Agonist
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GLP-1Subcutaneous

Liraglutide

Also known as: Victoza · Saxenda · Lira

Daily GLP-1 receptor agonist. Acylated with a C16 fatty acid for albumin binding, giving a ~13-hour half-life. Same incretin mechanism as semaglutide at shorter duration.

At a glance

Half-life
13 hours
Common route
Subcutaneous
Typical dose range
600–3,000mcg
Stability (reconstituted)
30days refrigerated

Best timing

Once daily at the same time. Many users dose morning to avoid bedtime nausea.

Contraindications

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Pregnancy

Watch symptoms

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (typically less severe than weekly GLP-1s)
  • Injection site reactions
  • Hypoglycemia if combined with insulin
  • Gallbladder symptoms
  • Headache during titration

Citations

The primary literature.

  1. 01A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE)PubMed
  2. 02Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER)PubMed
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