My plans for getting out of town are not going well this year. Because my friend Sandy works in the medical field, she takes continuing medical education (CME) courses here and there and I sometimes tag along.
This month, we were going to go to San Francisco for a long weekend. I have friends there and some favorite restaurants, so I was looking forward to it.
Well, Sandy quit her job and went back to school, so a long weekend in San Francisco gave way to an overnighter in Louisville. That’s OK. I have a favorite store in southern Indiana and was looking forward to trying out a new restaurant in Louisville. I could hardly wait to hit the road. That would have been last Friday.
“Would have been?” Yep. The night before we were to leave, Sandy called. “Have you seen the weather report?” she asked.
Good ol’ Mother Nature. Stuck at home after all, I took the opportunity to do a little digging about liraglutide (brand name Victoza), a new drug for Type 2 diabetes that was approved on Jan. 25, 2010, and should be available sometime in March.
Victoza is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, as is exenatide (Byetta). (Byetta has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, and people who took Victoza during five clinical trials had more incidences of pancreatitis than those who took other diabetes drugs.)
Because rodent studies showed an increased incidence of tumors (and sometimes cancer) of the thyroid gland, the FDA is requiring the manufacturer of Victoza to conduct a five-year study to evaluate thyroid cancer risk. (The risks of other cancers, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions will also be evaulated.) The company also must establish a cancer registry to track incidence of thyroid cancer each year over the next 15 years. (To be fair, I should tell you that the rats were given a dose eight times the amount recommended for humans.)
In addition, the FDA said in a prepared release, the manufacturer must provide a “Medication Guide and a Communication Plan to help patients and providers understand the risks of Victoza and to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of acute pancreatitis and the potential risk of medullary thyroid cancer.”
(And if you believe all doctors are going to sit down with their patients and go through all of that stuff, I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale.)
If your doctor prescribes Victoza, what should you do? Like many things, you really need to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Victoza does lower HbA1cs, can contribute to weight loss, should not cause hypoglycemia, and is a once-a-day injection (compared to twice a day for Byetta). It’s not recommended for use as a first-line drug, so you would be taking it in addition to other diabetes drugs. Besides, while the risks are there — and all diabetes drugs carry risks — they’re usually fairly rare.
I’m taking two antibiotics that carry strong warnings about higher risks of tendon inflammation or injury. The risk is even higher if you’ve already had tendonitis (which I have had) or a torn tendon.
The reason I’m taking the antibiotics is because I have an infection stemming from surgeries for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Am I concerned? A little. But I’m more concerned about getting rid of the bacteria that’s causing the infection. The drugs prescribed are ones that specifically target the bacteria I have.
In the meantime, I keep a close watch on my body for signs of a tendon flare-up. And you should pay attention to your body, and should keep up with preventative measures, if you take any diabetes drug. Also educate yourself about warnings or side effects of all of the drugs you take. If you’re concerned about the side effects connected with diabetes drugs, there’s always insulin.
It’s really up to us to be proactive about our health. After all, who cares about our health more than we do?
The really important thing that type 2 diabetics should keep in mind about both byetta and victoza is that both of these drugs can reverse the damage that unchecked diabetes has done to the system. After you use both or either of those drugs, your body can sometimes handle fighting diabetes by itself. I was on byetta for two years, went off of it (and was diet controlled - no drugs at all) for one year. It was not until I broke a bone in my foot that I decided to go on to Victoza. I like Victoza because the hypoglcemic incidents are few and far between and the nausea associated with byetta is pretty much non existent with Victoza. Also, carrying byetta around got to be kind of a pain and the victoza is a little more user friendly. I do think weight loss is a side effect but not a magical cure. You still have to eat properly and exercise. But, three cheers for the drug companies–they are trying to cure a terminal disease. I, for one, am grateful.
Posted by Ann from Texas | Apr 05, 2010 at 1:48 pmI’ve been taking Victoza for a month now, and despite the at times severe nausea, it is incredible at lowering sugars and also weight loss. I follow a strict Atkins Induction Phase and I lose approximately .5lbs per day, coupled with 40 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. I use Victoza as a monotherapy and it works well. I was on 100 units/per meal of Humalog and 90 units of Lantus at night less than a month ago. Once I lost about 20lbs, I was able to slowly phase the insulin out completely and let the Victoza be the primary therapy.
So, it works, but the first few weeks are rough, but your physician can prescribe anti-nausea meds to handle this. Victoza has an extremely long half life(15 hours) and I have not had any hypoglycemic episodes. In fact, even 30 minutes after a meal, my sugar never goes above 140. I had an A1c of 7.2 3 months ago and it is now 5.9.
Posted by David S. | May 03, 2010 at 3:38 pmThat sounds good. My doctor wants to put me on Victoza but I am having trouble getting it because my Part D prescription plan doesn,t cover it. Also you didnt say how much it will cost. And as far as I can tell it will cost up to $500.00 dollars.
Posted by Joe | May 07, 2010 at 11:48 amJoe, I have some numbers from you.
At the highest dose (1.8mg/day), there are 10 “servings” in a pen (there are 18 mg in a pen) so you would need 3 pens/month. Cost at WalMart cash is around $133 per pen, so that’s 3 pens/month, 133 x 3 = 466. And that’s WalMart. Some local pharmacies will give you a bigger price break.
I’m not sure the average # of mg needed for the average group, ie, do MOST people stay on .6, 1.2 or 1.8 mg/day? Dunno.
I figured it’s no cheaper to buy 3 pens as opposed to 2; the unit price per pen wasn’t much different, to my surprise.
Call around to the local pharmacies. Maybe you can get a break. We did. Good luck to you.
anne
Posted by anne cohen | May 08, 2010 at 12:56 pmAnne Cohen
Posted by Joe | May 11, 2010 at 2:29 pmThank you for the reply.I went from .6 to 1.2 with new prescription. I went to Walgreens and recieved a 2 pack for $288.00 They didnt carry the Victoza needles so I had to buy BD short pen needles. They are twice as long but still work. I believe that if the FDA approves a drug it should be available through Medicare,Part D providers,from who you get your medications from. To put out a medication that everyone has to pay retail prices even though they have some kind of coverage is wrong.
Joe.
I have to make a decision, soon, if I want to begin using Victoza. My other option, according to my doctor, is Metformin twice a day. He prefers the Victoza and says he’s had success with other patients. What I can’t figure out is, are you on it for the rest of your life if you begin using Victoza? My doctor says yes, but I can’t find anything confirming that. My last A1C was 6.4, down from 6.6. The Dr. didn’t feel that was a sufficient enough drop. (We’ve been working on this for almost a year and 6.6 is the highest it’s ever gone. I’m having difficulty losing weight.)
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Kathleen
Posted by Kathleen | May 11, 2010 at 4:55 pmJoe,
You need to check with your doctor on a discount card that is available through the drug maker. There is an e-voucher and then a discount voucher that you need to see if the walmart is applying. I totally agree that it should be covered for everyone.
Good Luck
Posted by Ed | May 11, 2010 at 8:39 pmHi, and just my true story.
Posted by Cinthya Perez | May 14, 2010 at 3:58 pmI’ve been on Victoza for 2 months, no weight loss. My sugars are OK!!. but the biggest thing its very expensive. Walgreens for 1 pen its 99.00 and for one month the recomended dose is the equivalent to 3 pens. I’ts been very hard to loss any weight since i was diagnose with diabetes 6/09. I excersise eat well and its not paying off. Well lets see…..
I have been on victoza for one week. I’ve lost 8 lbs. and my sugars have been below 200 so far in the morning. The only problem I’ve been having is the stomach sickness and I’m worried my insurance won’t cover the prescription.
Posted by theresa skelton | May 17, 2010 at 6:34 pmI have the same problem as Joe, May 7, 2010.
I became disabled last year at the age of 62 and had to drop a VERY GOOD INSURANCE PLAN, eff. 01/01/2010, to receive Medicare. I tried to find a supplement insurance but NO ONE would give me any other insurance. I was TOO young.
A Company called UniCare, which is a form of Medicare, called me and offered me insurance. For those who don’t know about UniCare, they are a form of medicare, and all this did was replace Medicare. NO ONE WOULD GIVE ME SECONDARY INSURANCE. I have to be 65 years of age.
Well, as of today, I have reached my donut-hole and being a diabetic, I was told that my pen’s would cost me $1,800 and I could save $100 each box if I changed to bottles and needles. That along with my heart medication which runs as high as $600+, then there are nine other medications I take. — NO I CAN’T AFFORD IT! Anyone have suggestions? I could use some HELP!!!
Sincerely,
Sam of Virginia
PS — Can Victoza be taken with insulin, or only with pills?
Posted by Sam from Virginia | May 18, 2010 at 2:41 amI have been using the Victoza for about 2 months. I started at the low dose and am not graduated to the highest dose. I have lost about 5-6 pounds in the 2 months, which I’m fine with. My numbers have also fallen, and I have even been able to cut back on my insulin, which is HUGE! I take 2 Metformin per day, the Victoza and Levemir. The combination seems to be working, but Ihave been having flu-like symptoms and just feel very tired all the time. I am hoping the side affects go away as I get used to this combo, as it is working so well I don’t want to make any changes.
Posted by Leigh | May 20, 2010 at 11:58 amI’ve been on Victoza for 4 weeks and apart from the nausea its great! All the diets I followed over the years say you wont feel hungy - well I have een hungry since I was born 47 yrs ago!
Posted by Roz | May 27, 2010 at 11:05 amI’m losing weight (20lbs so far) and my BS are down.
All I can say, after reading comments, which I presume are from the US, is thank God for the NHS in the UK!. I get all my prescriptions free as a diabetic!.
For the first time in my life I feel positive!
I start Victoza in a week and reading some of the reports has got me a little worried but will try it and see how i manage, i also am happy that i live in the UK and get the drug free. I will give my views on it as soon as ican.
Posted by Jim | May 27, 2010 at 2:32 pmI just discovered I had diabeties 6 weeks ago, and was put on Metformin 500mg twice per day with with the flex pen 2 times per day. When I went back for a checkup my doc said my number’s were still high and he changed my meds to metformin and Victoza one time per day. Well I have been on the Victoza for around ten days now and my numbers are lower, but the problem I am having is food just doesn’t taste the same. I am having a hard time eating the foods I use to love, it’s almost like the victoza has destroyed my taste buds.
Posted by Mary | May 29, 2010 at 10:14 amIs anyone else experiencing that thier food does not same the same?
I started on Byetta a little over a year ago. I lost 35 lbs in a year but could never advance past the starting dose because of extreme nausea and vomiting. Even on the starter dose I continued to have nausea. I would not have stopped taking it though. The ability to limit my food intake and actually loose weight was wonderful. I did find the twice daily injections around meal times inconveniant.
When I found out about Victoza and it had similar properties without nausea I wanted to try it. I have been on it a little over 2 weeks and am at the mid dose. So far it’s wonderful. No nausea. Plus, I had plateured on my weight loss and have lost an additional eight pounds. I’m thrilled. If you go to the manufactures website they have a discount card that is available. I have not yet filled my prescription so I don’t know what it will run but the Byetta was affordable.
Posted by Tee | Jun 03, 2010 at 7:13 pmHI TO EVERY ONE AM TYPE 2 diadetes I LOVE VICTOZA IT CONTROLL MY EXACT WEIGHT THAT I HAVE ON
Posted by shell | Jun 06, 2010 at 1:32 pmVICTOZA IS NOT A INSULIN IT’S AN INJECTABLE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE THAT IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR THANK YOU
Hello
Posted by Teresa | Jun 06, 2010 at 3:51 pmI used to be on most of the meds you all have mentioned so I won’t go into a long drag out story about all I have taken or taking. My doctor introduced me to Victoza just a few days ago. I was told that is is like Byetta but better. I was never sick with Byetta so I hope I will be ok with the Victoza if I do decide to take it. I have read the side effects and also about how it can cause Thyroid cancer and pancrestitis. I guess I’m a little worried about the cancer and pancreatitis. However, after reading your stories, I feel a little better about some of the side effects of Victoza. I will stay on metformin and one shot of Victoza daily. My doctor told me I could take it anytime of the day but the pharmasist told me I should take it first thing in the morning. Any comments about when to take it. I hope you all do well on this new med.
My doctor got me 3 pens a month for only 1 co pay. Your doctor needs to make sure insurance company knows that you need 3 pens to equal a 30 day supply. My insurance copay is only $50.00 and the I insurance company relayed info to Wlagreens that it was only 1 copay for 3 pens because I needed a 30 day supply. Please forward this info to above comments from Anne Cohen and Joe..this would help them get the pens cheaper..thks
Posted by Tina G | Jun 07, 2010 at 9:40 amI have been taking Victoza for 2 1/2 weeks. The first 10 days were a bit tough. I was sleepy, moody, and ached. But my blood sugar numbers were improving. I am now on a full dose 1.8, once a day, which i take before going to sleep. My blood sugar numbers are now 110-115 in the morning. Before I started Victoza they were 180-200. I was on Levimir 65 units twice a day, along with Metformin 850 three times a day. I no longer take the insulin, just the Metformin with Victoza. i have lost 10 lbs and my blood pressure is great (120/70)and I no longer take atenonol.
Posted by Steve A. | Jun 07, 2010 at 7:04 pmI just got diagnosed with diabetes and was put on Janumet, it didn’t work so now I just received my first RX for Victoza. I’m scared to take it because of the cancer side effect, as I had Uterian cancer 4 years ago and had a hysterectomy. I’m not sure if the good effects beat out the bad. I am over weight, on 2 blood pressure RX’s and now this. Should I take the risk? I’m not sure even though the effects I’m having from high sugar are not any better. Help, I don’t know what to do?
Posted by Jean | Jun 08, 2010 at 6:41 pmI’m glad I found this site. My doctor just recommended Victoza with an extended release metformin. I will start the metformin now but like others who’ve posted, my co-pay for the Victoza is almost $200. I was also a bit worried about possible thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, but feel more comfortable after reading the post. Hopefully I’ll be able to start the Victoza soon.
Posted by Pam H | Jun 09, 2010 at 12:02 amI have been diabetic (type II) for five years. We have never been able to get my sugar regulated. I have had alot of pain and three major surgeries, that is a factor. I went on the Byetta a couple of years ago and it made me so sick. It did not help with weight loss. When my doctor suggested Victoza I was not going to get my hopes up. I took it for two months, my pre-meal insulin was cut from 16 units to 8 units. My blood sugars were 100 or under…even in the morning! I lost 28 pounds, and I am not grossly overweight. I felt awesome, I had energy, I just felt good.
When I submitted my prescriptions(I was using samples) my insurance company denied it…saying something about it was not approved to use with insulin. This sucks! I am back to using the 16 units pre-meal, 56 units of Levemir at night and Metformin twice a day. I feel horrible, my sleep has been effected, my sugar is out of control…up and down…I have no energy! I wish I had my Victoza back.
Posted by Judy M. | Jun 10, 2010 at 5:07 pmJudy, you should contact the company and they may give you Voctoza at a reduced rate. You should also get your doctor to write your insurance company a letter explaining your experience.
Posted by Anne | Jun 12, 2010 at 10:24 amMy husband has been on Victoza for about 8 weeks. His sugars are now perfect…right around 100. He has lost 35 pounds. He is off his gliperide and is now only on metformin.
I have been on it for about 15 days and have lost about 10 pounds but have had problems with abdomen pains. I am back on the 1.2 dose. My sugars are down during the day but not in the morning when I am fasting. I am going to try to take the injection at night before bed. I am on insulin and metformin. I am so hoping that it will work for me. I am not going to give up yet.
Posted by Anne | Jun 12, 2010 at 10:32 amI initally went to the doctor to inquire about losing weight. I took a fasting blood/sugar test that resulted in finding that i am type 2 diabetic. I have known this for years, but had many doctors try metformin on me and fail due to the side effects i experienced.The doctors gave up on me. Nothing further was ever discussed until now.I am taking Victoza at the lowest dose. I took it for two weeks and was so nausea that I stopped taking it. I decided to try again one week later and was consistant with it. I have taken it for 2 months now and have lost 16lbs. and counting.I am impressed with eating less and not craving sugary treats. I work at a pharmacy. i had my doctor write a prescription for Victoza. I was excited to find that my insurace covers it.Words of advice to all of you,please shop around for prices.WALMART is not the cheapest.Also, the Victoza pen comes in a 2 and 3 pack. This drug is so new that your local pharmacy may not carry both (order it). Also, ther discount card works with or without insurance. The exclusion is Medicaid and Medicare recepiants.
Posted by Jerrijean | Jun 13, 2010 at 2:08 amI reviewed a few comments and saw that insurance denied Victoza. If your doctor does what is called a Prior Authorization you may be able to get it approved.
Posted by Jerrijean | Jun 13, 2010 at 2:13 amhi
Posted by jackie | Jun 17, 2010 at 5:28 pmi started victoza yesterday, on the lowest dosage.
i am female, 5ft 4, weigh 115kg, over weight, but i do not really over eat or binge eat etc.
im wondering if my weightloss will be very minimal beings i dont have any areas where i can reduce my food intake.
has anyone got any comments on this please?
id appreciate to hear from you.
thanks, kind regards, jackie
I have been using Victoza for a couple of months, losing weight, and numbers improving dramatically. I’ve had no nausea or other side effects, but recently, I’m noticing some rashes and itching at the injection sites. Any ideas? I don’t want to quit using it.
Posted by Camye | Jun 18, 2010 at 11:56 pmhi camye,
Posted by jackie | Jun 21, 2010 at 12:21 pmhey well done for doing so well!
can i ask how much youve lost in total and what your sugar readings are? (im in uk)
and from the very beginning, can you tell me what kind of progress youve had? and have you got much more weight to lose?
im interested to hear becsause ive only recently started on victoza and am still only on the lowest dosage, i up it after two weeks.
i havent felt any feelings of sickness either yet, but may do so when i up my dose?
im not too sure what the rashes and itching could be? has it only recently just started?
maybe trying a completely different injection area for a while? see how it goes. speak to your nurse if it lasts or gets too much.
kind regards
jackie
HI AlL! Thanks so much for all your comments. I have been on the low dose of Victoza for a week now and have had similar flu like symptoms as one of the readers above. That lasted several days but I am feeling better now. It was an achiness all over my body. Advil helped tremendously with the pain because it really was head to toe. I don’t seem to have any other reactions yet but we will see when I start the higher dose. I am praying that it stays going like this. My doctor wanted to put me on insulin because my BS were way out of whack after receiving several cortisone injections for back injury. I was resistant and asked to try something else. He chose Victoza because he likes the lack of side effects that Byetta had. Not too much else to report yet but when there is I will let you all know. I pray that all of you beat this disease.
Posted by Lee | Jun 24, 2010 at 4:23 pmBlessings to you all
Lee
Am I supposed to take this before bed or in the a.m. what do you do when you shift work?
Posted by Gwen | Jun 25, 2010 at 12:26 amHi Everyone! I started taking Victoza two months ago and I love it! I have lost 33 pounds by following a low carb diet that my doctor/dietician prescribed. My doctor told me to go back to the lower dose if I experienced any nausea. I stayed on the .06 dose for 3 weeks, then the .12 dose for 3 weeks. I now take the .18 dose in the morning and I don’t have any problems. I took Byetta before and it didn’t do anything for me. I didn’t lose any weight at all. My BS are way down now and I feel great. My friends want to take Victoza and they aren’t even diabetic. They want to lose weight like I did! Good luck to everyone!
Posted by Ruth | Jul 01, 2010 at 4:57 pmHi — have enjoyed reading the posts from everyone. I am overweight (about 40# over)…. not yet diabetic, but close — on a very low carb diet - but still having trouble losing the weight. Doc is concerned with high sugar level in blood. Wants me to take Victoza. Have had cancer in family — so often the “side effects” are so many - a person hesitates to take any meds. Guess I need reassurance that taking this will help the sugar level and weight loss without needing to take it for very long time. (Seems the sooner you can stop taking it - the less the risks - ??? ) Don’t want to develop diabetes either as I’ve seen effects of that on the body as well.
Posted by Candi | Jul 02, 2010 at 3:28 pmI just recently started on Victoza.And I am using it for almost a week now. My Endo give me 2 pens as samples. My concern is how much co-pay would cost me for a 30 day period.
Posted by RMC | Jul 04, 2010 at 2:38 ami was given this card at my dr. office and 2 pen was only $25.00 there is a website that you can go to and print the card off and take it to you pharm. the website is I have insurance thru my job but this covers way better!
Hope this help you save some next time! I was so greatful the the Dr. office for giving me this card.
Posted by nikki | Jul 07, 2010 at 7:02 pmAnne Cohen
Ref my comment May 11,2010
I checked around pricing the VICTOZA on Jun 10,2010 and came up with the following.
Frys (Kroger) $366.00 for 2 pens
Target $279.99 for 2 pens
Walgreens $287.99 for 2 pens
Wal-Mart $ 139.33 for 1 pen $278.66 2 pens but sells only by 3 pens $417.99
Costco $269.36 for 2 pens $ $404.04 3 pens .
I settled on Costco to get my prescription filled.
Posted by Joe | Jul 07, 2010 at 9:38 pmSo far I lost 50 lbs. A little to fast now I have the fat loss mussel loss and now some hanging skin.
Changed my eating habits and stayed away from sweets. And pastry’s and ice cream It curbed my appetite and sometimes only a few mouthfuls of a meal I don’t want anymore.
.Like I said before my Insurance AARMedicareRX even though they put it on their list Apr 2010 its not covered. And I get my prescriptions filled by Prescriptions Solutions Mail Order they wont fill the prescription they say I need preauthorization and when my doctor called both of them his request was denied.
Joe Mesa,AZ
I was given a sample of Victoza by my doctor. I tried the 0.6mg dose for a week and lost 3 lbs and my glucose dropped from 125 average to 110 before breakfast. I am also taking 2×1000mg Metformin a day, but before Victoza was taking 2xJanumet (1000mg metformin + 50mg Januvia).
Nausea was not too bad at the 0.6mg level, but at 1.2 it is sometimes severe and lasts all day. I will try another few days and see if it improves. At 1.2 and after 4 days at this level, glucose has now dropped to 99-103 and another lb has gone. I know the 0.6mg dose is not supposed to have any benefit, but it obviously does. I tried Byetta for a few months a couple of years ago and had a similar problem, finding that a quarter of the recommended dose 1×5mcg was fine, 2×5mcg gave me some problems and 2×10mcg was intolerable.
Anyone else have a similar experience, or it it just me?
Posted by Barry | Jul 14, 2010 at 12:43 pmI was given Victoza by my doctor. I tried the 0.6mg dose for a week my glucose dropped from 180 average to 130before breakfast. I am also taking 2×1000mg Metformin a day, but before Victoza was
Posted by Nigomi | Jul 16, 2010 at 5:15 pmMy stomch is full icant eat well ,
pls tell me is it normal or something else
I just went on Victoza on Thursday. I am currently on the .6 dosage once a day. My doctor took me off my Avandamet and Amaryl. I have had no nausea, but I have been light-headed and tired. I have not had any admonial pain.
Are the side effects that I am having due to the change in my medications.
Posted by Kathy | Jul 18, 2010 at 1:00 pmTo Sam of Virginia,
Posted by Rick from CT | Jul 20, 2010 at 6:37 pmBecause of the high cost of your meds and lack of secondary insurance you should contact the companies that make your drugs. A lot of companies give price breaks or sometimes even supply drugs for free depending on your financial situation. (even if you don’t meet the basic income requirements , if your total drug expenses after primary coverage reduces your income by a signifigant amount, you might indeed qualify)
Hope this helps and good luck
i have reviewed information from my doctor and i will be picking up medication (pharmacy didn’t carry it) today and i look forward to this medication. i do take insulin and pills and hope this will help stable my “numbers” and lessen my insulin dosages. i would like to say my hmsa co-payment was 15.00 for 3 pens which i am happy about. according to my provider, i needed to get my medication from a pharmacy provider within my plan and this is why i’m covered and my co-pay is cheap so keep that in mind. aloha and i look foward to posting my results.
Posted by hayngirl | Jul 21, 2010 at 8:50 pmhave been on victoza for 5 weeks. Great weight loss, fasting bs 230 down to 130 on ave. Victoza has done in 5 weeks, what others have not done in 64 wweks. I am a little scared too much to soon, to fast, victoza the mericale cure? Nausea is the only thing i deal with hopes it goes away.
Posted by ricardo | Jul 23, 2010 at 9:03 pmI need to write a book I started may 14 with increasing taper dose by may 28 th I was in the er for low magnesium causing arrythmia . In er again the 29,31 on June 2 I was admitted stopped victoza having ha and multiple dr bills on july2 went back to endocrinologist restarted on this medication that did nor excrete through your kidney followed tapering dose sugars were going down yesterday went to nephrologist hr was 140 I am through taking victoza please beware I have been off work since may I have given it a fair chance on aprior text I saw something about not taking with insulin it was prescribed for me with increase in insulin and this victoza I can thank victoza for 4 er visits 1 urgent care visit and 1 hospital admission thanks
Posted by Karla helmering | Jul 24, 2010 at 2:39 pmcontact me if anyone knows how to get coupons or cheaper victoza
Posted by kathy crain | Jul 24, 2010 at 5:26 pmI was diagnose with border line Type 2 diabetes July 7, 2010. I’m on my fifth week and don’t feel very good at all. My wife was diagnose with Diabetes Type 2. She hasn’t done very well either on it. She got a server head acne and was shaking all over. I never experance that kid of symothons
Posted by Jerry Oaks | Jul 26, 2010 at 12:48 ambut have been sick nauseated, dizzy and going to bath room a lot. Weight loss maybe 3 lbs but with out eating and nausea I would think it would be much greater. Everyone I called tonight asked what was her blood sugar level was. The Dr didn’t even give us one. How are we to know. I will find us A new Dr today. I wasn’t this sick before I went to him. The sad part is I have great Insurance that only charge $66.00 for three months supply.
I have been on Victoza for a few months. Started with the lowest dose and gradually increased. I had some nausea in the beginning but it passed quickly. I have lost quite a bit of weight on this and my BS have dropped signigicantly. I say this is a miracle drug. I tried for years to drop weight and was on a few different diet plans. Nothing was working. Once I began Victoza the weight started to drop fairly quick. I still have about 20 more pounds but I am confident that with Victoza I will succeed. Way to go Novo! The best drug around for type 2 and weight loss.
All the best to everyone!
Posted by kim | Jul 26, 2010 at 11:33 amI write about a lot of drugs and supplements and I have to say this one sounds particularly nasty and something to stay away from!
Paul
Posted by Paul | Jul 27, 2010 at 6:51 amPaul,
Posted by Kathy | Jul 27, 2010 at 12:50 pmWHy would you post a negative comment and not explain your reason for doing so?
Started on Victoza yesterday and have not had anything negative as of yet. I did notice that some of my sugar cravings have subsided. My part d medicare also will not pay and I will have to pay myself . But since I am 70 lbs overweight and tried everything including byetta, I will pay it and see if it works for me. Type 2 for 20 years.
Posted by Judy | Jul 27, 2010 at 6:17 pmis anyone taking insulin along with metformin and glipizide with this medication? if so, how is it working for you? i appreciate ur response.
Posted by hayngirl | Jul 28, 2010 at 6:17 pmStarted Victoza 14 days ago at the smallest dose. I have experienced nausea and get very uncomfortable if I even try to eat to much. I lost 100 pounds over the last 16 months and had hit a plateau. Dr prescribed Victoza to lose more weight. I am prediabetic and take 1 500 mg tablet of Metformin a day. I lost 11 pounds the first week on Victoza. I LOVE that I am not hungry for long periods of time. I have found that I am not obsessing about food as I have previously expereinced.
Posted by Kati | Jul 29, 2010 at 8:06 amPeople are all different, and what works for one will not necessarily work for someone else. Jerry Oaks needs a real doctor. I find it hard to believe that a real doctor wouldn’t give his wife and him a blood monitor, and show them how to work it. It’s hardly rocket science, and anyone on a medicine like Victoza should know how to monitor their blood sugar. Scary. Reading the various comment forms shows that over 90% of the people using Victoza love it. Digestive problems go away after a while, and blood sugar levels are EASILY maintained.
I researched Victoza quite thoroughly before asking my Doctor for it. I’ve been on it a week, and so far, I’m quite impressed. Paul… Nasty how?
It turns out that diabetics are more prone to pancreatitis than normal, and there were too few cases to be able to tell if the pancreatitis was actually caused by the Victoza, according to the FDA. As to tumors… The tumorous rats were given way more of the drug than YOU’LL ever get.
So, I’m giving it a shot (literally in this case) but will keep up with my Doctor.
–Jerry
Posted by Jerry Wright | Jul 30, 2010 at 3:42 amHi everyone, I am a type II and started on Victoza couple of months ago, I was on Byetta 10mgc before that. I was so happy to read all the comments about losing weight but, I am not seeing any on my part……I wonder what am I doing wrong? I am also taking metphormin 500mg once a day. Blood sugar is getting better but very slowly.
Posted by Tahmina | Jul 30, 2010 at 9:54 ami am about 90lbs over weight csnt seem to get it off dr said he would like me to try new drug victoza i was like on then said its injectable was like oh but agreed. got home read all reviews warnings ect and didnt wanna try it but took 1st dose last night so far no side effects and i feel great not hungry however things kinda taste different now ie my gum!!! i am a little worried about the cancer ect but the benefit out weighs the risk. i am so exctited to see how this does for me and my weight. congrats to everyones success!!!!
Posted by chrishawna-TX | Jul 30, 2010 at 10:12 amI am starting the next dose today of 1.2 so far not any problems, Since my part d medicare will not pay , I checked out canadian pharmacys and I can get a 3 pak for 285.00. Anyone else ever ordered from any of these companys. I am going to try if the company will not give me a discount. I will post my findings . Thanks
Posted by Judy | Jul 31, 2010 at 9:36 amJean, I too had uterine cancer 2 years ago and I’m really concerned about the thyroid cancer in rats. I don’t want to trade one problem for another.
Posted by linda | Aug 02, 2010 at 2:14 pmStarted Victoza .6mg one week ago and just increased to 1.2mg. Only mild nausea. Totally lost my appetite and have lost three pounds in one week. Blood sugars much improved, and I have cut back on my Lantis insulin. My most severe side effect is a constant sour taste in my mouth. Anybody have an idea how to combat this?
Posted by marty | Aug 03, 2010 at 5:22 amI have been taking Victoza since July 21.Just had to buy my frist persription an it coast me 221.00 that was after my insurance pay very little an i had a victoza discount of 25.00 dollards. Do you know where i could fine it cheaper ? Would appericate any imformation you can pass on to me.
Posted by Darlene Chapman | Aug 06, 2010 at 6:59 pmI am female, 5′1″, weight is 240 lbs., I started Victoza 1 1/2 wk. ago,on July 28th. A couple of days after that, I experienced 2 nights of 10 minute episodes of nausea and diarrhea, and blood sugar # went down 100 pts. Increased to 1.2 a week later, and I wanted to die that night while one hour of horrendous upset painful stomach coming out both ends, weakness, chills, and ached all over. I asked the dr. for anti-nausea pills which I took one last night, (hydroxyzine pam), and I slept like a baby. I went down another 50 pts on the sugar count, still no weight loss whatsoever, but I am eating less, I feel fuller faster, and I feel like gagging at every meal, so I expect this weight to drop soon. I am hopeful I can stay with this as I go to the next level next week. Whether I am adjusting or the anti-nausea worked, I’ll never know, but I’ll continue taking it and thinking positive. Best wishes to all. Mirta
Posted by Mirta | Aug 07, 2010 at 10:25 amP/S … Do the symptoms get worse as you increase to the 3 rd dosage? Mirta.
Posted by Mirta | Aug 07, 2010 at 10:55 amThe day I found out I was on my way to full blown diabetes, I quit drinking wine altogether and stopped all sweets immediately. My doctor gave me two Victoza pens and I went to work to change my life. In 3 weeks, 10lbs. dropped off and I feel awesome. The Victoza pen helps those who help themselves. The really important job is yours. Victoza helps the pancreas do it’s job, but I am in charge of what I put in my mouth. Two replacement pens cost $269 on Drugstore.com
The only way for me to avoid becoming insulin dependent is to exercise, make sound and healthy food choices and have the will to work hard at it.
I started the pen on 1.8 and it gave me blurred vision and bad headaches. I went back the .6 daily injection and everything went back to normal.
Posted by KKC in Clearwater | Aug 08, 2010 at 12:33 pmOkay, here is is August 8, and I’ve been on Victoza about 2 and 1/2 weeks. Upped it from .6 to 1.2 and had the sulfur burps (which is typical) for about 3 days. Never have had nausea.
So far I’ve dropped about 7 pounds (almost half a pound a day? Radical!) and my fasting blood sugar is always under 100. Lessee… Its almost 3 hours since I had dinner, let me check my blood sugar level. 140. Two of the new tacos from Taco Bell, and (sorry) an order of chips and cheese. I guess that’s acceptable. And by the way, I still feel no hunger, and I’m going to bed.
–Jerry
Posted by Jerry Wright | Aug 10, 2010 at 1:46 amHello all. I am unique among most of you. I have had type 1(juvenile) diabetes for 28 yrs. My Dr. asked me if I would be interesed in trying the Victoza for it’s weight loss effects. Not only have I lost 6 lbs. in a week I don’t crave food nor want sweets as before. I am not really over weight but the loss has been great. I started with the .6 with no side effects, moved to middle dose(between .6/1.2) and had really bad nausea. I ask my DR. and he said to just reduce the amount. So, I am 6 days in with just a little nausea. I also have cold sweats at nite…..I hope things get better the longer I take it. My blood sugars have been good due to not eating the extra food. Good Luck all!
Posted by Clint | Aug 10, 2010 at 11:05 amI started on week 3 with 1.4 going up gradually, I noticed yesterday that my appetite was comming back in the middle of the day , I have been taking it at night at 10pm but I decided to begin taking it in the morning again to see if it helps. Sleepy all day. Still some hunger. I am worried it is going to stop working I lost 8 lbs in the first 13 days and none since. I am working up to 1.8 slowly 1 click every other day till I get there. I hope that ball in my stomach feeling comes back soon. the blood sugar is great. I am only on vic now and i am getting 90-110.
Posted by Judy | Aug 12, 2010 at 4:20 pmAlso is any one retaining fluid on victoza, I am and it is not good for me . I have chf and already on diuretics. thanks
Posted by Judy | Aug 13, 2010 at 9:09 amIam on day 6 of Victoza 0.6. Will increase to 1.2 in a couple of days.
Posted by Suzan | Aug 15, 2010 at 1:31 pmI have very mild nausea, but no desire to eat much of anything. A little soup and soymilk/fruit shakes.
I am feeling light headed, at times to the point I have to sit down because I have light flashes in my eyes and I feel as if I am going to faint. Eating a little does help. I am anticipating that once my body adjusts to all this I will be able to have a balanced diet. I am going to get some protein powder to add to my shakes, that may do the trick.
I do get the flu like symtomps at night. Then awaken fine. So it’s ok.
Some diarreha, but nothing drastic. However, I am urinating all day. Drink water/bathroom, drink water/bathroom………. This is what I am up to.
This is contrary to the posting above by Judy.
Lastly, my neck is really bothering me, it’s very tight. Anyone else out there having the neck tightness, and also peeing all day?
I am very hopeful about this drug. With DMII if we can all lose weight, and eat better and exercize we will ultimately end up with very healthy bodies.
Cheers to all.
I’ve been on Victoza for just about a month. I had nausea from the beginning, but changed my injection to evening so at least the worst of it has passed by the time I get up. I did a week at .6, then one at 1.2 and am on week 3 at 1.8. I still have slight nausea and a feeling that my stomach is “fluttering” much of the time. I have almost no appetite, but worse I cannot seem to eat many things. I cannot seem to get down vegetables, eggs, and anything spicey (formerly a favorite). I agreed with my doc to try this for 3 months to see what it did to my A1C levels and weight. I also take 850mgx3 Metformin a day. I’m just really tired of feeling poorly, and am about to talk to him and see if I can drop back to the 1.2 level and see if some of the side effects go away.
I am on Medicare with an excellent supplemental insurance paid by my retirement plan. My pens and needles were free, as long as I get them mail order.
Posted by Pat | Aug 16, 2010 at 8:34 pmI was formerly taking Actos and Byetta twice a day. I have gained 20 lbs this past year after a gallbladder operation. I was ALWAYS hungry and craving sweets. I ate breakfast at 6 was hungry and nauseated by 10 am, weak and shaky if I was late for 12 pm lunch, and starving on the way home from work at 5. I couldn’t wait the hour after the Byetta I was so hungry. I started Victoza two weeks ago and am up to 1.8. I take it at night before bed and have minor nausea if I wake up during the night. Absolutely no other symptoms, and I have lost 10 lbs. I am no longer starving and/or craving sweets. I cannot finish a meal, and I do not get hungry. Almost have to force myself to eat. My blood sugar came down from 169 to 112 or 118. I also stopped the Actos because I felt it was contributing to my hunger. I don’t care how much this drug costs, I will find a way to pay for it. I have gotten Celebrex brand name from Canada on 2 occasions and have had no problems.
Posted by M. D. Mattson | Aug 18, 2010 at 10:51 pmI have been on Victoza now for 2 weeks, I have no nausea and can tell the weight is coming off. I have continued to take the .6 dose as it is working and I don’t think I need to increase it. I will be seeing my Dr in two weeks, I will share the results. I have tried Byetta but could not stand the nausea and my sugar levels were still up.
Posted by Linda Mobley | Aug 20, 2010 at 8:55 amSince starting Victoza, my levels are constant. After eating yesterday, my BS levels were still at 99. One suggestion too is tha I am on the Dr Gott No Sugar, No Flour diet. I think it will help with the diabetes, WE NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OF OUR LIVES
Victoza might help in reduce weight but there are other natural alternatives which are result oriented. To reduce weight, calories balance is important. The calories can be controlled by eating veg foods rather than fast foods. Then workouts or yoga can also help burn calories.
Thanks
Posted by Collin Paul | Aug 24, 2010 at 2:16 amCollin paul
I have been taking this for the past few days. I started with what my doctor told me to take 1.2. Next day FBS 107 from 150-170 best in years. Less appetite. That night 1.2 again. Next day FBS 109 terrible nausea and fatigue, no appetite at all. Reduced dose to .6. Next day FBS 110 appetite poor but no nausea. That night .6 V. Next day FBS 123. Clearly have to return to the dose my doc recommended. Dreading it. How can one titrate or time the injection to minimize these effects?
Posted by Diane G | Aug 24, 2010 at 11:21 amI started taking Victoza a couple of days ago, and the results for me have been amazing. My pre-meal and post-meal sugar levels have dropped on average about 40-50 points. I have noticed that I’m not as hungry after a meal, which means less snacking. Today is my last shot at .6mg, and tomorrow I start taking it at 1.2mg, which is what my doctor recommended.
Posted by Thomas Stanley | Aug 25, 2010 at 12:39 pmI think there is an assumption on Mr. Paul’s part that the rest of us are not dieting or exercising. Sometimes that is not the case. I have been engaged in some very intense exercise (until I injured myself recently) and dieting with a mail order system emphasizing protein and vegetables. However, my FBS was not going down, but at times, particularly during work out stress, going up (to 192!). Just found out today that I have sleep apnea. Case solved. I will do 1.2 tomorrow, eat what I can, pray for no nausea and wait for my apnea tx. to begin.
Posted by Diane G | Aug 25, 2010 at 4:09 pmDiane G, I started with 0.6 for a whole week, then did two days of 0.6 + 2 clicks, then 0.6 + 4 clicks and then the full 1.2. My MD had recommended 0.6 for a week then 1.2, but because I was feeling so nauseus, and light headed and miserable I took the advise of the bloggers and moved up more gradually. It worked well for me.
Posted by Suzan | Aug 26, 2010 at 8:30 amYou may try doing it that way. In fact there was a blog I came across (could be on this site or an other) where she moved a click every three days. It would take a month to get from 0.6 to 1.2 doing it that way, but if that is what is needed to control the side effects, so be it.
Anyone out there who is bruising at the injection site. I had one a week ago, then yesterday another one and this morning another one. I am an RN, my teqnique is not the issue. I do not have unusual bruising on any other part of my body, so this is not a general clotting issue. If you are having the same please shout out to me.
Great day to all. Suzan
On V for 9 days. The nausea was fleeting. I dropped back to .6 for 2 days then back to 1.2. Doc was right to refuse to prescribe anti-emetic for me. FBS has not remained down as far as I had hoped. For a couple days it was 107, 109, 110. Now, it is 125. Appetite is mildly increased, no nausea, no dizziness. Weight has stabilized at 166 despite initial loss of 2-3 lbs. Some constipation and possible water retention. I am continuing on the mail order diet system. I still can move up to 1.8 I guess. I am currently awaiting a fit test for a CPAP and perhaps this treatment (for sleep apnea) will help with the FBS. Hope for the best. As far as the injection, I sometimes wonder if the needle has actually gone in because it is not detectable. BTW it IS ok to have this med at room temp as long as it is below 80? My room temp is about 70. I don’t want to keep in frig if I don’t have to but I don’t want to reduce effectiveness either.
Posted by Diane G | Aug 29, 2010 at 9:40 amMy physician gave me Victoza samples to help with weight loss. I started on the .6 mg dose and tolerated it with mild nausea. When I moved to the 1.2 mg dose, I was nauseated, had flu-like symptoms and absolutely no energy. I am not diabetic but I am insulin resistant and about 30 lbs overweight. I tried to push through the side effects but I could not do it. I dropped myself down to the .6 mg dose. Has anyone else had this experience? I have lost about 12 lbs and I want to be able to continue on this. Any advice?
Posted by Jane | Sep 01, 2010 at 1:35 amStarted Victoza three weeks ago, this is for weight loss, I have lost 6 pounds in three weeks which I am soo excited about, also have changed my diet. But I have noticed that my gums are bright red - I have increased my dose to 1.2 and this is when I noticed it. Has anyone else noticed this? I am not sure if it is from the Victoza or the tuna fish I eat daily. Other than that and the dry mouth feeling, it isn’t bad at all. I also notice the change in how food tastes. I also drink alot of water now.
Posted by Betsy | Sep 02, 2010 at 7:10 amIt is hard to say anything about side effects for off label uses of Victoza. I read that the trials are going to start soon for its use (or the use of something similar)for weight loss. But as far as I know its intended use currently is for Type II diabetics who are failing their oral meds (Metformin). It is supposed to be the second line of treatment. That said, I am two weeks in and my expected side effects dissipated within the first two days. My FBS is down to 110 as of this morning and appetite continues to be very modest (unless I don’t eat or take Metformin on time). Metformin may be causing some stomach distress which hasn’t been the case for awhile simply because my BS are at or approaching normal. I hope and pray that they don’t find some late effect such as pancreatitis which would cause them to withdraw this drug from the market. It is the only thing that has worked to get my BS finally stabilized. I was headed for insulin. As far as taste is concerned, I have noticed that I am really tasting my food unlike what I have done in the past. I hate my diet food and the artificial sweeteners etc. which I hadn’t noticed when I was wolfing everything down. Now I find myself becoming a persnickity eater like my skinny brother, LOL.
Posted by Diane G | Sep 05, 2010 at 9:10 pmHi, I am Mirta from Aug. 7th post…I stayed on the 1.2 level for quite a while because of the fear of the nausea. I stopped the anti-nausea pill fter a couple of weeks because I did not want to become used to another med., so I decided to increase one click at a time, every week, so I could adjust slowly. I am not getting sick, I have lost 10 lbs. since I started on July 28th, and my sugar is 100-115 most of the time, I am not doing 1.8 yet, I have a couple of clicks to go. I eat less because I am always full, I plan to start walking around the neighborhood this week, after Labor Day is over. I am happy with my progress, slow is fine with me. Sometimes food does taste differently, I have not experienced anything else like red gums, or dry mouth. Jane, just try moving up 1 click at a time.
Posted by Mirta | Sep 06, 2010 at 10:16 amI STARTED VICTOZA 6 WEEKS AGO, I WAS 362 LBS. TODAY I AM 339. SUGARS WAS 260 TODAY IT IS 130 IN ONLY 6 WEEKS. I KNOW MEDS WORKS DIFFERENT ON PEOPLE THIS THIS IS FOR ME. I AM A VERY GOOD COOK AND I DO NOT EAT AS MUCH SO I AM LOSING WEIGHT AND FELL GREAT WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS.
Posted by GLENN | Sep 06, 2010 at 1:44 pm