Peptide Profile
Liraglutide
FDA-approved once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist (Victoza/Saxenda) that reduces HbA1c by 0.9–1.6%, promotes 5–10% body weight loss, and demonstrated a 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in the landmark LEADER trial of 9,340 patients
Dose Range
0.6-3.0mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C172H265N43O51
Molecular Formula
3,751 Da
Molecular Weight
~13 hours (enabling once-daily dosing); Tmax 8–12 hours; steady state in 3–5 days
Half-Life
~55% after subcutaneous injection; >98% plasma protein binding to albumin via C16 fatty acid moiety
Bioavailability
204656-20-2
CAS #
16134956
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1997 (entered clinical development); FDA approved 2010 (Victoza), 2014 (Saxenda)
Novo Nordisk Research Team
Novo Nordisk A/S
Primary Benefits
Liraglutide is one of the first FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, promoting 5–10% body weight loss at the 3.0 mg dose through central appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying — with 61.5% of patients achieving clinically meaningful ≥5% weight loss in the SCALE program
Provides comprehensive metabolic improvement including HbA1c reduction of 0.9–1.6%, glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, improved lipid profiles, and modest blood pressure reduction — addressing multiple cardiovascular risk factors simultaneously
Demonstrated landmark cardiovascular protection in the LEADER trial — 13% MACE reduction, 22% CV mortality reduction, 11% MI reduction, and 12% stroke reduction over 3.5–5 years of follow-up in 9,340 high-risk type 2 diabetes patients
Amino Acid Sequence
H-Ala-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Val-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gln-Ala-Ala-Lys-Glu-Phe-Ile-Ala-Trp-Leu-Val-Arg-Gly-Arg-Gly-C16 palmitateDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
0.6 mg subcutaneous once daily
Begin at 0.6 mg daily for the first week to assess gastrointestinal tolerability before dose escalation. This starting dose is sub-therapeutic for both diabetes and obesity indications. Inject in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day regardless of meals. Rotate injection sites. GI side effects (nausea) are most common during the initial titration period.
Standard Dose
1.2–1.8 mg subcutaneous once daily
Standard therapeutic dose range for type 2 diabetes (Victoza). Escalate from 0.6 mg to 1.2 mg at week 2 and optionally to 1.8 mg at week 3 for additional glycemic benefit. Maximum diabetes dose is 1.8 mg/day. No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment. If combining with sulfonylureas, reduce sulfonylurea dose by 50% to minimize hypoglycemia. Store in-use pen at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 30 days.
Advanced Dose
3.0 mg subcutaneous once daily
Obesity dose (Saxenda) reached through weekly 0.6 mg increments: 0.6→1.2→1.8→2.4→3.0 mg over 5 weeks. Evaluate response at 16 weeks — if <4% body weight loss, consider discontinuation as unlikely to achieve meaningful benefit. Must be combined with reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Approved for BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities. Do not use simultaneously with Victoza or any other GLP-1 RA.
Timing
Best time to take
Administer Liraglutide at the same time each day (or on the same day each week for weekly injections). Many users prefer morning or evening administration. Pick a time you'll remember consistently.
With food?
Liraglutide injections can be given regardless of meal timing. However, if GI effects occur, administering on an empty stomach or with a light meal may help reduce discomfort.
If stacking
Liraglutide should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Type 2 diabetes patients with HbA1c >7% requiring both glycemic control and weight management
Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on type 2 diabetes patients with hba1c >7% requiring both glycemic control and weight management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Obese individuals (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities seeking FDA-approved pharmacotherapy
Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on obese individuals (bmi ≥30) or overweight (bmi ≥27) with weight-related comorbidities seeking fda-approved pharmacotherapy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk seeking cardioprotective diabetes therapy
Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk seeking cardioprotective diabetes therapy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Patients on metformin requiring add-on therapy with favorable weight and cardiovascular profile
Liraglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients on metformin requiring add-on therapy with favorable weight and cardiovascular profile. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — black box warning based on rodent thyroid C-cell tumor findings
- ×Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- ×Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients
- ×Pregnancy (Saxenda indication) — contraindicated; effective contraception required
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Liraglutide use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Liraglutide vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
- •Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) is FDA-approved with extensive safety data from 15+ years of clinical use in diabetes (GLP-1 agonist) and obesity indications. Gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) occur in 30-40% of patients during dose escalation but diminish significantly after 2-3 weeks of stable dosing. Black box warnings include risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma and pancreatitis, though absolute incidence remains rare. Injection site reactions are minimal. The compound shows no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or major drug interactions at approved doses.
Liraglutide safety derives from LEAD Phase 3 diabetes trials (2008-2009) enrolling thousands of patients, SCALE obesity trials (2013-2014), and decades of post-marketing surveillance. Published in New England Journal of Medicine and Diabetes Care, these studies establish favorable cardiovascular outcomes and weight reduction with well-characterized adverse event profiles. Regulatory oversight by FDA and EMA continues monitoring thyroid-related safety signals.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Nausea
Most frequent adverse effect (20–40% incidence), typically dose-dependent and most pronounced during the first weeks of therapy and dose escalation. Generally mild to moderate and transient.
Management: Gradual dose titration per prescribing schedule. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid high-fat or very large meals. Most patients develop tolerance within 4–8 weeks.
Diarrhea
Occurs in 15–20% of patients, usually mild to moderate in severity. Related to GLP-1 receptor-mediated effects on gastrointestinal motility.
Management: Stay well hydrated. Dietary adjustments (BRAT diet if needed). Usually self-limiting within the first few weeks of therapy.
Vomiting
Reported in 9–15% of patients, typically during dose escalation. Dose-dependent and generally decreases with continued therapy.
Management: Slow dose titration. Temporarily hold at current dose if vomiting is persistent. Anti-emetics may be used short-term if needed.
Decreased appetite and headache
Reduced appetite (therapeutic effect for weight management) and headache (5–10%) are common during initiation. Constipation (10–15%) may also occur.
Management: Appetite reduction is expected and therapeutic. Headache typically resolves with hydration and time. Constipation managed with adequate fiber and fluid intake.
Less Common
- •Injection site reactions
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Liraglutide
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Liraglutide should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Other GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide) — redundant mechanism with increased adverse effects and no additional benefit - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, saxagliptin) — overlapping incretin pathway mechanism; inferior to liraglutide monotherapy in head-to-head trials - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Sulfonylureas at full dose — increased hypoglycemia risk requires 50% sulfonylurea dose reduction when adding liraglutide - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Liraglutide. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Weeks 1-4 (dose titration phase)
What you might notice
- •Reduced appetite and early feelings of fullness during meals
- •Nausea that typically peaks during the first 1–2 weeks and gradually improves
- •Beginning of weight loss (1–2 kg) even during dose titration
- •Modest initial improvements in fasting blood glucose
What's normal
- •GI side effects (nausea, occasional vomiting, diarrhea) are most common during this phase and expected
- •Weight loss at this stage is primarily from reduced caloric intake due to appetite suppression
- •Blood glucose improvements begin but full glycemic effect requires higher maintenance doses
- •The 5-week titration schedule (Saxenda) or 3-week schedule (Victoza) minimizes GI side effects
What's next
- →Continue dose escalation per prescribing schedule if tolerating current dose
- →GI side effects should improve as the body adjusts to GLP-1 receptor activation
- →Full therapeutic effect will develop over the next several weeks at maintenance dose
Weeks 4-16 (early maintenance phase)
What you might notice
- •Steady progressive weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week
- •Significant improvements in HbA1c (typically 0.5–1.0% reduction by week 12)
- •GI side effects largely resolved or markedly improved
- •Increased satiety between meals and reduced food cravings
What's normal
- •Weight loss should be progressing steadily toward the 5–10% target
- •For Saxenda: evaluate response at 16 weeks — if <4% body weight loss, discuss continuation
- •Blood glucose control improves progressively as maintenance dose is established
- •Cardiovascular benefits are building but require long-term therapy for full effect
What's next
- →If weight loss and/or glycemic goals are being met, continue maintenance therapy long-term
- →Reinforce lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) that enhance liraglutide efficacy
- →Monitor renal function and lipids as secondary cardiometabolic parameters improve
Months 4-12+ (long-term maintenance)
What you might notice
- •Weight loss plateau at approximately 5–10% of initial body weight (individual results vary)
- •Sustained HbA1c reduction of 0.9–1.6% from baseline
- •Improved blood pressure and lipid parameters
- •Maintained appetite control and metabolic improvements
What's normal
- •Weight loss rate naturally slows after the initial 4–6 months — this is metabolic adaptation, not treatment failure
- •Long-term LEADER data shows sustained cardiovascular benefits with continued use over 3.5–5 years
- •Some weight regain may occur if therapy is discontinued (typically within months)
- •Regular monitoring of HbA1c, renal function, and lipids recommended
What's next
- →Continue therapy long-term for sustained cardiometabolic benefits
- →Annual assessment of ongoing benefit and tolerability
- →Cardiovascular protection continues to accrue with longer duration of therapy
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Liraglutide over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Temporal and subgroup disparities in mediation effects on cardiovascular outcomes with liraglutide and semaglutide: a post-hoc analysis of LEADER and SUSTAIN-6 trials"
Peng ZY, Lee YH, Ou HT, 2025
Finding: Liraglutide's heart benefits work through multiple pathways: HbA1c reduction (38%), improved kidney function (18%), and blood pressure lowering (7%) in diverse patient groups.
View Study"Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists: Exploring Their Impact on Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Health Through a Comprehensive Literature Review"
Hamed K, Alosaimi MN, Ali BA, 2024
Finding: Research (2024) on liraglutide contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Comparison of the efficacy and safety of 10 glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as add-on to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review"
Xie Z, Hu J, Gu H, 2023
Finding: Research (2023) demonstrates liraglutide's efficacy in clinical treatment and therapeutic applications.
View Study"Combination Therapy With Canagliflozin Plus Liraglutide Exerts Additive Effect on Weight Loss, but Not on HbA1c, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes"
Ali AM, Martinez R, Al-Jobori H, 2020
Finding: Clinical evidence (2020) supports the therapeutic use of liraglutide in medical treatment protocols.
View Study"Liraglutide: once-daily GLP-1 agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes"
Ryan GJ, Hardy Y, 2011
Finding: Clinical evidence (2011) supports the therapeutic use of liraglutide in medical treatment protocols.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions