When is the best time of day to take Victoza?

Key Points

• Victoza (generic name: liraglutide) can be injected any time of the day, with or without food. However, it’s best to get into a regular routine so you don’t forget to use your medicine.
• You don’t have to adjust your Victoza dose based on meal times, what kind of food you eat, or your level of exercise.
• If you miss a dose of Victoza, inject the missed dose at the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses of Victoza at the same time.

Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar (glucose) in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Victoza is also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with known heart disease.

Victoza is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, also called an incretin mimetic. It works in several ways to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.

• Victoza binds to GLP-1 receptors and stimulates insulin release based on your blood sugar (glucose) levels to help control high blood glucose.
• Victoza suppresses your appetite and inhibits glucagon secretion from your liver. Glucagon normally causes release of glucose into the blood.
• It also slows down gastric emptying and as a result prevents a steep rise in your blood sugar levels.

Can I take Victoza at night?

Yes, you can use Victoza at any time of the day or night. However, it may be best to use it at the same time of the day, once every day, so that you get into a routine. This may make it less likely for you to forget your medicine.

Victoza is a long-term medication that you’ll continue using if you tolerate it well and it is effective for you.

Does Victoza come in a pen?

Yes, the Victoza pen contains a liquid medication that is given by self-injection using the pen and a special, thin needle. Each pen, a small device that is used to hold medicine and deliver an injection, contains a total of 18 mg of medicine. The pen can deliver different doses based on how you set it: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg per dose. Your doctor will tell you which doses to use.

Victoza comes in packages that contain 2 or 3 pens per carton. You’ll need to buy needles separately for the pen. You can view images of the Victoza pen here.

There are currently no generic alternatives to Victoza.

You can use your Victoza pen for up to 30 days after you use it the first time. Store the pen in the refrigerator at 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC) until you use it for the first time, then you can store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for up to 30 days.

Learn more: How to Inject Victoza

If you have additional questions about your Victoza pen, call your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. You may also contact a Novo Nordisk Certified Diabetes Educator at 1-877-905-1126, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm ET.

These instructions do not take the place of talking with your health care provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

Related questions

• How and where do you inject liraglutide?
• Can liraglutide be used for weight loss?
• What is the difference between Soliqua and Xultophy?

Bottom Line

• Victoza (liraglutide) injection can be given any time of the day or night.
• It's best to get into a daily routine and use your Victoza at the same time each day. You are less likely to forget it this way.
• Victoza can be taken with or without food without regards to mealtime. What kind of food you eat or your level of exercise will not affect your dose.

This is not all the information you need to know about Victoza for safe and effective use. Review the full Victoza information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.