In the field of diabetes management, Victoza has emerged as a promising medication that offers potential benefits to individuals with diabetes. This article aims to explore the important aspects of Victoza, its advantages, and how it can contribute to enhancing the quality of life for those dealing with diabetes. By providing valuable insights into Victoza, the goal of this article is to empower readers to make well-informed decisions regarding their health. So, let’s delve into the world of Victoza and uncover its potential.
What is Victoza?
Victoza acts similarly to a naturally occurring hormone in the body that assists in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin secretion, and digestion.
In combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Victoza is used to enhance blood sugar management in adults and children aged 10 and above who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Furthermore, Victoza may help reduce the risk of severe heart conditions such as heart attacks or strokes in adults with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is typically prescribed when other diabetes medications have been unsuccessful. Victoza is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
How to Use Victoza
Inject Victoza under the skin of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject it into a muscle or vein. To reduce the risk of developing lumps under the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis), change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area with each injection. Avoid using the same site repeatedly. Do not mix insulin and Victoza together in the same injection. You can administer an injection of Victoza and insulin in the same general area of your body, such as the stomach area, but make sure they are not injected right next to each other.
Never share your Victoza pen with others, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing the pen can lead to serious infections for either party involved.
Benefits of Victoza
Effective Blood Sugar Control: Victoza helps lower blood sugar levels by regulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon release. This aids in achieving target HbA1c levels and minimizing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Weight Management: Victoza has shown promising results in assisting weight loss efforts among individuals with type 2 diabetes. It helps reduce appetite, promotes satiety, and supports sustainable weight loss.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Studies have indicated that Victoza may have cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among individuals with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Convenience: Victoza is administered through a once-daily injection, offering a convenient dosing regimen for individuals who prefer simplicity in their diabetes management routine.
Possible Side Effects of Victoza
Victoza can cause serious side effects, which may include:
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): If you experience severe stomach pain that persists and may be accompanied by vomiting, stop using Victoza and contact your healthcare provider immediately. The pain may be felt from the abdomen to the back.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Using Victoza in combination with other medications that can lower blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, may increase the risk of low blood sugar. In children aged 10 years and older, the risk of low blood sugar may be higher with Victoza even without the use of other blood sugar-lowering medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, shakiness, weakness, headache, rapid heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- Kidney problems (kidney failure): Individuals with kidney problems may experience worsened kidney function due to dehydration caused by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of kidney problems, such as decreased urine output or swelling in the legs or feet.
- Serious allergic reactions: Immediately discontinue Victoza and seek medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.
- Gallbladder problems: Some individuals taking Victoza have reported gallbladder issues. Notify your healthcare provider promptly if you experience symptoms such as upper stomach pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or clay-colored stools.
Please remember that this list does not cover all possible side effects, and if you have any concerns or notice any other unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
Dosage Administered for Victoza
The dosage of Victoza prescribed by your doctor will be influenced by several factors, such as your age and how your body reacts to the medication.
Typically, your doctor will initiate treatment with a low dosage and gradually adjust it as needed to achieve the optimal therapeutic effect. The objective is to prescribe the smallest effective dosage for you.
The following information outlines commonly used or recommended dosages, but it is important to strictly follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. They will assess and determine the most suitable dosage to meet your specific requirements.
What Should I Do if I Miss to Take a Dose of Victoza?
If you miss a dose of Victoza, simply wait and take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. It is important not to take an extra dose or increase your dose to compensate for the missed one, as doing so can raise the risk of experiencing serious side effects.
To help prevent missed doses, consider setting a reminder on your phone or using a medication timer as helpful tools.
Different Forms and Strengths of Victoza
Victoza is supplied in the form of a liquid solution contained within a prefilled pen. Each pen contains multiple doses of the medication. The total volume of the solution in the pen is 3 mL, containing 18 mg of liraglutide.
The Victoza pen allows for administration of liraglutide in three different doses: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg. The specific dosage you will take depends on the prescription provided by your doctor.
Victoza is available in packages containing either two or three pens. It’s important to note that needles are not included with the pens and must be purchased separately from your pharmacy.
Is Victoza a Long-Term Treatment?
Victoza is intended for long-term use. If you and your doctor determine that Victoza is both safe and effective for you, it is likely that you will continue taking it as a long-term treatment.
Conclusion
Victoza, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, offers a valuable solution for individuals with type 2 diabetes seeking effective blood sugar control, weight management, and potential cardiovascular benefits. Its mechanism of action, convenience of use, and positive real-life experiences make it a promising option in the field of diabetes management. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Victoza is suitable for individual needs and to receive proper guidance on its usage.
You can purchase Victoza here at 365 Script Care.
365scriptcare is a prescription referral service dedicated to helping customers in the United States to have access to safe, affordable medications. 365scriptcare is a pharmacy affiliate and is not an actual pharmacy. All medications are Canadian sourced. Log onto www.365scriptcare.com to see how you can buy insulin products including Ozempic(semaglutide), Lantus vials along with tablet medications, topical creams, inhalers, cancer meds, pet meds and so much more! All medications are sourced from a reputable Canadian source.
