Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 years and above. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it helps regulate blood glucose by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar rises, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing glucagon release. Understanding the correct dosing schedule is essential for achieving optimal glycaemic control whilst minimising side effects. This article explains how often you should take Victoza, proper injection technique, what to do if you miss a dose, and when to seek medical advice.

Understanding Victoza: What It Is and How It Works

Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children/adolescents aged 10 years and above. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

The mechanism of action of Victoza is multifaceted. When you eat, GLP-1 is normally released from your intestines and signals your pancreas to produce insulin in response to rising blood glucose. Victoza enhances this process by stimulating insulin secretion only when blood sugar levels are elevated, thereby reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) compared to some other diabetes medications. Additionally, it slows gastric emptying, which means food leaves your stomach more gradually, helping to prevent sharp spikes in blood glucose after meals. Victoza also suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, and may reduce appetite, which can support weight management, though it is not licensed specifically for weight loss.

Victoza may be prescribed as monotherapy when metformin is inappropriate, or as an add-on to other diabetes medications including metformin, sulphonylureas, or basal insulin. According to NICE guidance (NG28), GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza may be considered as part of dual or triple therapy regimens in type 2 diabetes management. The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device, making it convenient for self-administration at home. It is important to understand that Victoza is not insulin and is not suitable for treating type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Victoza should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Do You Take Victoza Daily? Dosing Schedule Explained

Yes, Victoza is taken once daily, making it a convenient option for many patients managing type 2 diabetes. The consistent daily dosing schedule helps maintain steady blood levels of liraglutide, which is essential for optimal blood glucose control throughout the day and night.

The starting dose of Victoza is typically 0.6 mg once daily for at least one week. This initial lower dose is not intended to provide full glycaemic control but rather to help your body adjust to the medication and minimise gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, which are most common when starting treatment. After at least one week, your dose will usually be increased to 1.2 mg once daily. Depending on your individual response and blood sugar control, your healthcare provider may further increase the dose to a maximum of 1.8 mg once daily after at least another week at the 1.2 mg dose.

It is crucial to take Victoza at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels and establish a routine that reduces the likelihood of missed doses. However, you have flexibility in choosing when during the day to inject—morning, afternoon, or evening—based on what fits best with your lifestyle. The injection can be given with or without food, which adds to the convenience. Once you establish your preferred time, try to stick to it as closely as possible.

Your GP or diabetes specialist nurse will work with you to determine the most appropriate dose based on your HbA1c levels, tolerability, and overall diabetes management goals. For children and adolescents, the same dosing schedule applies but treatment should be supervised by a specialist. Never change your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential to assess treatment effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.

How to Take Victoza: Injection Technique and Timing

Victoza is administered via subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The medication comes in a pre-filled, multi-dose pen that is designed for ease of use and allows you to dial your prescribed dose accurately. Before your first injection, your healthcare provider or diabetes nurse will provide comprehensive training on proper injection technique.

Injection sites include the abdomen (tummy), thigh, or upper arm. The upper arm site should generally be used only when the injection is given by another person. It is important to rotate injection sites within the same region (for example, different areas of your abdomen) to prevent lipodystrophy—changes in the fatty tissue that can affect medication absorption and cause lumps or indentations under the skin. Avoid injecting into areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard. The abdomen is often preferred as it typically provides the most consistent absorption, but you should choose the site that is most comfortable and practical for you.

Injection technique is straightforward: first check that the solution is clear and colourless (do not use if cloudy or contains particles). After selecting and cleaning your injection site with an alcohol wipe, pinch the skin gently to create a fold, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, press the dose button fully, and hold for at least six seconds to ensure the complete dose is delivered. Remove the needle and dispose of it safely in a sharps container—never reuse needles, as this increases infection risk and can damage the pen mechanism. Never share your Victoza pen with anyone else, even if you change the needle, as this poses a serious infection risk.

Regarding timing, as mentioned, Victoza should be taken once daily at approximately the same time each day. You may take it with or without meals, and you can adjust the timing if needed (for instance, if you usually inject in the morning but occasionally need to inject in the evening), though consistency is preferable. Store unused Victoza pens in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), do not freeze, and keep the pen cap on to protect from light. Once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to one month, after which it should be discarded even if it still contains medication.

What Happens If You Miss a Daily Victoza Dose

Missing a dose of Victoza occasionally is not uncommon, and knowing how to respond appropriately can help you maintain good blood sugar control without unnecessary anxiety. If you miss a dose, the recommended action depends on when you remember.

If you remember within 12 hours of your usual injection time, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then continue with your regular schedule the following day. However, if more than 12 hours have passed since you were supposed to take your dose, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose at the usual time the following day. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this significantly increases the risk of side effects, particularly nausea, vomiting, and potentially hypoglycaemia if you are taking Victoza in combination with other diabetes medications such as sulphonylureas or insulin.

If you have missed 3 or more consecutive days of Victoza, contact your healthcare provider as you may need to restart at the 0.6 mg dose and re-titrate gradually to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Missing occasional doses is unlikely to cause immediate harm, but frequent missed doses can lead to poorer blood glucose control and may affect your HbA1c levels over time. If you find yourself regularly forgetting doses, consider setting a daily alarm on your phone, linking your injection to a specific daily routine (such as brushing your teeth), or using a medication reminder app.

If you are unsure how to proceed after missing doses, contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse for advice. They can assess your current blood sugar levels and provide guidance on safely resuming treatment. It is also worth discussing any barriers to adherence you may be experiencing—whether practical, psychological, or related to side effects—as there may be strategies or alternative treatments that could help. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is essential for successful diabetes management.

Common Side Effects and When to Contact Your GP

Like all medications, Victoza can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment or following dose increases. These include:

• Nausea (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 people)

• Diarrhoea and constipation

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Indigestion and flatulence

• Decreased appetite

• Headache

• Injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, or itching)

These symptoms typically improve as your body adjusts to the medication, usually within a few days to weeks. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty or spicy foods may help reduce nausea. If gastrointestinal symptoms are severe or persistent, speak with your GP, as they may consider slowing the dose escalation or providing additional supportive measures.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can occur, particularly if Victoza is used in combination with sulphonylureas (such as gliclazide) or insulin. Symptoms include trembling, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and hunger. If you experience these, check your blood glucose if possible and treat with fast-acting carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets or sugary drinks). Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your other diabetes medications. If you are also taking insulin, do not abruptly reduce or stop your insulin when starting Victoza, as this increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Any insulin dose adjustments should be made gradually under medical supervision.

When to seek urgent medical attention:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially if radiating to your back, with or without vomiting—this could indicate pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect

• Symptoms of severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash

When to contact your GP:

• Persistent upper-right abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), or fever—these could indicate gallbladder problems, which are more common with Victoza

• Signs of thyroid problems, such as a lump in your neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea leading to dehydration, particularly if you have kidney problems

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations that are new or concerning

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, Victoza is not recommended. Discuss contraception with your doctor while taking this medication. If you wish to become pregnant, your doctor will likely switch you to insulin. Victoza is also not recommended during breastfeeding.

Regular monitoring through blood tests and follow-up appointments is essential to ensure Victoza remains safe and effective for you. Always report any suspected side effects to your healthcare team, and you can also report them directly to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). Never stop taking Victoza without medical advice, as this could lead to deterioration in your blood sugar control.

Frequently Asked Questions