Athena Vale
Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is administered through injection under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. While Victoza has various side effects, it is unclear if it causes muscle atrophy. However, it is associated with a range of other side effects, including mild symptoms such as nausea and injection site reactions, as well as more severe complications like pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and gallbladder problems. It is important to consult a healthcare provider about any concerns or side effects experienced while taking Victoza.
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What You'll Learn
Pancreatitis and other stomach problems
Victoza® (liraglutide) may cause severe stomach problems. The drug's label warns of acute gallbladder disease and pancreatitis. Gallbladder problems have occurred in some people who take Victoza. Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include pain in the right or middle upper stomach area, fever, nausea, and vomiting, or your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow.
If you experience severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting, you should stop using Victoza and call your healthcare provider right away. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
Victoza may also cause gastrointestinal problems, which occurred in fewer than 5% of patients. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, indigestion, and constipation.
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Increased risk of thyroid cancer
Victoza (liraglutide) has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, specifically papillary thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer. During clinical trials of Victoza, there were 6 cases of papillary thyroid cancer in patients treated with Victoza, compared to 1 case in patients treated with another diabetes drug. This increase was also seen in rodent testing, where there was a three-fold increase in thyroid cancer and a 2.4-fold increase in cancerous cells in the thyroid compared to other diabetes treatments.
The manufacturers of Victoza, Novo Nordisk, were required by the FDA to conduct pre-approval safety studies of Victoza in diabetic rodents. These studies found that Victoza caused malignant tumors of the thyroid gland, particularly at high doses. However, animal experiments with monkeys did not show increased proliferation of C-cells in thyroid glands after chronic administration of liraglutide, and longitudinal data from clinical trials have not demonstrated a causal association between GLP-1 analogs and thyroid C-cell pathology.
In human studies, the risk of thyroid cancer was higher for patients taking Victoza than for those taking other diabetes drugs. Papillary Thyroid Cancer was 3 times more common in Victoza patients, and Thyroid C-cell hyperplasia was 2.4 times more common. However, it is important to note that thyroid cancer is relatively rare, and cancer usually takes several years to develop. Therefore, the studies may not be large enough or long enough to completely estimate the risk of Victoza thyroid cancer.
Due to the potential risk of thyroid cancer associated with Victoza, the FDA required Novo Nordisk to send a letter to doctors specifically warning about this risk. The manufacturer is also required to keep track of all cases of thyroid cancer over the next 15 years. Despite this, Novo Nordisk continues to insist that Victoza is a safe diabetes treatment.
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Gallbladder problems
Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable Type 2 diabetes drug that works by stimulating insulin production in the body. It can also help with weight loss and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. However, it may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Gallbladder disease was reported more frequently in liraglutide-treated patients (1.5% versus 0.5%) during clinical trials.
Symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder include upper abdominal pain after eating, nausea, bloating, and indigestion, especially after a fatty meal. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Victoza and seek immediate medical attention. Gallbladder problems can be serious and may require hospitalization and removal of the gallbladder.
In May 2015, the FDA sent a letter to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Victoza, suggesting that the company include a black box warning on the label addressing the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma associated with the use of the drug. As a result, Victoza now carries a black box warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Additionally, Victoza is the subject of lawsuits that allege the medication caused patients to acquire thyroid and pancreatic cancer.
It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor and to report any side effects you experience. If you are experiencing gallbladder problems or other symptoms while taking Victoza, consult your healthcare provider right away. They can provide guidance and help you manage any side effects effectively.
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Heart problems
Victoza (liraglutide) injections can cause several side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, and allergic reactions. It is important to note that Victoza is a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Regarding heart problems, Victoza may increase the resting heart rate and can influence how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. This effect on the heart's electrical activity could potentially increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Therefore, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, such as recent heart attack, angina, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms, should consult their doctors before taking Victoza to understand how the medication may impact their specific medical condition.
Additionally, Victoza may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), especially when used concurrently with other medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, or metformin. Low blood sugar can lead to symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, anxiety, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, weakness, and dizziness. These cardiovascular and neurological symptoms can be concerning and may require medical attention.
Furthermore, Victoza has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in rodent studies. However, it is currently unknown if Victoza has the same effect in humans. Nonetheless, individuals with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) are advised not to use Victoza due to the potential risk of thyroid tumours.
In summary, while Victoza is effective in improving blood sugar control and reducing cardiovascular risks in individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, it is important to carefully consider the potential side effects, particularly those related to heart health. Close monitoring of heart rate and cardiac function may be necessary for individuals taking Victoza, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks for each patient.
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Weight loss
While Victoza may cause weight loss, only the Saxenda brand of liraglutide is specifically approved for weight loss. The Victoza brand is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it may have weight loss as a side effect due to its ability to cause decreased appetite. This decrease in appetite may lead to a small amount of weight loss.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Victoza and to carefully follow any instructions provided. Victoza may interact with other medications, including insulin, and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and low blood sugar. It is also associated with an increased risk of gallbladder problems, kidney issues, and severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of any side effects and seek medical advice if necessary.
Although Victoza may contribute to weight loss, it is primarily a medication for managing type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks. It should be used under medical supervision, and individuals should not use it solely for weight loss purposes without consulting a healthcare professional.
In addition to its potential weight loss properties, Victoza has been shown to offer protection to the heart. This further highlights the importance of medical supervision when considering the use of Victoza, as a doctor can assess an individual's overall health and determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of cardiovascular problems in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
There is no evidence to suggest that Victoza causes muscle atrophy. However, it is important to note that Victoza should not be injected into a muscle or vein.
Victoza may cause mild to severe side effects, including nausea, injection site reactions, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions, thyroid tumours, and pancreatitis.
Victoza should not be taken with other medications unless discussed with a doctor. It should not be taken with alcohol as it may cause severe low blood sugar.
If you experience any side effects from Victoza, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. For serious side effects or medical emergencies, call 911 or your local emergency number.
