glp1versus

Saxenda vs Victoza

liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) vs liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) — a complete side-by-side comparison.

Novo NordiskNovo NordiskSame active ingredient

Saxenda weight loss

8%

Victoza weight loss

3.2%

Saxenda dosing

Once daily

Victoza dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 9 sources cited

Quick Summary

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Saxenda showed greater weight loss (8% vs 3.2%).

See the comparison table below for detailed side-by-side data.

Saxenda vs Victoza: Full Comparison

FeatureSaxenda(liraglutide)Victoza(liraglutide)
Active Ingredientliraglutideliraglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2014-12-232010-01-25
Approved Indications
  • Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • Chronic weight management in patients aged 12-17 with body weight >60 kg and BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m² for adults
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes in patients aged 10+ years
Routesubcutaneous injectionsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyOnce dailyOnce daily
Starting Dose0.6 mg daily0.6 mg daily
Maintenance Dose3.0 mg daily1.2 mg or 1.8 mg daily
Max Dose3.0 mg daily1.8 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)8%3.2%
A1C ReductionN/A (not indicated for diabetes)1.1%
Key TrialSCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (56 weeks)LEADER (188 weeks)
List Price$1,349/month$950-$1,100/month
With Insurance$25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings Card$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients)$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Saxenda vs Victoza

Side EffectSaxendaVictoza
Nausea39%28%
Diarrhea21%17%
Constipation19%6%
Vomiting16%11%
Headache14%9%
Decreased appetite10%9%
Dyspepsia10%7%
Fatigue8%Not reported
Dizziness7%Not reported
Abdominal pain5%Not reported
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<1%
Gallbladder events2.5%Not reported

Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.

Related Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

FDA & Regulatory

  1. Saxenda FDA Drugs@FDA approval record — FDA
  2. Victoza FDA Drugs@FDA approval record — FDA

Clinical Trial Records

  1. SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. LEADER clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov

Peer-Reviewed Literature

  1. Pi-Sunyer X et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes). N Engl J Med 2015;373:11-22 — New England Journal of Medicine
  2. Marso SP et al. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER). N Engl J Med 2016;375:311-322 — New England Journal of Medicine

Manufacturer Information

  1. Saxenda patient and healthcare provider website — Novo Nordisk
  2. Victoza patient and healthcare provider website — Novo Nordisk

Reference Entries

  1. Liraglutide entry on Wikipedia — Wikipedia

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.