather than under Contraindications ^[1]. The Victoza label states that Victoza should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus ^[2].

Teva’s patient information states that it is not known whether liraglutide passes into breast milk, and that the decision about using liraglutide injection or breastfeeding should be made with a healthcare provider ^[6].

What label changes have happened recently?

The Saxenda label on DailyMed was updated February 25, 2026, and its Recent Major Changes section lists several revisions: Indications and Usage revised 05/2025; Dosage and Administration, Patient Selection removed 05/2025; Contraindications, Pregnancy removed 05/2025; Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions added or revised 10/2025; and Suicidal Behavior and Ideation removed 02/2026 ^[1].

The Victoza label was revised 10/2025, with Indications and Usage revised 05/2025 and the Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation section added 11/2024 ^[2].

Who is the drug for, and what should be discussed with a prescriber?

The FDA, citing CDC figures, notes that more than 38 million Americans have diabetes and that 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes ^[5].

Teva’s patient information lists the medical history items to raise with a healthcare provider before starting: pancreas problems, severe stomach problems such as gastroparesis or problems digesting food, scheduled surgery or procedures involving anesthesia or deep sedation, depression or suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, and breastfeeding plans ^[6]. It also says to tell the provider about all medicines taken, especially diabetes medicines such as insulin and sulfonylureas ^[6].

One practical point applies to any liraglutide prescription: confirm whether it is the Victoza-referenced product, whose pen tops out at 1.8 mg and which is approved for type 2 diabetes, or the Saxenda-referenced product, which reaches 3 mg and is approved for weight management ^{[1] [2] [5] [6]}.

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