Liraglutide (Saxenda® / Victoza®)
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication
An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The active ingredient is liraglutide, available as both brand-name Saxenda® / Victoza® and through alternative treatment pathways when clinically appropriate.
What Is Liraglutide (Saxenda® / Victoza®)?
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and was one of the first GLP-1 medications approved for chronic weight management. Saxenda® is the brand-name formulation approved for weight management, and Victoza® is the brand-name version approved for type 2 diabetes management, both manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
In the SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes clinical trial, liraglutide produced an average weight loss of approximately 8% of body weight. This is clinically meaningful, but lower than the 15% average seen with semaglutide and the 20% average seen with tirzepatide. Liraglutide also requires a daily subcutaneous injection rather than weekly, which most patients find less convenient.
At Tactus Health, our licensed providers prescribe liraglutide when it is clinically appropriate for the individual patient. In many cases, alternative liraglutide treatment pathways may offer a more cost-effective option depending on your clinical situation. Your provider will discuss available pathways during your consultation based on your clinical profile, insurance status, and goals.
For most patients starting a new GLP-1 program today, semaglutide or tirzepatide are the preferred first-line options given their superior efficacy and weekly dosing convenience. Liraglutide remains a clinically appropriate option for specific patients, particularly when dosing flexibility, tolerability, or access considerations make it the better choice.
Access to medication is only one part of treatment. Long-term success depends on consistent dosing, side effect management, and ongoing clinical adjustments based on your response.
Liraglutide predates semaglutide and tirzepatide and produces lower average weight loss (~8% vs ~15% for semaglutide and ~20% for tirzepatide). Daily dosing vs. weekly for newer agents is also a significant convenience difference.
Many patients are unsure whether brand-name Saxenda®/Victoza®, alternative liraglutide pathways, or transitioning to a newer GLP-1 like semaglutide is the right fit. Our team helps determine the best path based on your treatment history, dosing tolerance, and long-term goals.
With evolving manufacturer savings programs and alternative access pathways, GLP-1 medications like liraglutide have become more flexible to access. The right approach still depends on your clinical history, dosing preferences, and long-term treatment plan.
Dr. Ashar N.
Dr. Ashar holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and two national board certifications, one in family practice and one in psychiatric mental health.
She founded Tactus Health to close the gap she watched her own family fall through: symptoms that were real, labs that came back normal, and no one willing to connect the two.
She is responsible for the protocols our medical team follows, and for the training of the clinicians who deliver them. Holding both certifications is why those protocols treat hormones, mood, sleep and metabolism as one system rather than five separate appointments.
Liraglutide FAQ
Liraglutide was among the first GLP-1 agonists approved for weight management, but clinical trials consistently show lower average weight loss (~8%) compared to semaglutide (~15%) and tirzepatide (~20%). It also requires a daily injection versus weekly for the newer agents. For most patients starting a new GLP-1 program, semaglutide or tirzepatide are the preferred options. Our licensed providers will recommend based on your specific clinical profile.
For most patients starting fresh, semaglutide or tirzepatide are the better options. Liraglutide may be considered for patients with specific tolerability issues with the newer agents, patients who are already stable on liraglutide and do not wish to transition, or in cases where clinical or insurance factors make it the most appropriate choice. Your provider will discuss all options during your consultation.
Yes, Saxenda® (liraglutide 3.0mg) remains FDA-approved and available. Alternative liraglutide treatment pathways may also be available depending on your clinical situation. Given the superior efficacy of semaglutide and tirzepatide, most new patients prefer those options. Our medical team will help you determine which medication is right for your situation.
Liraglutide shares the same GLP-1 class contraindications as semaglutide and tirzepatide: personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), history of pancreatitis, type 1 diabetes, and pregnancy. Our licensed providers will review your full health history at your consultation to confirm eligibility.
Liraglutide (Saxenda®, Victoza®) and other GLP-1 medications may cause thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and injection-site reactions. Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and acute kidney injury have been reported. Risk of hypoglycemia when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Individual results vary. Read full liraglutide safety information → · Official Saxenda® ISI
Already using Saxenda® or Victoza®? Our providers can review your current dosing, evaluate transition options to newer GLP-1 therapies when appropriate, and help optimize your results.
Ask About Liraglutide at Your Consultation
Free consultation with our licensed providers. Your care team will review your labs, goals, and clinical history and recommend the right GLP-1 medication and formulation for your situation.
See Important Safety Information for Liraglutide