For healthcare professionals
Victoza for healthcare professionals
Clinical reference for Victoza (liraglutide) — mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, indications, contraindications, key drug interactions, NDC codes, and FDA approval history.
This page is for clinical reference. Patient-friendly version →
Mechanism of action
Pharmacology class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% homology to native human GLP-1 plus an albumin-binding fatty-acid side-chain that extends plasma half-life to ~13 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life
- ~13 hours
- T-max
- 8–12 hours
- Metabolism
- Proteolytic cleavage
- Excretion
- Renal and fecal (metabolites only)
- Bioavailability
- 55% (subcutaneous)
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Known hypersensitivity to liraglutide
Key drug interactions
Not exhaustive. See the FDA label for the full interaction list.
| Interacting drug | Severity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | major | Hypoglycemia risk. |
| Sulfonylureas | major | Hypoglycemia risk. |
| Oral medications (general) | moderate | Delayed gastric emptying. |
NDC codes & AWP
Representative NDC codes
- 0169-4060-12 (2 pens × 3 mL)
- 0169-4060-13 (3 pens × 3 mL)
AWP per month (US, 2026 estimate)
~$850 AWP brand; ~$60–$600 with Teva 2024 generic
FDA approval history
2010
Initial FDA approval for type 2 diabetes glycemic control.
2017
Supplemental approval for cardiovascular event risk reduction in T2D adults (LEADER trial).
2019
Pediatric extension for adolescents 10+ with T2D.
2024
Teva generic liraglutide approved — first FDA-approved generic of any GLP-1 receptor agonist.
References
Sourcing Victoza for your patients
Compare US telehealth and pharmacy partners that dispense Victoza — useful when a patient asks about cash-pay options outside of their insurance formulary.
Compare GLP-1 telehealth providers
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