Benefits
- Modest but consistent weight loss of 5-8% body weight (SCALE program)strong
- Effective glycemic control with HbA1c reductions of 1.0-1.5% in type 2 diabetesstrong
- 13% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (LEADER trial — first GLP-1 RA with CV benefit)strong
- Over 15 years of post-marketing safety data — longest track record of any GLP-1 RAstrong
- Approved for weight management in adolescents aged 12-17 (Saxenda)moderate
Dosage Protocols
| Route | Dosage Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection (Victoza — T2D) | 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 1.8 mg | Once daily | Start at 0.6 mg daily for one week (initiation dose), then increase to 1.2 mg. May increase to 1.8 mg for additional glycemic control. Inject at any time of day, with or without meals. |
| Subcutaneous injection (Saxenda — weight management) | 0.6 mg → 1.2 mg → 1.8 mg → 2.4 mg → 3.0 mg | Once daily | Escalate by 0.6 mg each week over 5 weeks to the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. Discontinue if <4% weight loss after 16 weeks at full dose. Approved for adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity. |
| Subcutaneous injection (pediatric — Saxenda) | 0.6 mg → 3.0 mg | Once daily | FDA approved for adolescents aged 12-17 with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile). Same escalation schedule as adults. |
Medical disclaimer
Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Side Effects
- Nausea, particularly in the first 4-6 weeks of treatmentcommon
- Diarrheacommon
- Constipationcommon
- Injection site reactions (erythema, pain)common
- Pancreatitis (acute pancreatic inflammation)serious
- Thyroid C-cell tumors in rodent studies — boxed warning, contraindicated in MEN 2 or personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinomaserious
- Headache and dizzinessrare
Explore Next
Explore next
Use cases
Tools
- Reconstitution CalculatorCalculate exactly how many units to draw on your syringe. Enter your vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and desired dose.
- Dosage CalculatorFind evidence-based dosing ranges for any peptide. Adjust for body weight, experience level, and administration route.
- Cost CalculatorEstimate peptide costs per dose, per week, per month, and per year. Enter your vial price and dosing schedule to plan your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Saxenda compare to Wegovy for weight loss?
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) produces significantly greater weight loss than Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg daily) — approximately 15-17% vs 5-8% body weight in clinical trials. The STEP 8 trial directly compared them, showing semaglutide's clear superiority. However, Saxenda has a longer safety track record, is approved for adolescents, and may be preferred in certain clinical situations. Your healthcare provider can determine which medication is most appropriate for your individual needs.
Why does liraglutide require daily injections when semaglutide is weekly?
Liraglutide has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, meaning it is cleared from the body within about 2-3 days. Semaglutide was engineered with a longer fatty acid chain and additional modifications that increase albumin binding and DPP-4 resistance, extending its half-life to about 7 days. This structural difference is the sole reason semaglutide can be dosed weekly while liraglutide requires daily administration.
How much does Saxenda cost and is it covered by insurance?
Saxenda's list price is approximately $1,300-$1,500 per month without insurance. Some commercial insurance plans cover it with prior authorization, particularly for patients meeting BMI criteria. Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that may reduce costs for eligible commercially insured patients. Medicare Part D does not cover anti-obesity medications. Generic liraglutide is not yet available. Discuss cost and coverage options with your prescriber and pharmacist.
Is liraglutide safe for long-term use?
Liraglutide has the longest real-world safety track record of any GLP-1 receptor agonist, with over 15 years of post-marketing data. The LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular safety and benefit over 3.8 years. Long-term use is generally well-tolerated, though ongoing monitoring for pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid concerns is recommended. The decision to continue long-term should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider based on ongoing benefit assessment.
Can liraglutide be used together with metformin or insulin?
Yes. Victoza (liraglutide for T2D) is commonly prescribed alongside metformin and/or basal insulin. When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, insulin doses may need to be reduced to minimize hypoglycemia risk. Saxenda (liraglutide for weight loss) has not been studied in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and should not be combined with Victoza or any other GLP-1 RA. Always follow your prescriber's guidance on medication combinations.
References
- 1A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes)(2015)PubMed ↗
- 2
- 3Effect of liraglutide 3.0 mg in individuals with obesity and moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (SCALE Sleep Apnea)(2016)PubMed ↗
- 4Liraglutide safety and efficacy in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (LEAN trial)(2016)PubMed ↗
Last updated: 2026-02-14