Defective Drug Attorney

Victoza

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.

Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable medication that is to be taken daily.  Victoza was greenlighted  by the FDA on January 25, 2010. Victoza is different from the body’s natural GLP-1 which acts effectively for only minutes. Victoza works for nearly 24 hours. This equates to the need for Victoza injections once daily. Victoza is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which was approved by the FDA to enhance blood sugar control in adults with type two diabetes. A child over 10 years old suffering through type 2 diabetes may also be prescribed the drug. Understandably, it is recommended that patients also engage in exercise and diet. Victoza is also utilized by physicians to lower the chance of severe cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks in patients over 18 suffering through type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease.Mimic a hormone that is natural, known as GLP-1, to up insulin secretion, lower the production of liver glucose, and decrease (slow down) gastric emptying.
Victoza is a daily jab usually administered in the stomach, thigh, or even upper arm. Victoza is infamous for leading to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation decreased appetite and indigestion. There is a risk that should be taken very seriously. This risk is the potential chance of pancreatitis, thyroid tumors/cancer, kidney issues, and gallbladder issues. Many people are confused about the distinction between Victoza and Saxenda. It is a distinction with a difference, even though both medications contain the same active ingredient. Saxenda has the same active ingredient as Victoza but is prescribed by medical professionals to aid in weight loss, typically at higher doses. Victoza is specifically prescribed for treatment and management of type 2 diabetes issues. Patients with a family history or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should NOT be prescribed Victoza. Victoza could affect absorption of assorted medications by inhibiting gastric emptying.
Victoza has a Boxed Warning (formerly known as a black box warning) warning of the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rats and mice. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether Victoza results in in human cancer. Victoza may cause thyroid tumors and potentially cancer in humans.  Many researchers and medical professionals are wondering if Victoza causes- in humans- thyroid tumors, or a form of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Inform your physician right away if you are showing indications of a thyroid tumor, similar to swelling or a lump in the neck area, difficulty swallowing, a voice that is hoarse, or shortness of breath. All of the above symptoms could be indications of thyroid cancer.

If you suffer through pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) cease and desist your Victoza script and contact your medical provider as soon as possible. Severe pain in the abdominal region with vomiting (or even if there is no vomit) that is persistent is cause to stop your Victoza script (of course after consultation with your medical provider). A patient could also experience pain starting from the abdomen to the back. Victoza may even lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your chance of suffering through low blood sugar could be greater if you have a Victoza  prescription or a different drug that may lead to low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin.

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.

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