What is Saxenda?
It is an injectable prescription drug that is used to help manage weight. By managing your weight, blood sugar and insulin levels may also improve. Saxenda can also be prescribed together with a low calorie diet and increased exercise program in people with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. Usually, your body produces GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1 naturally. This medication mimics the work of GLP-1 in the body, which is believed to control your appetite. Thus, the drug may help your reduce your intake of calories. However, it is important to note that Saxenda should not be prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes or used in combination with Victoza.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is an injectable prescription drug that is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders, lose weight, and treat type 2 diabetic patients. It is usually prescribed together with exercise and diet to control the levels of blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients. This medication is not for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. The drug is supposed to be administered once every day, either with food or without. Even though Victoza can be taken at any time during the day, it is important you administer it at the same time daily. This will help you remember your dose.
Similarities and differences between Victoza vs. Saxenda
Similarities
Saxenda and Victoza are both brand names for liraglutide that is produced by a company called Novo Nordisk. Both medications come in injectable solution form that is prescribed by a health-care provider. They are both supposed to be administered subcutaneously using an injection pen. Another similarity is that both drugs belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. This class of drugs works by mimicking incretin function in the body. Incretin works by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar levels rises. GLP-1 agonists also work by reducing glucose absorption into the stomach. This makes you feel full after eating.
Differences
Saxenda vs Victoza. Even though Victoza and Saxenda are both belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, there are striking differences between the 2 prescription drugs. Hence, they cannot be used together or interchangeably. Saxenda is usually used in patients to help control blood sugar and insulin levels and manage digestion—although it is not considered a weight loss medication or as a diabetic treatment. On the other hand, Victoza can be used in type 2 diabetic patients to help them lose weight and control their levels of blood sugar. While Victoza is available in 1.2mg and 1.8mg doses, Saxenda comes in as a 3mg dose.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
