Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class and uses the same active ingredient as Saxenda, but at lower doses and for a different indication.
Although Victoza has been on the market longer than newer GLP-1 drugs, serious side effects have still been reported, including severe gastrointestinal motility disorders, dehydration-related kidney injury, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and vision problems. As GLP-1 safety investigations have expanded, Victoza has been included in broader reviews of this drug class.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of Victoza, how it works, known risks, and when further medical or legal review may be appropriate.
What Is Victoza?
Victoza is an injectable medication containing liraglutide.
Key facts:
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Injected once daily
- Manufactured by Novo Nordisk
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Same active ingredient as Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain adults with type 2 diabetes
Victoza was one of the earliest widely used GLP-1 drugs, preceding semaglutide and tirzepatide products.
How Victoza Works
Victoza mimics the hormone GLP-1, which:
- increases insulin release
- decreases glucagon secretion
- slows stomach emptying
- suppresses appetite
- alters gut–brain signaling
While effective for blood sugar control, chronic digestive slowing can lead to serious complications in some patients.
Victoza vs Saxenda and Newer GLP-1 Drugs
- Victoza vs Saxenda: Same drug (liraglutide), different dosing and indication
- Victoza vs Wegovy/Ozempic: Older GLP-1 compound, daily vs weekly dosing
- Victoza vs Mounjaro/Zepbound: Single-hormone vs dual-hormone action
Despite lower doses, Victoza still carries class-wide GLP-1 risks.
Commonly Reported Side Effects
Many Victoza users experience gastrointestinal symptoms, especially early in treatment:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- fatigue
- dizziness
For some patients, these symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Serious Safety Concerns Associated With Victoza
Severe Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Reported injuries include:
- gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- ileus (functional bowel shutdown)
- severe constipation
- chronic digestive dysfunction
➡️ Related: Motility Disorders
Dehydration & Kidney Injury
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea may lead to:
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalance
- acute kidney injury (AKI)
- worsening chronic kidney disease
➡️ Related: Dehydration and Kidney Damage
Gallbladder Disease
Weight loss and altered bile flow may increase the risk of:
- gallstones
- gallbladder inflammation
- gallbladder removal surgery
➡️ Related: Gallbladder Removal
Pancreatitis
Some patients report:
- severe abdominal pain
- elevated pancreatic enzymes
- hospitalization for pancreatitis
➡️ Related: Pancreatitis
Vision Problems / NAION
Serious vision complications, including Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), have been reported across the GLP-1 drug class.
➡️ Related:
Who May Be at Higher Risk
Higher-risk patients may include:
- those with prior GI disorders
- individuals prone to dehydration
- patients with kidney disease
- people with diabetes-related vascular disease
- older adults
- long-term GLP-1 users
Victoza and Lawsuits
Victoza is included in broader GLP-1 litigation, particularly claims involving:
- severe motility disorders
- kidney injury
- gallbladder surgery
- pancreatitis
- permanent digestive injury
- blindness / NAION
➡️ Victoza lawsuits hub: Lawsuits
When to Consider a Review
You may want to consider review if:
- you used Victoza, AND
- you required ER care or hospitalization, OR
- you developed a diagnosed complication, OR
- symptoms persisted after stopping the drug
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
Victoza is a long-standing GLP-1 medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, but it may cause serious and persistent side effects in some patients. While many tolerate the drug, others report long-term or life-altering injuries.
If you experienced severe complications after using Victoza, medical and legal review may be appropriate.