Your doctor tells you to diet, exercise and take your prescribed drugs. You do all of the above; however, those blood sugars never seem to make it into your target range. Every time you test, you hope to see a lower number as the glucose monitor beeps. Ugh...frustration. What are you doing wrong?
Victoza to the Rescue
A new drug for type 2 diabetes called Victoza was approved for use in the United States in January 2010. Since then, it has been used by thousands of diabetics, all with varying results. While the majority are seeing lower blood sugars (some in the double digits) and significant weight loss, others are seeing no change or too much change. Many have claimed Victoza to be a type 2 diabetes miracle drug. That being said, doctors are quick to use Victoza as a second line drug when Metformin and other first line drugs aren't doing their jobs.
What Exactly IS Victoza?
Victoza (liraglutide injection) is a non-insulin once-daily injectable medication that may help improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It comes in an injectable pen form with three dosage levels. The first level (0.6 mg) is usually used for a week and then increased to the second level (1.2 mg). If the third level (1.8 mg) is needed, it is easily "dialed" and may be started after the body has adjusted to the 1.2 mg level.
Victoza works by helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin. It is 97% similar to a hormone in our bodies called GLP-1. This hormone is what helps move sugar from blood into the body cells. It has the same effect as GLP-1, and it also helps food move much more slowly through the stomach. As a result, this gives a sensation of fullness and causes a decrease in appetite. Another benefit of Victoza is that it blocks the liver from releasing too much sugar by lowering the amount of glucagon, a hormone that tells the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream in order to bring glucose levels to normal.
How Do I Use Victoza?
One of the great things about Victoza is that it is made for once-daily usage. The pen only has to be refrigerated up until the first use, and then it can be kept conveniently in a non-refrigerated spot, such as a purse or bedside table. Victoza can be injected at any time of day, regardless of food intake. It is recommended to inject it at approximately the same time each day, however, for consistency.
To do the injection, a special needle (which must also be prescribed by your doctor) is placed on the tip of the pen. The dial at the bottom of the pen is then turned to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The injection may be given in the stomach, thighs or arms (subcutaneously). Throw the needle away, replace the cap, and you're done.
Side Effects of Victoza
The most common side effects of Victoza are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea until the body is used to the medication. Most patients start out at the 0.6 mg level for this reason. Lightheadedness has also been reported. A list of all side effects can be found on Victoza's website.
Victoza and Thyroid Cancer
During Victoza's testing process, this medicine caused rats and mice to develop tumors of the thyroid gland. Some of these tumors were cancerous. It is not known if Victoza will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer in people.
Victoza and Weight Loss
Many people have claimed to lose a great deal of weight while on Victoza. Although Victoza is not a weight loss drug, medical studies have shown that most people taking it do lose a significant amount of weight. Since weight loss is an important component of living with type 2 diabetes, this is definitely an added benefit.
Important Points About VictozaThere are some important things to keep in mind about Victoza, including the following:
- It is not insulin, and it is not known if it is safe and effective when used with insulin.
- It is not recommended as the first choice for treating type 2 diabetes.
- It can be used on its own or with other diabetic medications.
- It should not be used with people with type 1 diabetes or with people with diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It should not be used for children.
- Doctors may recommend that small increases be made when going from 0.6 mg to 1.2 mg and then to 1.8 mg. This is accomplished by increasing by "clicks" on the dial. This is very helpful when side effects are severe.
- It can be costly, depending on insurance. Depending on the dosage, it can cost up to $500 when not covered by insurance. Check with your pharmacy, and visit Victoza's website for coupons and information on getting your diabetes medication for free.
Making the decision to start Victoza is one that is strictly between a patient and his or her doctor. One must weigh the side effects against the benefits and make an informed choice. It may be called a miracle drug for type 2 diabetes, but it is up to individuals to draw that conclusion when it comes to choosing their treatment.
See also: Victoza or Byetta? The Pros and Cons Using For Type 2 Diabetes
Reference:
Victoza.com (February 2011)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Tina Halbert - Tina M. Halbert, M.Ed., NBCT
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