What is liraglutide?

Liraglutide is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes (alongside dietary changes); to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes; or for weight loss in adults and children 12 and older.

• Liraglutide comes in 3 FDA-approved forms: Saxenda, Victoza, and generic liraglutide injection.
• Victoza and generic liraglutide are used to lower blood sugar (glucose) in type 2 diabetes.
• Only Saxenda is specifically approved for weight loss, although Victoza/ liraglutide injection may cause weight loss as a side effect

Liraglutide’s mechanism of action involves mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, that your body makes after eating. GLP-1 helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin when needed, reducing glucose production in the liver, slowing digestion, and decreasing appetite. When used in people with excess weight, liraglutide reduces appetite by slowing down digestion which tells your brain you are full, so you eat less. Over time, eating less leads to weight loss.

• Unlike your body’s natural GLP-1 which works for minutes, liraglutide lasts for 24 hours, which means liraglutide injections only need to be given 1 time a day.

Liraglutide belongs to the drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which includes other medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Ryebelsus, Trulicity, and Byetta.

Liraglutide first gained FDA approval on January 25, 2010, under Victoza, for type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda for weight loss. A Victoza generic, called liraglutide injection, was FDA-approved on December 23, 2024. This generic is only FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Liraglutide uses

Liraglutide comes in 3 FDA-approved forms:

• Saxenda: Approved for weight loss treatment only
• Victoza: Approved for diabetes treatment only (improve blood sugar control/reduce cardiovascular risk)
• Liraglutide injection: Approved for diabetes treatment only (improve blood sugar control).

FDA-approved Saxenda uses

Saxenda is used for adults who are obese or overweight with weight-related medical problems, and children with obesity aged 12 to 17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) to help them lose weight and keep the weight off.

• Saxenda should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Saxenda and Victoza have the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and should not be used together or with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.
• It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the counter medicines, or herbal weight loss products.
• It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

FDA-approved Victoza/ generic liraglutide injection uses

Victoza/  liraglutide injection is used to lower blood sugar (glucose) in type 2 diabetes in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older along with diet and exercise.

Victoza is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with known heart disease.

Victoza/ liraglutide injection is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes.

They should not be used with other medicines that contain liraglutide.

It is not known if Victoza/ liraglutide injection is safe and effective in lowering blood sugar (glucose) in children under 10 years of age

Liraglutide side effects

The most common side effects of liraglutide (Victoza/ liraglutide injection) when used in people with type 2 diabetes are:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• decreased appetite
• indigestion and constipation.

The most common side effects of liraglutide (Saxenda) when used for weight loss are:

• nausea
• injection site reaction
• tiredness (fatigue)
• diarrhea
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• dizziness
• constipation
• headache
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• upset stomach (dyspepsia)
• changes in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood.

Additional common side effects of liraglutide used for weight loss in children (Saxenda) include fever and gastroenteritis.

Serious side effects and warnings

Liraglutide carries a Boxed Warning for thyroid C-cell tumors in rats and mice, but it is unknown whether liraglutide would cause this type of cancer in humans.

Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. liraglutide and medicines that work like liraglutide caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if liraglutide will cause thyroid tumors, or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.

• Do not use liraglutide if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.

Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using liraglutide and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk of getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use liraglutide with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

• dizziness or light-headedness
• sweating
• confusion or drowsiness
• headache
• blurred vision
• slurred speech
• shakiness
• fast heartbeat
• anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
• hunger
• weakness
• feeling jittery.

Serious allergic reactions. Stop using liraglutide and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including:

• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• problems breathing or swallowing
• severe rash or itching
• fainting or feeling dizzy
• very rapid heartbeat.

Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse.

Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems including gall stones have happened in some people who take liraglutide. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include:

• pain in your upper stomach (abdomen)
• fever
• yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• clay-colored stools.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). liraglutide may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking liraglutide before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

Pancreatitis associated with liraglutide has been reported in post-marketing reports. Stop taking liraglutide and talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as pain in your upper abdomen that spreads to your back, a swollen or tender abdomen, fever, or nausea and vomiting.

Depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes, in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.

Victoza is not for type 1 diabetes.

Do not use Saxenda and Victoza/ liraglutide injection together. Do not use liraglutide with other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Ryebelsus, Trulicity, or Byetta.

These are not all the possible side effects of liraglutide. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA .

Before taking

You should not use liraglutide if you are allergic to liraglutide, Saxenda, Victoza, or any of the inactive ingredients in liraglutide. In addition, do not use if you have:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands)
• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions before starting liraglutide, including if you:

• are taking certain medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Ryebelsus, Trulicity, or Byetta
• have or have had problems with your pancreas, kidneys or liver
• have severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis), problems with digesting food, or severe stomach problems
• have type 1 diabetes
• are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Liraglutide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old with type 2 diabetes (Victoza/ liraglutide injection), or for anyone younger than 12 years for weight loss (Saxenda). For cardiovascular risk reduction, it is only approved for adults 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes (Victoza/ liraglutide injection).

Pregnancy

It is not known if liraglutide will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using liraglutide.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if liraglutide passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should breastfeed while taking liraglutide.

How should I use liraglutide?

Read the Instructions for Use that come with the brand of liraglutide your healthcare provider has prescribed. Use liraglutide exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. See the:

• Saxenda Instructions for Use
• Victoza Instructions for Use
• Liraglutide injection Instructions for Use.

Inject liraglutide 1 time each day, at any time of the day.

• Liraglutide may be taken with or without food.

Liraglutide is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject liraglutide into a muscle (intramuscularly) or a vein (intravenously).

• Change (rotate) your injection site with each daily injection. Do not use the same site for each injection.
• Your healthcare provider will teach you how to inject liraglutide yourself, or you can have a caregiver give it to you.

If you are also prescribed insulin, do not mix insulin and liraglutide in the same injection.

• You may give an injection of insulin in the same body area as liraglutide (such as your stomach area), but not right next to each other.

Liraglutide dosing information

Usual Adult Liraglutide Dose for Diabetes Type 2 for Glycemic Control (Victoza, generic liraglutide injection) or Cardiovascular Risk Reduction (Victoza only)

Initial dose: liraglutide 0.6 mg subcutaneously 1 time daily for 1 week then increase to 1.2 mg daily.

• If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dose to 1.8 mg daily after 1 week of treatment with the 1.2 mg daily dose.

Maintenance dose: 1.2 to 1.8 mg subcutaneously 1 time a day.

Maximum dose: 1.8 mg subcutaneously 1 time a day.

Note: The 0.6 mg liraglutide dose is intended to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and is not an effective dose for glycemic control.

Usual Child 10 years and Older Liraglutide Dose for Diabetes Type 2 for Glycemic Control (Victoza, generic liraglutide injection)

Initial dose: liraglutide 0.6 mg subcutaneously 1 time daily for at least 1 week.

• If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dose to 1.2 mg daily, and if additional glycemic control is still required, increase to 1.8 mg daily after at least 1 week of treatment with the 1.2 mg daily dose.

Maintenance dose: 0.6 to 1.8 mg subcutaneously 1 time a day.

Maximum dose: 1.8 mg subcutaneously 1 time a day.

Usual Adult and Child 12 and older Liraglutide Dose for Weight Loss (Saxenda)

Saxenda is started at a low dose initially then gradually increased over 5 weeks to the full dose of Saxenda 3 mg.

• Week 1: Saxenda 0.6 mg for 1 week.
• Week 2: Saxenda 1.2 mg for 1 week.
• Week 3: Saxenda 1.8 mg for 1 week.
• Week 4: Saxenda 2.4 mg for 1 week.
• Week 5: Saxenda 3 mg for 1 week.

After this initial dosing schedule, do not change the dose of Saxenda unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Children 12 and older may reduce their dose to 2.4 mg daily if the maximum dose is not tolerated.

What happens if I miss a dose of liraglutide?

If you miss a dose of liraglutide, take the missed dose at the next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses of liraglutide at the same time.

What happens if I take too much liraglutide?

If you take too much liraglutide, call your healthcare provider right away. Taking too much liraglutide may cause severe nausea, severe vomiting, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

What happens if I develop low blood sugar on liraglutide?

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by other medications (such as insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes), stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Also, watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.

What should I avoid while using liraglutide?

Never share an injection pen or prefilled syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or diseases to pass from one person to another.

What other drugs will affect liraglutide?

Other drugs may interact with liraglutide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• insulin
• oral diabetes medicine – Glucotrol, Metaglip, Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucovance, and others.

Liraglutide can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

How do I store liraglutide?

Store unopened liraglutide in a refrigerator between 36-46°F (2-8°C), away from the cooling element and do not freeze.

After opening, you can store the pen for 30 days either at room temperature (59-86°F/15-30°C) or in the fridge. Always keep the cap on and protect it from heat and sunlight.

For injections, use a fresh needle each time, removing and discarding it after use. Store the pen without an injection needle attached to prevent contamination, leakage, or infection.

Liraglutide ingredients

Victoza brand

Active ingredient: liraglutide.
Inactive ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol and water for injection, hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

Victoza injection is available as a 6 mg/mL solution in a pre-filled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg.

Saxenda brand

Active ingredient: liraglutide.

Inactive ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH.

Saxenda injection is available as a 6 mg/mL solution in a 3 mL pre-filled, single, patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3 mg.

Generic liraglutide injection (Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC)

Active ingredient: liraglutide.

Inactive ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol and water for injection.

Generic liraglutide injection is available as a 6 mg/mL solution in a pre-filled, single-patient-use pen that delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg.

Who makes liraglutide?

Novo Nordisk makes liraglutide under the brand name Victoza.

Novo Nordisk makes liraglutide under the brand name Saxenda.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC makes generic liraglutide injection. 

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is used for type 2 diabetes to help lower blood sugar levels, and tirzepatide also causes weight loss. Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection that should be used alongside dietary changes and exercise.

Mounjaro received FDA approval on May 13, 2022. There is no Mounjaro generic. The 2 different brands of tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are made by Eli Lilly and Company but are FDA-approved for different conditions.

• Mounjaro: Specifically approved for type 2 diabetes management in adults.
• Zepbound: Designated for weight loss treatment in adults.

Benefits of Mounjaro

• Blood sugar control and HbA1c reduction.*
• Significant weight loss support.**

*HbA1c measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
** Not an FDA-approved use.

Although Mounjaro for weight loss is not officially approved, Mounjaro has been shown to help weight loss and maintain the lost weight in clinical trials when combined with diet and exercise. 

Weight loss support

The most recent clinical trial (Surmount-5) comparing tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) to semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) reported that tirzepatide is significantly more effective than semaglutide.

• Average weight loss: tirzepatide 50.3 lb (22.8 kg), semaglutide 33.1 lb (15 kg).
• Percentage of body weight lost: tirzepatide 20.2%, semaglutide 13.7%.
• Waist circumference reduction: tirzepatide 7.2″ (18.4 cm), semaglutide 5.1″ (13 cm).

Tirzepatide is probably more effective than semaglutide because of its dual mechanism of action.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has a dual mechanism of action and activates two hormone receptors in the gut: GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This:

• Stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when blood glucose is elevated
• Decreases glucagon secretion (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
• Slows down stomach emptying, which helps to control post-meal blood sugar spikes
• Helps to control appetite and food intake
• Increases feelings of fullness and satiety, acting on GLP-1 receptors in the brain
• Affects the brain’s reward pathways, with potential benefits beyond diabetes and weight management.

Medical uses and FDA approvals

Mounjaro is approved by the FDA for blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.

WARNING: Mounjaro is not approved for type 1 diabetes treatment, and it is not known if it can be used in people with pancreatitis.

It is not known if Mounjaro is safe or effective in children under 18 years of age.

Side effects

The most common side effects of Mounjaro include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• vomiting
• constipation
• indigestion
• stomach (abdominal) pain.

Serious side effects and warnings

Mounjaro may cause the following serious side effects:

• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rats, Mounjaro and medicines that work like Mounjaro caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Mounjaro will cause thyroid tumors, or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.

Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

• Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Mounjaro and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Mounjaro with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
  • dizziness or light-headedness
  • sweating
  • confusion or drowsiness
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • slurred speech
  • shakiness
  • fast heartbeat
  • anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
  • hunger
  • weakness
  • feeling jittery
• Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Mounjaro and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • problems breathing or swallowing
  • severe rash or itching
  • fainting or feeling dizzy
  • very rapid heartbeat.
• Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. You need to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Mounjaro. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
• Vision changes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Mounjaro.
• Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have occurred in some people who use Mounjaro. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include:
  • pain in your upper stomach (abdomen)
  • fever
  • yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • clay-colored stools.
• Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Mounjaro may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Mounjaro before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Mounjaro. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA.

Before using this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you:

• are allergic to the tirzepatide, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or any of the ingredients contained in the pens or vials (see below for a list of ingredients)
• have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
• have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• pancreas problems;
• kidney disease;
• are planning surgery or a procedure that uses anesthesia or deep sedation
• a severe stomach problem, such as problems with digesting food or slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis); or
• diabetic retinopathy (a diabetes complication that affects the eyes).

Pregnancy

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, you become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby.

This medicine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. If you take birth control pills, you may need to use additional birth control methods for 4 weeks after starting this medicine, and for 4 weeks each time the dose is increased.

Breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed while using this medicine. It is not known whether this tirzepatide passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.

How should I use Mounjaro?

You should read the Instructions for Use carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not understand. It is important to use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.

Mounjaro is a pre-filled pen injected under the skin (subcutaneously).

• Mounjaro is usually given 1 time a week
• It can be given with or without meals at any time of the day
• It may be injected under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
  • You should rotate the injection site for each dose.

Your healthcare provider will usually start you on a low dose, which will be gradually increased, but not more than once every 4 weeks.

You may change the day of the week you use this medicine as long as there are at least three days between doses.

You may give insulin in the same area as this medicine, but they should not be given right next to each other. Do not mix insulin and Mounjaro in the same injection.

Mounjaro controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. It may take four weeks or longer before you see the full benefit of this medicine. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

For more detailed instructions with diagrams, on how to use this medicine, click here: Instructions for Mounjaro.

Mounjaro Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

Initial dose: 2.5 mg under the skin (subcutaneously) once a week.

After 4 weeks: Increase to 5 mg subcutaneously once a week.

If additional glycemic control is needed: Increase from 5 mg to 7.5 mg for 4 weeks and thereafter in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.

Maximum dose: 15 mg subcutaneously once a week.

Comments: The 2.5 mg dosage is for starting treatment and is not intended for glycemic control. The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between the 2 doses is at least 3 days (72 hours).

What strengths are Mounjaro pens?

Mounjaro is available as a single-dose autoinjector pen or vial in the following strengths:

• 2.5 mg/0.5 mL 
• 5 mg/0.5 mL 
• 7.5 mg/0.5 mL 
• 10 mg/0.5 mL 
• 12.5 mg/0.5 mL 
• 15 mg/0.5 mL.

In the past, there have been issues with Mounjaro availability due to increased demand leading to drug shortages for some strengths.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it within 4 days after the missed dose.

However, if more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject two doses within 3 days of each other.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline . Information is also available online at Poison Help If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What other drugs affect Mounjaro?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Birth control pills may not work as well while receiving Mounjaro. Your doctor may suggest you use another form of birth control for 4 weeks after starting this medicine and for 4 weeks after each dose change.

Taking other medicines to treat diabetes like insulin, sulfonylureas, or other GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic (see Mounjaro vs Ozempic) with this treatment may increase your risk of low blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about low blood sugar and how to manage it.

This medicine delays gastric emptying and has the potential to change the absorption of other medicines that are taken orally.

This list is not complete. Many other drugs may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. To check for interactions with this medicine click the link below.

How do I store Mounjaro?

Store your Mounjaro pens in the refrigerator between 36⁰F to 46⁰F (2⁰C to 8⁰C) in their original carton to protect them from light.

If needed, or while traveling, each single-dose Mounjaro pen can be stored at room temperature up to 86⁰F (30⁰C) for up to 21 days.

Mounjaro ingredients

Active ingredient: tirzepatide

Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid solution and/or sodium hydroxide solution may have been added to adjust the pH.

Who makes Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is made by Eli Lilly and Company, commonly known as Lilly. They are an American pharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis that was founded in 1876. Notable drugs from Lilly include:

• Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss – same molecule as Mounjaro)
• Trulicity (diabetes)
• Verzenio (breast cancer)
• Jardiance (diabetes, heart failure – partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Cymbalta (depression, anxiety)
• Prozac (depression – though now generic)
• Olumiant (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Donanemab (Alzheimer’s – recently approved).

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication used for adults with type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels (A1C). It is also used to reduce the risk of kidney function decline in diabetics with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in certain patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

Ozempic has been shown to help weight loss and maintain weight loss in clinical trials. 

Ozempic works by increasing insulin release, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing sugar production by the liver, which results in improved blood sugar levels, prolonged fullness, and controlled appetite, which may lead to weight loss.

Ozempic mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is released when we eat to help balance blood sugar and make us feel full after meals. Ozempic is from a class of medicines called GLP-1 agonists. 

Ozempic injection can be self-administered once a week, under the skin using an autoinjector (pen). 

Ozempic FDA Approval

Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat:

• Type 2 diabetes in adults to control blood sugar (glucose) control along with diet and exercise
• Reduce major cardiovascular event risks (such as heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease
• Reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and death due to cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Ozempic FDA approval was granted on December 5, 2017. There is no Ozempic generic.  Each of the different brands of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) is made by Novo Nordisk, but they are FDA-approved for different conditions. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management, and Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

 WARNING: Ozempic is not approved for type 1 diabetes treatment, and it is not known if it can be used in people with pancreatitis.

Benefits of Ozempic Treatment

• Blood sugar control and HbA1C reduction* 
• Significant weight loss support
• Lower risk of heart attack and stroke
• Improved cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes patients
• Slows the decline of kidney disease and improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes.

*HbA1C (A1C) measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.  

Ozempic and Type 2 Diabetes

The benefit of using Ozempic in diabetes is a reduction in A1C this was seen in the 30-week SUSTAIN 1 clinical trial (NCT02054897):

• 73% of Ozempic 0.5 mg patients achieved an A1C of 7% or less.

Ozempic for CKD and heart disease

The FLOW phase 3b clinical trial (NCT03819153) found two important benefits of using Ozempic in adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD:

• 24% lower risk of their kidney disease getting worse 
• 4.9% lower risk of dying from heart problems. 

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is released after eating to help regulate blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness. Ozempic works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing the amount of sugar produced and released by the liver. This results in improved blood sugar control, prolonged fullness, and a decreased appetite, which may contribute to weight loss.

Ozempic’s mechanism of action involves binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, which stimulates insulin secretion, lowers glucagon levels, and delays gastric emptying after meals.

The exact way Ozempic reduces the risk of kidney-related complications is not fully understood.

“Oatzempic” is a term coined on social media, referring to a blended drink made from oats, water, and lime juice, that may make you feel fuller for longer and help you eat less. However, there are no clinical trials to prove this drink helps you lose weight .

Ozempic for weight loss

Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, is used for weight loss and weight management, under the brand name Wegovy. 

Ozempic was shown to be effective for weight loss in a 30-week semaglutide SUSTAIN 1 clinical trial (NCT02054897). Semaglutide patients had:

• 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) more weight loss than placebo (with a 1 mg dose)
• 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) more weight loss than placebo (with a 0.5 mg dose)

Ozempic helped with weight loss and weight loss maintenance when used with diet and exercise in clinical trials, however, it is not FDA-approved for weight loss.  Wegovy is the brand of semaglutide approved for weight loss. 

Ozempic side effects 

Common side effects

Common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, loss of appetite, runny nose or sore throat, stomach flu symptoms or headache, dizziness, tiredness, and low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes). 

Stomach or gastrointestinal side effects are common but tend to be mild and clear up in a few weeks in most people and will not interfere with long-term treatment. Stomach side effects can be more common with higher doses.

The most common gastrointestinal side effect is nausea, which occurs in 15.8% to 20.3% of people taking Ozempic at doses of 0.5 mg or 1 mg, according to clinical trials.

• Others include vomiting (5% to 9.2%), diarrhea (8.5% to 8.8%), stomach-area pain (7.3% to 5.7%), and constipation (5% to 3.1%).
• These side effects occurred at rates higher than the placebo-treated groups (receiving an inactive treatment).
• These Ozempic side effects occurred in 5% or more of type 2 diabetes patients taking Ozempic 0.5 mg and 1mg in the pooled placebo-controlled clinical trials.

More patients receiving Ozempic 0.5 mg (3.1%) and 1 mg (3.8%) discontinued treatment due to stomach side effects than patients receiving placebo (0.4%).

The side effect of hypoglycemia occurred in 3.8% of Ozempic 1mg patients (monotherapy) with type 2 diabetes in placebo-controlled trials. Among diabetic patients taking insulin, with or without metformin, 29.8% experienced symptomatic hypoglycemia, and 1.5% had severe hypoglycemia in patients taking Ozempic 1mg from a pool of placebo-controlled trials.

Ozempic face is a term used to describe the noticeable facial changes seen in some people who are prescribed this medicine. These changes are not a specific side effect of Ozempic, but rather a result of significant weight loss .

Tips for managing stomach side effects

Following these tips may help you manage stomach side effects:

• eat more slowly
• consume smaller meals
• select more bland, low-fat foods (like crackers, toast, and rice)
• avoid greasy, fried foods or sugar treats
• eat foods that contain water (like soup or gelatin)
• don’t lie down right after eating
• drink clear or ice-cold liquids
• if possible, go outside for fresh air if you feel sick to your stomach

Serious side effects

Ozempic can cause serious side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, low blood sugar levels, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions, and it can also increase the risk of food or liquid getting into your lungs during surgery or a medical procedure .

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, dizziness, fast heartbeats, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine can cause other serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• vision changes;
• unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• signs of a thyroid tumor – swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath;
• symptoms of pancreatitis – severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate;
• gallbladder problems – upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low blood sugar–headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
• kidney problems – swelling, urinating less, blood in urine, feeling tired or short of breath
• stomach flu symptoms – stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)
• symptoms of ileus (stomach paralysis) – bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that require anesthesia or deep sedation. Ozempic may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Warnings

Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Ozempic and medicines that work in a similar way caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer, in trials with rodents. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.

• If you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, tell your healthcare provider as these may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
• If you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), you should not use this medicine.

Stomach paralysis. Postmarketing data has shown an association between semaglutide and ileus (stomach paralysis). Because these reports are voluntary it is not possible to estimate the frequency of these effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

Ozempic is not recommended for patients with severe gastroparesis.

Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients being treated with medicines like semglutide. If you have signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, seek medical advice immediately. 

Acute kidney injury due to volume depletion has been reported in postmarketing reports occurring in patients who experienced nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea leading to dehydration. If you have persistent or extended nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, it is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration and see your healthcare provider immediately.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredients in this medicine, or if you have:

• multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands); or
• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have a stomach or intestinal disorder
• have severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems with digesting food
• have pancreatitis
• are planning surgery or other procedure that requires anesthesia or deep sedation
• have kidney disease
• have eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy)
• are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or intending to breastfeed.

This medicine caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer in animal studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Also, talk to your healthcare provider about what side effects Ozempic may cause before you start taking it.

Pregnancy

It is not known if Ozempic will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider before you become pregnant because it is recommended you stop using this medicine at least 2 months before you get pregnant. If you do become pregnant while taking semaglutide, tell your healthcare provider right away.

Semaglutide may indirectly improve fertility by promoting weight loss and better blood sugar control .

Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant or while you are pregnant. 

Breastfeeding

It is not known if Ozempic passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.

How should I use this medicine?

Essential Preparation Before Starting Ozempic

Before beginning your Ozempic treatment, ensure you:

• Carefully read the complete Instructions for Use on the Package Insert
• Receive proper training from your healthcare provider on injection technique
• Understand your prescribed dosing schedule
• Have all necessary supplies ready.

Weekly Ozempic Injection Guidelines

Proper Injection Technique

Ozempic must be administered via subcutaneous injection (this means just under the skin) in one of these approved areas:

• Stomach (abdomen)
• Thigh
• Upper arm.

Important: Never inject this medicine into a muscle or vein, as this can affect how the medication works and may be dangerous.

Timing and Frequency

Your weekly routine should follow these guidelines:

• Inject 1 Ozempic injection 1 time a week on the same day
• Choose any time of day that works best for your schedule
• You can adjust your weekly injection day if needed, but ensure at least 2 days have passed since your last injection.

What to Do About Missed Injections

If you miss your scheduled Ozempic injection:

• Take it within 5 days of the missed injection
• Skip the missed injection if more than 5 days have passed
• Resume your regular schedule on your next planned injection day.

Safety and Best Practices

Injection Site Management

To prevent injection site reactions from Ozempic:

• Rotate injection sites with each injection
• Avoid using the same exact spot repeatedly
• Keep a log of injection sites if helpful.

Important Safety Guidelines

Always remember:

• Never share your pen, even with a new needle
• Don’t mix Ozempic with insulin in the same injection
• You can inject this medicine and insulin in the same body area, but keep the injection sites separate.

Lifestyle Considerations

For optimal results:

• Take Ozempic with or without food as preferred
• Maintain your prescribed diet and exercise program
• Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your healthcare provider

Monitoring Your Treatment

Regular Health Checks

While using Ozempic, your healthcare provider will:

• Monitor your blood sugar levels
• Check your hemoglobin A1C regularly
• Adjust your diabetes medication as needed.

When to Adjust Treatment

Your dosage might need adjustment due to:

• Changes in physical activity
• Weight changes
• Stress levels
• Illness or infection
• Surgery
• Other medications
• Changes in diet.

Emergency Situations

Signs of Potential Problems

While you are using semaglutide you should monitor for and manage:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Other diabetes-related complications.

Emergency Response

If you suspect an overdose of Ozempic:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately
• Go to the nearest emergency clinic if symptoms are severe
• Bring your medication and medical information with you.

Giving yourself too much Ozempic may cause severe nausea, vomiting, or very low blood sugar levels.

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How much does Ozempic cost?

You may pay Ozempic cost as little as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply for up to 48 months with the Savings or Ozempic Coupon card, if you have commercial or private insurance.

Ozempic cost depends on whether you have insurance, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and if you are eligible for Savings or an Ozempic Coupon card.

Ozempic dosing information

Ozempic is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection), using an autoinjector (pen).

Ozempic should be started at a low dose to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. 

Ozempic dose for blood sugar control (glycemic control)

• Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg dose 1 time a week.
• Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg dose 1 time a week.
• If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose.
• If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage to 2 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage.

Ozempic dose to reduce eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease and cardiovascular death

• Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg dose 1 time a week.
• Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg dose 1 time a week.
• Increase the dosage to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dosage.

Maximum dosage

• Do not exceed 2 mg injected one time a week.

Usual maintenance dosage

• 0.5 mg, 1mg or 2 mg injected one time a week.

Ozempic pen strengths 

Ozempic is available in 3 strength options: 

• 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose pen (4 doses of 0.25 mg and 2 doses of 0.5 mg, or 4 doses of 0.5 mg)
• 1 mg dose pen, (4 doses per pen)
• 2 mg dose pen, (4 doses per pen)

Each Ozempic pen carton contains 4 NovoFine Plus needles with 1mg and 2mg pens and 6 NovoFine Plus needles with the 0.25/0.5mg dose pen. 

Each injection is pre-filled and intended for to be used by one patient only, even if the needle is changed.

What should I avoid while using this medicine?

Never share an injection, even if you changed the needle. Sharing this device can pass infection or disease from person to person.

What other drugs will affect Ozempic?

This medicine can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.

Tell your doctor about all your other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, especially insulin or other diabetes medicines, such as dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, Byetta, Trulicity, Victoza, and others. There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when Ozempic is used in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications such as glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, or gliclazide. The dosage of these other agents may need to be reduced to lower the risk of low blood sugar levels.

Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine may be risky.

Other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may affect this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about all the other medicines you take.

Does Ozempic interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report .Drug nameAdd a drug to check interactionsAdd

Storage 

The Ozempic injection pen contains multiple doses. After your first use, store the pen with the needle removed in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Protect from heat and light. Keep the cap on when you are not using it. Throw the pen away 56 days after first opening it, or if less than 0.25 mg is shown on the pen counter.

Do not reuse a needle. Place it in a puncture-proof “sharps” container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store unopened injection pens in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not use past the expiration date. Throw away any medicine that has been frozen.

Ozempic Prescribing Information

HCPs and patients often use the Ozempic Prescribing Information for more detailed information about this medicine. The Prescribing Information contains more comprehensive information on Indications and Usage, Dosage and Administration, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, Drug Interaction, and more. Discuss any medical questions you have with your HCP (health care professional). This is not all the information you need to know about this medicine for safe and effective use, and it does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment.

The Prescribing Information is sometimes called Ozempic Package Insert or FDA label.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: semaglutide

Inactive Ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, and water for injection.

Who makes Ozempic?

Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company based in Bagsværd, Denmark, with a history dating back to 1923. The company specializes in diabetes care, hormone replacement therapy, and treatments for rare endocrine and blood disorders.