Medically reviewed by Austin Ulrich, PharmD
Key Takeaways
- Liraglutide is an FDA-approved injectable medication primarily used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- While the brand name version, Victoza, is still available, a generic alternative is available that can significantly reduce your monthly out-of-pocket costs.
- Prescription discount programs like the Super+ RX coupon can help you save money on liraglutide and other prescriptions.
Medication Estimated Average Retail Price Estimated Super+ RX Member Price
| Medication | Estimated Average Retail Price | Estimated Super+ RX Member Price |
| Liraglutide (Generic) | ~$150.00 – $450.00 | ~$80.00 – $250.00 |
| Victoza (Brand) | ~$500.00 – $600.00 | ~$260.00 – $300.00 |
What is Liraglutide (Victoza)?
Liraglutide (Victoza) belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
This medication works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, the medication stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which helps move glucose from the blood into the cells. It also limits the amount of glucagon secreted by the liver, preventing the liver from releasing too much stored sugar into the bloodstream. Additionally, it slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, which can help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals.
It is important to note that this is not a substitute for insulin and is not used to treat type 1 diabetes. It is designed to be part of a comprehensive management plan for type 2 diabetes that includes a reduced-calorie diet and a regular exercise routine. Because managing chronic conditions requires long-term consistency, understanding exactly how your treatment works and what it costs is a vital part of your overall healthcare strategy.
How to Save on Your Prescription
Here are several practical ways you can save money if you need a prescription for liraglutide — whether you have insurance or not:
- Use a prescription discount card or coupon like Super+ RX: The Super+ RX coupon uncovers discounts to help lower out-of-pocket costs for liraglutide. Whether it’s liraglutide or another medication, we want to help you save—because your well-being comes first.
- Check multiple pharmacies — cash prices can vary. Pharmacies in the same area sometimes charge different prices for the same medication. Comparing cash prices among pharmacies can help you find the cheapest option. Search for your prescription on Super.com/rx, compare prices across pharmacies, and find discounts near you.
- Consider asking for the generic form, not the brand-name form. The generic version is often much cheaper than the brand-name version and works the same.
What you can do before you go to the pharmacy:
- Use a discount program like the Super+ RX coupon — print it or bring it on your phone — and ask the pharmacist or cashier to apply it to your prescription.
- Compare at least two or three pharmacies on Super.com/rx to see who offers the lowest price.
- If you are uninsured or if you have a high copay, ask your healthcare team about patient-assistance programs or reduced-cost clinics in your area.
Ready to save on liraglutide? Compare prices for liraglutide at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
The Evidence on Weight Management
Questions about liraglutide and weight loss are common. While the specific brand name mentioned above (Victoza) is FDA-approved exclusively for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction, the active ingredient does have an impact on body weight. And, there is a higher-dose version of liraglutide (brand and generic) that is approved for weight loss, known as Saxenda.
Because GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying, they often increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. During clinical trials for diabetes management, many people experienced measurable reductions in body weight as a secondary effect of the treatment. However, when prescribed under this specific brand name, it is not officially classified as a weight-loss treatment.
Saxenda uses the exact same active ingredient at a different, higher maximum dosage specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical conditions. If your primary goal is weight management rather than treating type 2 diabetes, you should consult your healthcare professional about which specific formulation and treatment plan aligns with your medical needs.
Standard Dosages and How to Take It
Liraglutide is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The most common injection sites are the abdomen, the thigh, or the upper arm. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, but it is generally recommended to take it at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
Treatment typically follows a careful titration schedule to help your body adjust and to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. A standard dosing schedule often looks like this:
- Starting Dose: The initial dose is usually 0.6 mg injected once daily for the first week. This dose is strictly to introduce the medication to your system and is not intended to be high enough to effectively control blood sugar.
- Therapeutic Dose: After one week, the dose is typically increased to 1.2 mg once daily. For many people, this provides adequate blood sugar control.
- Maximum Dose: If further blood sugar management is required after at least one week at the 1.2 mg dose, a healthcare professional may increase the dosage to the maximum of 1.8 mg once daily.
The medication comes in a pre-filled pen injector. You must use a new needle for every injection to prevent contamination and infection. It is also important to rotate injection sites daily to avoid skin irritation or the development of hard lumps under the skin.
Common Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Like all prescription medications, this treatment carries the risk of side effects. Understanding what to expect can help you manage your treatment safely.
The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal in nature, which is a direct result of how the medication slows digestion. These common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Indigestion
- Constipation
These symptoms are usually most prominent when starting the medication or when increasing the dose, and they often subside over time as the body adjusts.
There are also severe safety warnings associated with this treatment. It carries a Boxed Warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In animal studies, the active ingredient caused thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma. While it is unknown if it causes these tumors in humans, people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 are contraindicated and should not use this medication.
Other serious but less common risks include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder disease, and kidney problems. Additionally, if taken alongside other antidiabetic agents like insulin or sulfonylureas (such as glimepiride), there is an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Always review your complete medical history with your healthcare professional before beginning a new prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover this medication?
Coverage varies significantly depending on your specific insurance plan and formulary. Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover it when prescribed for FDA-approved uses, such as type 2 diabetes. However, prior authorization is often required. If you are uninsured or your plan has a high deductible, using a discount coupon can help you manage the retail cost.
Are Saxenda and Victoza the same?
Yes and no. They contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient, liraglutide. However, they are prescribed for different primary conditions and use different dosing schedules. One is approved for type 2 diabetes with a maximum daily dose of 1.8 mg, while the other is approved for weight management with a maximum daily dose of 3.0 mg.
Is liraglutide the same as Ozempic?
No. While they belong to the same class of medications (GLP-1 receptor agonists) and work in very similar ways, they are different active ingredients. Liraglutide is administered as a once-daily injection, whereas Ozempic (semaglutide) is administered as a once-weekly injection.
When is the best time to take this medication?
You can take your injection at any time of day that is convenient for you, regardless of meals. The most important factor is consistency. Choosing a specific time of day and sticking to it helps ensure the medication works efficiently and makes it easier to build a daily routine.
Ready to save on liraglutide? Compare prices for liraglutide at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
References
Carillo JL, Parmar M. Liraglutide. StatPearls. October 6, 2024. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608007/
Saxenda. Prescribing information. Novo Nordisk, Inc.; 2025. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3946d389-0926-4f77-a708-0acb8153b143/spl-doc
Victoza. Prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Inc.; 2025. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5a9ef4ea-c76a-4d34-a604-27c5b505f5a4/spl-doc
Disclaimer:
Generative AI was used in the development of this content. All information in this article has been reviewed by our highly-trained clinicians. We do not provide medical advice. Please, consult a physician.
