If you’re looking to lose weight then medication like liraglutide injections can help you to do so more effectively – and more quickly – than just dieting and making lifestyle changes.
In this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know about liraglutide injections, so keep reading.
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Liraglutide is another relatively new medication used for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. It’s marketed under the brand names Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for diabetes. It’s a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist, similar to semaglutide, meaning it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help regulate appetite and insulin levels.
Yes, liraglutide is licensed in the UK for both weight loss and diabetes management. Saxenda is specifically for weight loss, and Victoza is for diabetes. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to get these.
Liraglutide works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps to regulate your appetite and blood sugar levels. It slows down the emptying of your stomach, which helps you feel fuller for longer, and it also increases insulin production in response to meals, helping to control blood sugar levels. This combination leads to weight loss and better blood sugar management.
Yes, liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It specifically targets the GLP-1 receptors in your body resulting in improved blood sugar control and reduced appetite.
You will start noticing some effects within the first few weeks, particularly with appetite control and possibly some initial weight loss. However, more significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar levels typically take a couple of months. Clinical studies have shown that people can achieve substantial weight loss over about six months to a year when using liraglutide, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Yes, liraglutide is available in the UK. It’s prescribed under the brand names Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for type 2 diabetes management.
Once you have a prescription, you can get liraglutide from most pharmacies. Some online weight loss services like Medicspot offer an online service to deliver it to your home.
The cost of liraglutide can vary, but it’s usually a few hundred pounds per month.
Liraglutide, under the brand name Victoza, is available on the NHS for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, Saxenda, which is specifically for weight loss, is not widely available on the NHS. Some exceptions might be made for certain patients under specialist care, but it’s generally not covered for weight loss. Your doctor can provide more details and discuss whether there are any other NHS-covered options that might be suitable for you.
Both liraglutide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they mimic the GLP-1 hormone to help control appetite and blood sugar levels. The main difference is in their formulation and dosing. Liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for diabetes, is taken once daily. Semaglutide, on the other hand, is available as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, and is taken once a week. This difference in dosing frequency can be a significant factor for some people when choosing between the two.
On average, people taking liraglutide for weight loss can lose about 5-10% of their body weight over a period of six months. Individual results can vary, and combining medication with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can enhance the results. If you’re keen to lose more weight then Mounjaro might be a better option.
Yes, you can switch from semaglutide to liraglutide, but it should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider. They’ll monitor your response to the new medication and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure it’s effective and safe for you.
No, as they both target the same GLP-1 receptor, combining them will increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits. It’s best to stick with one medication at a time and work closely with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for you.
It really depends on the individual. Clinical studies suggest that semaglutide may lead to greater weight loss compared to liraglutide. Semaglutide’s once-weekly dosing can be more convenient for some people compared to the daily dosing of liraglutide. Some people may prefer injections over tablets, or vice versa.
Both medications are effective, and some people might respond better to one over the other. It’s important to discuss with your doctor which one might be the best fit for you based on your preferences, medical history, and lifestyle.
Yes, you should keep liraglutide in the fridge before it’s first used. Store it at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Once you’ve started using the pen, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days, but it should not be exposed to temperatures above 30°C. Always avoid freezing it, as that can damage the medication.
Liraglutide is administered as an injection. It comes in a pre-filled pen that you use to inject the medication just under your skin, not deep enough to enter the muscle, and typically once daily. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to use it properly the first time. You’ll need to follow the instructions on the pen and make sure you’re using a new needle each time.
The most common places to inject liraglutide are your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients often rotate the injection site each week to avoid irritating the skin. So, one week you might use your abdomen, the next week your thigh, and so on. Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to inject liraglutide safely and effectively. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous about the injections at first, but most people get the hang of it quickly. If you have any concerns or need a refresher on how to use the pen, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Medicspot team.
Liraglutide is considered safe for most people when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like all medications, there may be side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headaches. More serious side effects are rare but can include gastroparesis (where food doesn’t pass through the stomach properly), intestinal blockage (where the tubes of your digestive tract get blocked, which can lead to damage to the bowel wall) pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas) or gallbladder disease. Individual risk of side effects are considered as part of our clinical assessment.
Liraglutide on its own doesn’t typically cause hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar. However, if you’re taking it in combination with other diabetes medications, especially insulin or glucose-lowering medication, the risk of hypoglycaemia can increase. Your doctor will help manage your medications to minimise this risk.
There’s no concrete evidence that liraglutide causes cancer. Some studies have looked into a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and certain types of cancer, but the data isn’t conclusive. Liraglutide is closely monitored for safety, and any potential risks are carefully weighed against the benefits. Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, as they can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
There isn’t strong evidence to suggest that liraglutide directly affects the menstrual cycle or periods. However, significant weight loss or changes in diet and lifestyle associated with taking liraglutide can sometimes affect menstrual cycles. If you notice any changes, it’s a good idea to talk to the Medicspot support team.
Liraglutide is not specifically approved for the treatment of PCOS, but some studies have shown that it can help with weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, which are often beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce other symptoms of PCOS. If you have PCOS, it’s worth discussing with your doctor whether liraglutide might be a helpful part of your treatment plan.
This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.
There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.
