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Victoza is a drug used in the treatment of diabetes, it causes a reduction in the level of glucose in the patient’s blood. How should it be used? What are the contraindications? Victoza what is this drug?
Victoza – what is this drug?
Victoza contains the active substance liraglutide. The task of this substance is to lower the blood sugar level when there is too much of it. This drug is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide increases insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells after the meal. Liraglutide binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, thereby releasing insulin from the beta cells of the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner. This substance regulates the level of glucose, when it is too high in the blood, insulin secretion is stimulated, and when glucose levels are too low, glucagon is released. The secretion of glucagon is also regulated. Liraglutide does not affect the normal glucagon response to hypoglycaemia. The substance liraglutide is also important for the work of the stomach, where it inhibits gastric emptying, thus reducing the degree and speed of glucose absorption. Victoza is used in patients who cannot use metformin. It is the only antidiabetic drug given to patients when diet and exercise alone are not sufficient to control blood glucose levels. As a result of the action of the preparation in patients with type 2 diabetes, glycemic control improves by reducing fasting blood glucose and after a meal.
Victoza – composition
The active substance is liraglutide. 1 ml of solution for injection contains 6 mg of liraglutide.
- One pre-filled pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide.
- The other ingredients are disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol and water for injections.
Victaza – dosage
Victaza comes as a solution for injection already in a pen. It should be injected subcutaneously into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm. It should be administered once a day at any time, but at approximate times of the day. Victoza is given with or without food. Also, do not exceed the recommended dose, as it may be harmful.
Always use Victoze exactly as your doctor has told you.
- The starting dose is 0,6 mg once a day, for at least one week.
- Your doctor will tell you when to increase your dose to 1,2 mg once a day.
- Your doctor may later decide to increase the dose to 1,8 mg once a day if your blood sugar is not adequately controlled with a dose of 1,2 mg.
Do not change the dose unless your doctor tells you to.
Victoza – when cannot be used?
Viktoza cannot be used by people who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug, or who are hypersensitive to them. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also contraindications to use. Victoza is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
This medicine should also not be used in the case of:
- type 1 diabetes,
- diabetic ketoacidosis,
- in patients undergoing dialysis
- in patients with severe liver disease,
- in patients with severe heart failure,
- in patients with severe stomach or intestinal disorders,
- when acute pancreatitis occurs.
Victoza – side effects
Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, decreased appetite, gastrointestinal reflux, dizziness, headache, bronchitis, inflammation of the nose and throat, increased heart rate may occur with the use of Victoza. heart attack, injection site rash. Hypoglycaemia is common and when used in combination with sulphonylureas.
Less frequently, we can also meet with: gallstone disease, cholecystitis, malaise, renal failure, dehydration, urticaria, itching, anaphylactic reactions, intestinal obstruction. There may also be side effects related to the thyroid gland.
Victaza – storage
Victaza should be stored in a refrigerator (2 ° C – 8 ° C) – before opening. The pen may be stored for up to one month below 3 ° C or in a refrigerator (2 ° C – 8 ° C) during use. When the pen is not in use, keep the cap on in order to protect from light
on the pen.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.