Liraglutide
Also known as Victoza, Saxenda
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist derived from the native human GLP-1 hormone, modified for a much longer duration of action. It is marketed under different brand names and doses for two indications: type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management. As a prescription injectable, it improves glycemic control and has also demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It requires gradual dose titration to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Reported benefits
- Improves glycemic control (HbA1c reduction) in type 2 diabetes
- Promotes clinically meaningful weight loss at higher, weight-management-labeled doses
- Demonstrated reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk type 2 diabetes patients
- Once-daily dosing schedule
How it works
Liraglutide binds and activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion while suppressing inappropriate glucagon release. It slows gastric emptying and acts on hypothalamic appetite centers to increase satiety and reduce food intake. Structural modifications, including fatty acid acylation, allow it to bind albumin and resist enzymatic degradation, extending its half-life to about 13 hours and enabling once-daily dosing.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.6 mg | once daily (starting dose) |
| Moderate | 1.8 mg | once daily (typical diabetes maintenance dose) |
| High | 3 mg | once daily (maximum weight-management dose) |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for Liraglutide, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for Liraglutide. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
36units
= 0.36 mL for a 1.8 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
5
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Not recommended in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists; commonly combined with metformin, basal insulin, or other oral antidiabetic agents under medical supervision.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is Liraglutide used for?
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist derived from the native human GLP-1 hormone, modified for a much longer duration of action. It is marketed under different brand names and doses for two indications: type 2 diabetes management and chronic weight management. As a prescription injectable, it improves glycemic control and has also demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in people with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It requires gradual dose titration to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Reported benefits include improves glycemic control (hba1c reduction) in type 2 diabetes, promotes clinically meaningful weight loss at higher, weight-management-labeled doses, demonstrated reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk type 2 diabetes patients.
What is a typical Liraglutide dose?
Reported ranges run 0.6-3 mg. A low protocol is 0.6 mg once daily (starting dose), and a high protocol is 3 mg once daily (maximum weight-management dose). This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of Liraglutide?
Approximately 13 hours. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is daily · same time, any time.
How is Liraglutide administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day, independent of meals.
How long is a Liraglutide cycle?
Continuous once-daily use with gradual up-titration over several weeks on, followed by Weight-management use is reassessed at defined milestones (e.g., discontinued if less than 4% weight loss at 16 weeks); diabetes use is typically long-term off.
What are the side effects of Liraglutide?
Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially during dose titration, risk of gallbladder disease (gallstones, cholecystitis), boxed warning for thyroid c-cell tumors observed in rodent studies, risk of pancreatitis, injection site reactions. Evidence level for this compound is well studied.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. Liraglutide may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →