Victoza is a medicine in the form of an injection, which has liraglutide in its composition, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and can be used in combination with other diabetes medicines.
When Victoza enters the bloodstream, in addition to controlling blood sugar levels, it also promotes satiety in a 24-hour period, causing the individual to have a 40% reduction in the amount of calories consumed daily and, therefore, this medicine can also be used to lose weight, but with caution and only if recommended by the doctor.
This medicine can be purchased at a pharmacy for a price of about 200 reais, upon presentation of a prescription.
What is it for
This medication is indicated for the continuous treatment of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults, in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents, such as Metformin and / or insulin, when these remedies, associated with a balanced diet and physical exercise, were not enough to achieve the desired results.
How to use
The recommended dose is 1 injection of Victoza per day, for the time indicated by the doctor. The initial dose of the subcutaneous injection that can be applied to the abdomen, thighs or arm is 0.6 mg per day for the first week, which should be increased to 1.2 or 1.8 mg after medical evaluation.
After opening the package, the medicine must be kept in the refrigerator. Preferably, the injection should be given by a nurse or pharmacist, but it is also possible to give this injection at home. Simply remove the protective caps from the needle, turn the marker on the daily dose marked on the medication package and rotate the marker by the amount indicated by the doctor.
After these precautions, it is recommended to soak a small piece of cotton in alcohol and pass the area where the medicine will be applied to disinfect the region and only then give the injection. The application instructions can be consulted on the product leaflet.
Who should not use
Victoza should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to any of the components present in the formula, people under the age of 18, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, patients undergoing treatment for cancer or with impaired renal or digestive system.
In addition, it should also not be used by type 1 diabetic patients or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Victoza are gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and poor digestion, headache, decreased appetite and hypoglycemia.
