Does Victoza cause hair loss? Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Hair loss is not listed as a recognised side effect in the official Summary of Product Characteristics or patient information leaflet approved by the MHRA. There is no established causal link between Victoza and hair loss based on current clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance. However, some individuals report hair changes during treatment, often related to rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying metabolic conditions rather than the medication itself. If you experience hair loss whilst taking Victoza, consult your GP or diabetes specialist for thorough assessment.

Does Victoza Cause Hair Loss?

Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and, at higher doses (as Saxenda), for weight management. Hair loss is not listed as a recognised side effect in the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or patient information leaflet approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

It is important to understand that there is no established causal link between Victoza and hair loss based on current clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance. Hair loss has not been identified as a common, uncommon, or rare adverse reaction in the extensive safety profile of liraglutide. However, some individuals have reported hair changes during treatment, though these reports have not established causality.

Several factors may contribute to this observation. Hair loss can result from a wide range of causes, including underlying metabolic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, rapid weight loss, hormonal changes, and psychological stress—many of which may coincide with the initiation of diabetes treatment or weight management therapy. Correlation does not imply causation, and it is essential to consider alternative explanations before attributing hair loss directly to Victoza.

If you are experiencing hair loss whilst taking Victoza, it is advisable to discuss this with your GP or diabetes specialist nurse. A thorough clinical assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are necessary.

Why Hair Loss May Occur During Victoza Treatment

Although Victoza itself is not recognised as a direct cause of hair loss, several mechanisms and associated factors may explain why some patients experience this symptom during treatment. Understanding these potential contributors can help guide appropriate investigation and management.

Rapid weight loss is one of the most common explanations. Victoza promotes weight reduction through appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying, and significant or rapid weight loss can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a form of temporary hair shedding that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase prematurely, typically 2–3 months after a physiological stressor such as substantial weight loss, illness, or metabolic change. Telogen effluvium is usually self-limiting, with hair regrowth occurring once the underlying trigger resolves.

Nutritional deficiencies may also play a role, particularly in patients who experience reduced appetite or altered eating patterns whilst taking Victoza. Deficiencies in iron, protein, and B vitamins are well-recognised causes of hair thinning. Patients with type 2 diabetes who are also taking metformin may be at increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, as highlighted in MHRA Drug Safety Updates, which can contribute to hair issues.

Underlying metabolic and endocrine conditions should also be considered. Thyroid dysfunction (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and poorly controlled diabetes itself can all contribute to hair loss. Additionally, the psychological stress associated with managing a chronic condition, adjusting to new medications, or coping with lifestyle changes may exacerbate hair shedding.

It is also worth noting that some patients may have pre-existing hair loss conditions such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata that become more noticeable during treatment, rather than being caused by the medication itself.

What to Do If You Experience Hair Loss on Victoza

If you notice increased hair shedding or thinning whilst taking Victoza, it is important to seek medical advice rather than discontinuing the medication without consultation. Your GP or diabetes specialist can conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Initial assessment should include a detailed medical history, including the timing of hair loss onset, rate of weight loss, dietary habits, and any other symptoms such as fatigue, changes in skin or nails, or menstrual irregularities. A physical examination may reveal signs of nutritional deficiency, thyroid disease, or other systemic conditions.

Investigations that may be considered include:

• Full blood count (FBC) to assess for anaemia

• Serum ferritin to evaluate iron stores (check for and treat iron deficiency; some dermatology sources suggest optimal levels for hair growth, but evidence is limited)

• Thyroid function tests (TFTs) including TSH and free T4

• Vitamin B12 and folate levels

• HbA1c to assess glycaemic control

• Zinc and vitamin D levels if clinically indicated based on risk factors or symptoms

These investigations are commonly used in primary care assessment of hair loss, though specific testing should be guided by clinical presentation.

Management strategies will depend on the underlying cause. If nutritional deficiencies are identified, appropriate supplementation should be initiated. If rapid weight loss is the likely trigger, reassurance that telogen effluvium is typically temporary may be sufficient, alongside advice to ensure adequate protein and micronutrient intake. If thyroid dysfunction or other endocrine abnormalities are detected, these should be managed according to relevant clinical guidelines.

When to seek specialist advice: Consider dermatology referral if you experience scarring alopecia, rapid patchy hair loss, scalp pain or inflammation, or if the diagnosis remains uncertain after initial assessment. Contact your GP promptly if hair loss is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe fatigue, unexplained weight loss despite treatment, palpitations, heat or cold intolerance, or changes in bowel habit, as these may indicate an underlying condition requiring further investigation.

How Victoza Works and Its Common Side Effects

Understanding how Victoza works and its recognised side effect profile can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and distinguish between expected effects and those requiring further investigation.

Mechanism of action: Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the naturally occurring incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. It works by:

• Enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells

• Suppressing inappropriate glucagon secretion from alpha cells

• Slowing gastric emptying, which reduces post-prandial glucose excursions

• Promoting satiety through central nervous system effects, leading to reduced caloric intake and weight loss

Victoza is administered once daily via subcutaneous injection and is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as monotherapy (when metformin is inappropriate) or in combination with other glucose-lowering medications.

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 patients) include:

• Nausea and diarrhoea: particularly during dose titration, typically improving over time

Common side effects (affecting between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 patients) include:

• Vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain

• Decreased appetite

• Headache

• Injection site reactions (such as bruising or redness)

• Hypoglycaemia: particularly when used in combination with sulfonylureas (dose reduction of sulfonylurea may be needed when starting Victoza)

Uncommon side effects include pancreatitis (seek immediate medical attention if severe persistent abdominal pain occurs), gallbladder disorders including gallstones, and taste disturbances.

Animal studies have shown thyroid C-cell tumours with liraglutide, though the relevance to humans is unknown. Patients should report any symptoms such as a lump in the neck, persistent hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Patient safety advice: Always follow the prescribed dosing schedule, rotate injection sites to minimise local reactions, and report any persistent or concerning symptoms to your healthcare team. Regular monitoring of HbA1c, renal function, and body weight is recommended as part of routine diabetes care in accordance with NICE guidelines.

If you suspect you have experienced a side effect from Victoza, you can report it via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or through the Yellow Card app.

Frequently Asked Questions