Victoza® Prefilled Pen for Type 2 Diabetes

Victoza® Prefilled Pen contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. This page explains how it works, dosing, safety, and Canadian pricing. It is supplied from Canada and ships to the US, with options that can help even without insurance.

What Victoza® Is and How It Works

Victoza® is a once-daily injectable medicine for type 2 diabetes. It helps lower A1C by enhancing glucose-dependent insulin release and reducing excess glucagon. It also slows gastric emptying, which can reduce post-meal spikes. In adults with established cardiovascular disease, Victoza is indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events when used for glycemic control.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

Victoza is not insulin. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is not approved for weight loss, though weight may decrease in some patients. Use along with diet and physical activity as advised by a clinician.

Who Victoza® Is For

Victoza is indicated for adults and certain pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate control. It can be used alone or with other diabetes medicines such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, or basal insulin. When combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin, the risk of hypoglycemia increases.

Do not use if there is a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if there is a diagnosis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Victoza should be avoided in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to liraglutide or product components. It is not recommended for patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with a clinician before starting.

To learn more about the condition it treats, explore Type 2 Diabetes. For more therapies in this class, see Non Insulin Injectable Medications.

Dosage and Usage

Standard dosing follows the approved label. Typical initiation is 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week. This starting dose helps the body adjust and may reduce stomach-related side effects. After the first week, increase to 1.2 mg once daily. If additional control is needed, increase to 1.8 mg once daily, as tolerated. The maximum recommended dose is 1.8 mg once daily.

Administer at the same time each day, with or without food. Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce skin irritation. When used with a sulfonylurea or insulin, clinicians often consider lowering the dose of the other agent to reduce hypoglycemia risk. Follow the official label and your prescriber’s guidance for combination therapy.

For a step-by-step overview, see Victoza® Dosing Guide. A brief summary is also available in Victoza® Dosing.

Strengths and Forms

Victoza is supplied as a clear, colorless solution in a prefilled, multi-dose pen.

• Concentration: 6 mg/mL liraglutide solution
• Pen volume: 3 mL per pen (18 mg total liraglutide)
• Selectable doses: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg once daily
• Pen needles are typically not included; compatible pen needles are required

Availability may vary by pharmacy and market. Packaging, needle compatibility, and included materials can differ by manufacturer lot and region.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the usual time. Avoid taking two doses in one day. If several days are missed, contact a clinician for guidance. Some patients may restart at 0.6 mg to reduce stomach-related effects after an interruption. Keep the daily schedule consistent to support steady blood sugar control.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens should be refrigerated per the label. Do not freeze. Protect from light. After the first use, a pen may be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a period specified in the official labeling. Discard the pen after that period, even if some medicine remains.

Keep the cap on when not in use. Avoid heat, sunlight, and shaking. When you travel, carry your pen and needles in a cooler bag if needed, and keep a backup pen when practical. For cross-border orders, cold-chain handling maintains proper temperature during transit.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Read the pen’s Instructions for Use before the first injection. Wash hands. Attach a new sterile needle for each dose. Prime the pen as directed. Dial the prescribed dose and confirm the dose window is set correctly. Insert into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and deliver the dose as instructed, keeping the needle in place for the recommended count.

Do not share pens or needles. Sharing can transmit infections. Remove and safely discard the needle after each use. Place used needles and empty pens in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a sturdy household container that meets local rules. Follow community or state guidance for sharps disposal.

For additional technique tips, see Use Insulin Pen.

Benefits

• Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
• Once-daily dosing at any time of day, with or without food
• May support weight reduction in some patients
• Cardiovascular risk reduction indication in adults with established CV disease
• Can be used with metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or basal insulin

Benefits depend on individual response, dose, and combination therapy. Use as part of a broader diabetes care plan.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Constipation or decreased appetite
• Dyspepsia or abdominal pain
• Headache or fatigue
• Injection site reactions

Serious or rare risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and severe allergic reactions. A warning exists for thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents. Do not use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with MEN2. Hypoglycemia can occur, especially when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Seek medical help for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, symptoms of hypoglycemia, or allergic reactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Combining Victoza with insulin or sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar. Monitor for symptoms if used together. Because liraglutide delays gastric emptying, consider the timing of oral medicines that require rapid absorption. Warfarin and other anticoagulants may require closer monitoring. Use caution with severe gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis history, gallbladder disease, or impaired renal function. Discuss all prescription and OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal products with a clinician and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Gastrointestinal effects are most common during the first weeks and often improve with time. Blood sugar may begin to improve within days to weeks, with A1C changes evident by the next testing interval. When combined with diet and consistent use, many patients see steady, durable glycemic control. If goals are not met at 1.2 mg, a step up to 1.8 mg may be considered under clinical supervision.

Compare With Alternatives

Several medicines can be considered if Victoza is not suitable or if additional control is needed. A weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 option is Mounjaro® Kwikpen, which is approved for type 2 diabetes. For an oral foundation therapy, extended-release metformin such as Glumetza may be part of a first-line plan. Your clinician will choose based on A1C targets, cardiovascular status, weight goals, and tolerability. For a deeper comparison within GLP-1 therapy, see Victoza® vs Ozempic.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful savings with US delivery from Canada. Many patients compare the Victoza prefilled pen price online to plan multi-month refills. You can request a quote, review current cost, and complete secure checkout. Savings may be available even without insurance.

To explore budget tips and timing refills, read Cost of Victoza. For label-aligned dose planning, see Victoza® Dosing Guide before placing your order.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and pack size. If a specific presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative with similar benefits. Depending on clinical goals, options may include other GLP-1 medicines or complementary therapies for Type 2 Diabetes. Availability updates occur frequently, and selection may differ by pharmacy.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults and certain pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes who need improved glycemic control and tolerate GLP-1 therapy. Avoid use with a history of MTC or MEN2, prior serious hypersensitivity to liraglutide, or severe gastrointestinal disease. Use caution when combining with insulin or a sulfonylurea due to hypoglycemia risk. Clinicians may select Victoza for patients with established cardiovascular disease who also need glycemic control.

• Consider multi-month supplies to reduce per-shipment costs
• Coordinate lab checks and prescription renewals to avoid gaps
• Set refill reminders based on daily dosing and pen capacity
• Review eligible savings and Canadian pricing during checkout

Browse more options in Non Insulin Injectable Medications to compare class alternatives.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg most appropriate for my A1C goals?
• Should other diabetes medicines be adjusted to reduce hypoglycemia risk?
• What side effects should prompt a call or an in-person visit?
• How long should we trial the current dose before reassessing?
• Do my cardiovascular risk factors support using a GLP-1 agent?
• What labs and follow-up schedule should we plan?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA Label Search
• DailyMed
• Health Canada DPD

Ready to get started? Check pricing and request US delivery from Canada with secure checkout. This information supports, but does not replace, guidance from your clinician.