Liraglutide
Metabolic Health · GLP-1 agonist
Also known as: Victoza ·Saxenda
Tier B
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Liraglutide as B (6.6/10) based on strong evidence, med-high benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.
Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010).
Typical use: Saxenda (obesity): 3. — Rx.
What this is
Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010). SCALE trial: ~8% weight loss. LEADER trial: 13% MACE reduction in T2D with CVD. Now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide in the obesity/weight loss space.
Mechanism
Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist; same mechanism as semaglutide; shorter half-life requires daily dosing
Dose & route
Saxenda (obesity): 3.0 mg SC daily; Victoza (T2DM): 0.6-1.8 mg SC daily
Citations
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1603827
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132939/
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02765399
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41287682/
- https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/13082975
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Liraglutide work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Liraglutide as Strong and the benefit magnitude as med-high, producing an overall grade of B (6.6/10). Earlier-generation GLP-1 (FDA approved 2010).
- Is Liraglutide safe?
- Liraglutide has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Liraglutide?
- Saxenda (obesity): 3.0 mg SC daily; Victoza (T2DM): 0.6-1.8 mg SC daily
- How does Liraglutide work?
- Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist; same mechanism as semaglutide; shorter half-life requires daily dosing
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.