Saxenda
Saxenda vs Victoza – How Do They Compare?
Jun 6, 2025
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall well-being, with fasting glucose typically ranging from 70 to 100 mg/dL. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar. When this balance is disrupted, conditions like diabetes can develop, leading to a range of complications. Effectively managing blood sugar is key, and various treatments have been developed to support individuals with metabolic disorders.
Among the many options available, Saxenda and Victoza stand out. Both medications contain liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the key differences between them is essential for both patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about the best treatment for managing blood sugar and improving overall health.
In this article, we will explore the safety profiles, effectiveness, and key distinctions between Saxenda and Victoza, helping you better understand which medication may be right for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Saxenda contains liraglutide and is used for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight.
- Victoza also contains liraglutide but is used for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Saxenda has a dose escalation schedule starting at 0.6 mg daily, reaching 3.0 mg daily after 5 weeks for weight loss.
- Victoza starts with 0.6 mg daily and increases to a maximum of 1.8 mg daily for glycemic control.
- In clinical trials, Saxenda demonstrated 5–10% weight loss, as well as improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Victoza demonstrated improvements in glycemic control and a reduction in cardiovascular risk, particularly in high-risk patients.
- Common side effects associated with both treatments include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Saxenda has additional risks, such as increased heart rate and gallbladder disease. Meanwhile, Victoza may cause hypoglycemia and kidney impairment.
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Indications and Usage
Saxenda and Victoza both contain liraglutide, but they are approved for different uses. Saxenda is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals who have related health conditions. It is also approved for adolescents aged 12–17 with obesity. For patients starting Saxenda, it is vital to understand how to use Saxenda properly, which includes instructions on injection techniques and dose escalation to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Meanwhile, Victoza is approved for improving blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. While Victoza may lead to some weight loss, it is not explicitly approved for weight management.
Dosing Differences
Both Saxenda and Victoza are administered as once-daily subcutaneous injections, but their dosing schedules differ.
Saxenda begins with weekly dose escalation to minimize gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. The typical dosing schedule is:
- Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
- Week 2: 1.2 mg daily
- Week 3: 1.8 mg daily
- Week 4: 2.4 mg daily
- Week 5 and beyond: 3.0 mg daily (maintenance dose)
Victoza also starts with a 0.6 mg daily dose for the first week (to reduce GI symptoms) and increases as follows:
- Increase to 1.2 mg daily if tolerated
- Further increase to 1.8 mg daily if additional glycemic control is needed
The maximum dose for Victoza is lower than that of Saxenda and is specifically tailored for blood glucose management, rather than weight loss.
Clinical Outcomes
Saxenda has been shown to be effective for weight loss in both adults and adolescents. In clinical trials, patients using Saxenda, combined with lifestyle changes, lost significantly more weight compared to those using a placebo. Many patients experienced a 5–10% reduction in body weight, which is associated with health benefits such as improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
On the other hand, Victoza has demonstrated strong evidence in improving glycemic control and reducing HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the LEADER trial, Victoza was shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death, particularly in high-risk patients.
Safety Profiles
Both Saxenda and Victoza contain liraglutide, which is effective for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment, respectively. However, both medications come with important safety considerations that patients should be aware of.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache.
- Serious Risks: Possible thyroid C-cell tumors (unknown in humans), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and increased heart rate.
Victoza (Liraglutide)
- Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
- Serious Risks: Possible thyroid C-cell tumors (unknown in humans), pancreatitis, hypoglycemia (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas), and kidney impairment.
Both medications require careful monitoring and should be used under medical supervision. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to assess suitability and manage potential risks.
Conclusion
Both Saxenda and Victoza contain liraglutide, but they serve different purposes in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is primarily for weight loss, while Victoza helps control blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risk. The right choice between the two depends on the patient’s individual health goals, medical history, and the presence of conditions like diabetes or obesity.
While both medications have similar side effects, they offer unique benefits. Saxenda may be preferred for those focusing on weight management, while Victoza is better suited for individuals managing blood sugar and at high risk for cardiovascular issues. Healthcare providers should guide patients in choosing the medication that aligns best with their needs and long-term health goals.
FAQs
1. How does Saxenda help with weight loss?
Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite, helping users feel full sooner and eat less.
2. Who can use Saxenda?
Adults with a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition, and adolescents aged 12–17 with obesity may use it.
3. How long can I stay on Saxenda?
If a patient does not lose at least 4% of body weight by 16 weeks, treatment may be discontinued. Otherwise, it may be continued long term.
4. What happens if I miss a dose?
If a dose is missed and it’s been less than 3 days, take it as soon as possible. If more than 3 days have passed, consult your provider about restarting.
5. Is Saxenda covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurers require prior authorization or documentation of medical necessity to approve treatment.
6. Can Saxenda be used with other weight loss medications?
It’s generally not recommended to combine Saxenda with other weight loss drugs due to unknown safety and additive effects.
7. What lifestyle changes should accompany Saxenda use?
A reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity are essential to see and maintain results with Saxenda.
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References
World Health Organization. Diabetes. Published November 14, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
Kara Mayer Robinson. How to Lose Weight Safely. WebMD. Published March 6, 2017. https://www.webmd.com/diet/lose-weight-fast
