Victoza® Prefilled Pen for Type 2 Diabetes

What Victoza® Is and How It Works

The Victoza Prefilled Pen contains liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar by increasing glucose-dependent insulin release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Many people also look for options such as a Victoza pen without insurance to manage ongoing therapy costs. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Victoza is a once-daily, subcutaneous injection used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control. It can be used alone or with other diabetes drugs. In adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, liraglutide also reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The pen delivers fixed doses after dialing, and does not require mixing.

Each Victoza prefilled pen is a 6 mg/mL, 3 mL device (total 18 mg per pen). Typical maintenance doses are 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg once daily. The medication is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Administration time can be any time of day, independent of meals, but consistency helps with routines and adherence. For a step-by-step overview, see the internal guide on Victoza Dosing.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: 0.6 mg once daily for at least 1 week to reduce stomach-related side effects.
• Titration: Increase to 1.2 mg once daily. If more glycemic control is needed, increase to 1.8 mg after at least another week.
• Maximum: 1.8 mg once daily.
• Missed dose: If the next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, administer the missed dose. If less than 12 hours remain, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.
• Injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce irritation.
• With meals: May be taken without regard to meals; choose a consistent time each day.
• Pen prep: Always attach a new disposable needle. Perform a flow check (air shot) before first use of a new pen, following the device instructions.
• Dialing dose: Turn the selector to the prescribed dose (0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg). Confirm the dose window before injecting.
• Injection: Insert the needle under the skin, press and hold the button until the counter returns to 0, then count slowly before removing the needle.
• Do not share: Never share pens or needles to prevent infection.

• Unopened pens: Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• In-use pens: Store refrigerated or at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F). Discard 30 days after first use.
• Needle care: Remove and safely discard the needle after each injection. Recap the pen to protect from light.
• Travel: Carry pens in an insulated case with cold packs. Do not place pens directly on ice. Keep with you during flights; avoid checked luggage.
• Heat/cold: Avoid temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or below 2°C (36°F). Do not use if frozen or exposed to extreme heat.
• Storage tips: Keep spare needles sealed and dry. Save the original box for lot and expiry details.

Benefits and Savings

Victoza helps reduce fasting and post-meal glucose and lowers A1C by about 1% to 1.5% in many clinical studies. It is taken once daily and fits into varied meal schedules. Many patients also see modest weight loss over time, which can support long-term metabolic goals.

The multi-dose pen is simple to dial and inject. No vials or reconstitution are needed. Victoza can be combined with common oral agents, and with careful adjustments it can be used alongside basal insulin. The 6 mg/mL, 3 mL pen format supports stable, daily dosing.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. This can help when purchasing a Victoza pen without insurance or when paying cash.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Victoza pen coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Very common: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite.
• Common: Constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain, reflux, gas, headache, dizziness, fatigue.
• Injection site reactions: Redness, itching, or small lumps at the site.
• Metabolic: Low blood sugar may occur when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Serious risks are uncommon but include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems related to dehydration, and allergic reactions. Liraglutide carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Avoid use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a healthcare professional.

Onset Time

Blood sugar improvements can begin within the first one to two weeks, especially after reaching the 1.2 mg dose. A1C changes typically appear over 4 to 8 weeks and continue as dosing stabilizes. Weight effects are gradual, often emerging over several weeks and building across 3 to 6 months with sustained therapy and lifestyle support.

Compare With Alternatives

Once-weekly GLP-1 options such as Trulicity® (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide; a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist) offer less frequent dosing and robust A1C and weight effects. These can be considered for patients who prefer a weekly schedule or need additional efficacy.

Rybelsus® is oral semaglutide taken once daily before food. It avoids injections but has specific fasting instructions that require planning. For those who prefer pills, see Rybelsus for details on strengths and use. Wegovy® is semaglutide approved for chronic weight management; it is not a diabetes treatment and follows a different dosing schedule and indication.

When selecting among GLP-1 therapies, consider dose cadence, titration flexibility, tolerability, cardiovascular data, and insurance or out-of-pocket costs. Discuss options with a clinician to align the choice with glycemic targets and personal preferences.

Combination Therapy

• Metformin: Common first-line partner; complementary mechanisms.
• SGLT2 inhibitor: Adds renal and cardiovascular benefits; watch for dehydration, especially with GI side effects.
• Basal insulin: Consider reducing insulin dose during titration to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
• Sulfonylurea: Dose reduction may be needed to limit hypoglycemia.
• DPP-4 inhibitor: Generally not combined long term with a GLP-1 due to overlapping incretin pathways.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Victoza is for adults with type 2 diabetes who need better glycemic control despite diet and exercise. It may be appropriate for those with established cardiovascular disease who could benefit from liraglutide’s cardiovascular risk reduction. Pediatric use is approved in some regions starting at 10 years old; follow local labeling and specialist guidance.

Do not use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Avoid in patients with MTC or MEN 2. Use caution with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or severe dehydration. Monitor kidney function if significant gastrointestinal events occur. Review all medicines for hypoglycemia risk when adding or increasing liraglutide.

Cost-saving ideas include selecting multi-month quantities when appropriate, aligning refills with clinic follow-ups, and planning reorders ahead of travel. Compare available strengths to match the prescribed daily dose and reduce waste. CanadianInsulin works with licensed and vetted partner pharmacies to provide authentic brand medications, a broad selection, and value-focused pricing with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

Authoritative Sources

Victoza Prescribing Information (FDA)

Health Canada Product Monograph for Liraglutide (Victoza)

Novo Nordisk Victoza Patient Information

Order Victoza® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult a qualified professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.