What you’ll learn:
- Victoza® helps manage type 2 diabetes and may support weight loss (off-label) by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.
- Some common side effects include nausea, headaches, or irritation at the injection site, but these usually get better as your body adjusts.
- Following a gradual dose increase and making small lifestyle adjustments—like modifying meals and staying hydrated—can help minimize side effects.
You’ve probably heard about popular GLP-1 medications approved for diabetes management that can also be prescribed off-label for weight loss, like Ozempic® or Mounjaro®. Victoza® is a similar medication, but it contains liraglutide instead of semaglutide (Ozempic®) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro®).
What this means is that while these medications are related and can cause similar side effects—like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation—the experience can vary from person to person and depends on your dose. Just like with other GLP-1s, side effects often improve over time as your body adjusts, and your healthcare provider will gradually increase your dose to help minimize discomfort.
Below, we’ll walk through the most common Victoza® side effects, tips for managing them, and when to talk to your doctor. We’ll also cover key differences between Victoza® and other GLP-1s, like the need for daily injections and some pricing considerations to keep in mind before deciding on the right treatment for you.
Why Victoza® can cause side effects
Approved in 2010, Victoza® works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone your body naturally produces that helps regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. These actions make Victoza® an effective tool for managing type 2 diabetes and one that can support some weight loss. But these metabolism-changing actions are also why side effects are fairly common, especially when you first start taking it. Here’s how it works:
- Slows digestion: Victoza® slows down how quickly food moves from your stomach to your intestines—a process known as gastric emptying. This helps you feel full longer and can prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals. But when your digestion slows, it can take time for your body to adjust. During this period, you might experience nausea, bloating, constipation, or even heartburn. These side effects are most noticeable in the first few weeks or when your dose increases, which is why your healthcare provider will gradually raise your dose to give your body time to adapt.
- Reduces appetite: Victoza® also sends stronger fullness signals to your brain, which helps reduce cravings and makes it easier to avoid overeating. While this appetite reduction supports weight loss, eating less than your body is used to can sometimes cause temporary symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or nausea. A gradual dose increase allows your appetite and eating patterns to adjust slowly, which may help reduce these side effects.
- Regulates blood sugar: By improving how your body responds to insulin and lowering post-meal blood sugar spikes, Victoza® helps manage type 2 diabetes more effectively. But, if blood sugar levels drop too quickly or fall below your usual baseline—especially when combined with other diabetes medications—you might experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, or headaches. Gradually increasing your dose under your provider’s supervision can help reduce the risk of these symptoms and allow your body to adjust safely.
When are side effects most likely with Victoza®?
Most side effects from Victoza® tend to show up when you’re starting the medication or right after your dose is adjusted. The goal is to find the dose that works well for you, with the fewest side effects.
Here’s what the typical schedule looks like:
- Week 1: 0.6 mg once a day
- Week 2 and beyond: Increase to 1.2 mg once a day
- If you need more help controlling your blood sugar, your provider may bump you up to 1.8 mg
The most common side effects and symptoms seen with Victoza®
Digestive symptoms are the most commonly reported by people taking Victoza®. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are closely linked to how the medication slows digestion and changes appetite signals.
The table below shows how often GI side effects were reported in clinical trials for Victoza® and includes some tips to help manage them.
| Symptom | Victoza® (1.8 mg) | Victoza® (1.2 mg) | What can help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 20% | 18% | Choose smaller, lighter meals. Skip fried, sweet, or spicy foods to ease digestion. |
| Diarrhea | 12% | 10% | Stay well hydrated and go for gentle, low-fiber meals until symptoms ease. |
| Vomiting | 9% | 6% | Stick with small meals of bland foods and sip clear fluids like ginger tea or water throughout the day. |
| Constipation | 5% | 5% | Add fiber-rich foods slowly. Make sure you’re drinking water and staying active. |
| Dyspepsia (indigestion) | 7% | 4% | Avoid eating too close to bedtime. Eat slowly and remain upright after meals to ease discomfort. |
If any of these symptoms last longer than expected or disrupt your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider. They might recommend staying at your current dose longer or adjusting how and when you eat to ease discomfort.
Other side effects of taking Victoza®
Beyond digestion, some people experience non-gastrointestinal symptoms like headaches, infections, or general discomfort. The table below highlights common non-digestive side effects reported in clinical trials, along with practical tips for managing them.
| Symptom | Victoza® (1.8 mg) | Victoza® (1.2 mg) | What can help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | 10% | 11% | Stay hydrated throughout the day. Take regular screen breaks and rest your eyes. |
| Nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms) | 10% | 9% | Rest as needed and drink plenty of fluids. Use saline nasal sprays or lozenges to ease symptoms. Note: While some minor infections have been reported in GLP-1 receptor agonist studies, there is no strong evidence to suggest a direct cause-and-effect relationship with serious infections. In fact, some research suggests a potential protective effect against certain serious infections. |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 6% | 7% | Get enough rest. Stay hydrated and avoid close contact with others during active symptoms. |
| Back pain | 5% | 4% | Use heat therapy or light stretching. Exercises to strengthen back muscles may also help. Avoid prolonged sitting or poor posture. Note: There isn’t a direct cause-and-effect relationship established between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and back pain; it is possible that back pain reported in clinical trials was coincidental. |
Cardiovascular symptoms
In clinical trials, Victoza® has been associated with small increases in resting heart rate, typically around 2 to 3 beats per minute. While this isn’t usually a concern, some people may notice a faster or pounding heartbeat while at rest.
If this happens:
- Track your symptoms and mention them during follow-up visits.
- Let your provider know if the change feels persistent or uncomfortable.
In rare cases, your provider may recommend further evaluation or a change in treatment.
Injection site reactions
While most people tolerate Victoza® well, mild skin reactions at the injection site can happen, especially when you’re new to injectable medications.
Here’s what you might notice and how to manage it:
| Reaction | What It means | What can help |
|---|---|---|
| Redness or swelling | A small bump or patch may appear right after injecting. Usually fades within hours. | Rotate injection sites daily. Avoid using the same spot repeatedly. |
| Itching or irritation | A mild tingling or itch may occur around the injection area. | Clean skin thoroughly before injection. Let alcohol dry completely. Avoid rubbing the site. |
| Tenderness or bruising | Minor soreness or bruising can happen, especially if the same area is used too often. | Inject and apply light pressure afterward without massaging the area. |
If you notice increasing redness, warmth, pain, or signs of infection—like pus or fever—contact your healthcare provider. These may require prompt medical attention.
Over time, many people find that injecting becomes a normal part of their routine, and these reactions happen less often.
Side effects of stopping Victoza®
Victoza® is meant to be a long-term medication, but if you decide to stop taking Victoza®, it can lead to some noticeable changes, especially if you’re not working closely with your provider on a plan.
Here’s what to expect:
- Appetite and hunger may return quickly: Victoza® helps you feel full longer by slowing digestion and dialing down hunger cues. Without it, those effects wear off, and you might feel hungrier or have a harder time managing portions.
- Weight regain is possible: Some people regain weight after stopping, especially if healthy habits aren’t already in place. That’s why sticking to a routine with food and movement can really help.
- Blood sugar levels may rise: If you’re using Victoza® to manage type 2 diabetes, stopping it can lead to higher blood sugar. Your doctor may suggest another medication or adjust your treatment plan.
- Do you need to taper? Usually, no. Victoza® doesn’t require a formal taper. There is no need for tapering in most cases, unless you try to avoid rebound hunger.
- Support makes a difference: Whether you’re stopping Victoza® or transitioning to a different medication, having structure matters. Noom’s behavior-change programs can help you maintain consistency with food, movement, and habit tracking—even without medication.
Always speak with your healthcare provider before stopping Victoza®. They can guide you through a safe and manageable transition based on your goals.
Side effects in females: Are there any differences?
Victoza® doesn’t have any official side effects that differ by gender, but some females experience side effects differently due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Digestive side effects may be more intense or frequent: Some studies suggest females are more likely to experience nausea and vomiting with liraglutide and other GLP-1 medications.
- Menstrual changes are possible: Some people report irregular periods or spotting while taking Victoza®. This may happen as weight loss affects estrogen levels or hormone balance.
- Fertility may increase: In women with conditions like PCOS or irregular cycles, Victoza® (liraglutide) may help regulate hormones and improve ovulation.
If you’re planning to get pregnant, keep the following in mind:
- Victoza® should be stopped at least two months before trying to conceive.
- You can’t take it during pregnancy.
If you are taking oral birth control pills:
- Hormonal changes from weight loss may also affect how oral birth control is absorbed. Talk to your provider about using backup or non-oral methods.
Everyone’s experience is different. If you notice cycle changes or have questions about fertility or reproductive health, speak with your healthcare provider. They can guide you through the next steps based on your goals and treatment plan.
Victoza®: Safety information and warnings
While serious side effects from Victoza® use are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek medical attention:
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Pancreatitis: Watch for severe stomach pain (especially if it spreads to your back), along with nausea or vomiting.
- Gallbladder problems: Symptoms may include right-sided abdominal pain, fever, nausea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Kidney issues: Kidney issues typically arise from dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea. Signs include fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination.
- Severe allergic reactions: Seek emergency care if you experience swelling of the face, rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This is more likely if you’re also taking insulin or sulfonylureas. Watch for shakiness, confusion, sweating, or fainting.
- Thyroid tumors: Victoza® also includes an FDA boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This risk is based on animal studies, and it’s still unclear whether it applies to humans. Signs include a lump in your neck, persistent hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
Who shouldn’t take Victoza®
While Victoza® can be highly effective, it may not be safe for everyone. Some health conditions may increase your risk of side effects, while others make Victoza® unsafe to use.
Don’t take Victoza® if you:
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide or any of its ingredients
Talk to your doctor if you’ve:
- Have had pancreatitis in the past
- Have severe digestive conditions, such as gastroparesis
- Are taking insulin or sulfonylureas—these may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with Victoza®
Before starting Victoza®, talk to your healthcare provider about your full medical history and current medications. They’ll help determine if it’s the right choice or recommend an alternative that fits your needs.
Comparing Victoza® to other GLP-1 medications
If you’re exploring GLP-1 medications for diabetes or weight management, it helps to compare how Victoza® stacks up against other popular options. While all GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, they differ in how often they’re taken, how well they work, and how intense the side effects may be.
| Medication | Dose (max studied) | Nausea | Vomiting | Diarrhea | Constipation | Key differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liraglutide (Victoza®) | 1.8 mg daily | 20% | 9% | 12% | 5% | Higher doses of liraglutide are linked to higher rates of nausea and diarrhea compared to lower doses. |
| Liraglutide (Victoza®) | 1.2 mg daily | 18% | 6% | 10% | 5% | Lower dose is associated with fewer side effects, compared to 1.8 mg. |
| Semaglutide(Ozempic®) | 1 mg weekly | 20% | 9% | 9% | 3% | Similar rates of nausea and vomiting to liraglutide; lower diarrhea and constipation rates. |
| Semaglutide (Rybelsus®) | 14 mg daily | 20% | 8% | 10% | 5% | Similar nausea and constipation rates to liraglutide; slightly lower vomiting and diarrhea rates. |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) | 15 mg weekly | 18% | 9% | 17% | 7% | Lower nausea, similar vomiting, but higher diarrhea and constipation rates than liraglutide. |
| Dulaglutide (Trulicity®) | 4.5 mg weekly | 16% | 9% | 11% | Not reported | Lower rates of nausea and diarrhea than liraglutide; vomiting rates are similar. |
Navigating the side effects of Victoza®
Victoza® can be a great option for managing type 2 diabetes, and for some, it may even support modest weight loss (off-label). But like all GLP-1 medications, it comes with the potential for side effects, especially when you’re just starting out or adjusting your dose. The good news is that many of these side effects, such as nausea, digestive discomfort, or appetite changes, tend to improve as your body adapts.
Taking Victoza® daily requires consistency, patience, and close communication with your healthcare provider to find the dose that works best for you with the fewest side effects. It’s also important to know how Victoza® compares to other GLP-1 options, especially if you’re considering switching medications, looking for off-label weight loss support, or weighing the pros and cons of daily versus weekly injections.
Everyone responds differently to treatment, so working closely with your doctor and monitoring how you feel is key.
Note: Victoza®, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro® are not FDA-approved for treating obesity or weight loss.
