What Is the Difference Between Victoza and Saxenda?

The number of health issues that appear due to diabetes mellitus in people increases with every passing year; this process is practically unstoppable. Two main problems include unhealthy weight gain and cardiovascular disorders in patients.

Because of these reasons, Saxenda and Victoza were a great success and life changer for every person who suffers from the issues mentioned above. These two products are effective, show incredible results, and make people’s lives much more manageable. However, there are still some confusions when talking about these medications due to numerous similarities they have. So, let’s discuss this topic in more detail.

What is the difference between Victoza and Saxena? What do they have in common? How to choose the remedy correctly? All the questions and even more you can find in our article!

What is Victoza? Basic information

Victoza medications are meant for the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult and elderly people. Doctors usually plan the exercise program for the patient, prescribe a special healthy diet especially for them, and calculate the proper dosage of Victoza. The product works perfectly for controlling blood sugar levels and removing glucose from the bloodstream.

This medication is also very helpful in preventing different heart conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, heart disease, etc. It is not designed for curing insulin-dependent diabetes. It is also cannot be used for people with type 1 diabetes. Besides, unlike Saxenda, Victoza can’t be used to lose weight (however, sometimes people may lose a little weight while using it due to the components in medication’s composition).

An active substance in Victoza – liraglutide that belongs to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists drugs. It can be used for people from age 10 and older (the doctor should prescribe the dosage due to age, health condition, weight, etc.). Possible doses include 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg per day, and it cannot be changed by the patient; all alterations should be discussed with the health care provider first and only after confirmation it may happen.

The medicine has to be injected at the same time once a day (if administered at approximately the same hours, the body will remember that and develop a habit). It doesn’t matter whether you use it before or after a meal.

What is Saxenda? Everything you need to know

Saxenda – a medicine with liraglutide in its base. It is an injectable weight loss drug mainly prescribed together with a low-calorie diet or special exercise program. GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1 in drug’s composition mimicking incretin function in the person, thus a bellyful feeling appears, and the person eats less.

The remedy is highly effective in controlling body weight-related troubles, such as increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes. However, note that Saxenda is not appropriate for treating diabetes and controlling blood sugar independently; it should always be prescribed together with proper insulin medications. Saxenda and Victoza cannot be used together to treat diabetes and the problems it may cause; you cannot switch from one drug to another as well.

Mainly, this medication is used for weight loss in adults with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 27 kg/m2 and higher; although, it may also be prescribed to kids older than 12 years of age with a weight from 132 pounds (60 kg) and higher who suffer from obesity. A special diagnosis from the health care provider and drug recalculation is required in this case.

The dosage of Saxenda is usually higher than Victoza; it should be increased gradually under the doctor’s supervision over the first 5 weeks of its administration. An average dose for this injectable solution is 3 mg per day. If there were any changes in the patient’s diet, health conditions, or medications for insulin levels control, a recalculation of Saxenda is required. It can be done only together with a professional specialist after consultation and diagnosis; the person can not make this decision on their own.

Main differences between Saxenda and Victoza

The difference between Victoza and Saxenda includes a few factors, even though both medications have liraglutide in their composition as an active substance. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists help to control insulin levels in the bloodstream, as well as stop the feeling of constant hunger; that is why these two remedies are prescribed for weight management in people.

But what are the dissimilarities we have mentioned above? Let’s discuss in more detail:

• The purpose. Saxenda is meant for decreasing the body weight in people with obesity; it is a long-term medication used in combination with needed insulins and other drugs. Victoza helps to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes type 2 together with exercises and diet(however, it can’t be used for low blood sugar). It is also extremally helpful in decreasing the risk of various heart diseases;
• Dosage. If Victoza comes in doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg once per day, Saxenda’s average amount is 3 mg once a day;
• Target audience. Adults can use both medications according to the prescription from their doctor; however, kids may get the remedies administered from the age of 10 (Victoza) and 12 (Saxenda);
• The results. Only Saxenda with GLP-1 receptor agonist is FDA approved for losing weight; this is its main purpose as a medication. Victoza is not meant for this task, however, some patients may lose a little weight while using it due to the liraglutide in its composition;
• Side effects. As these products have the same active ingredients, almost every side effect after using them is the same. But there are still a few different ones the patients should be aware of: Victoza – back pains and upper respiratory tract infections (that is why sometimes people who use it may catch cold more easily); Saxenda – increased weariness, dizziness, pain in the abdominal area, and increased heartbeat.

In case the patient needs more drug information or they did not find the answer to their question, a consultation with a professional is required. They may help with all the nuances, so the person has a comfortable experience with these medications.

Is Victoza the same as Saxenda? Similarities between the products

As we have already mentioned above, Saxenda and Victoza are not the same medications. They have a lot in common but are used for entirely different purposes. Victoza is for blood sugar levels control in combination with a diet and active training; Saxenda is used for losing weight in people with obesity.

However, there is still a lot in common. Let’s look at the basics:

• Active substance. Both Saxenda and Victoza contain liraglutide from the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (but medications can’t be constantly switched or mixed together);
• Price. It may vary depending on the chosen dose of the medication, but prices are not so different. Besides, both Victoza and Saxenda are brand-name remedies and do not have generic forms;
• Interaction with other insulin drugs. These medications can be prescribed in combination with insulin or insulin-like products; the most important thing is to have a diagnosis first in order to know what remedies are required exactly;
• Principle of use. Saxenda and Victoza have to be used subcutaneously (under the skin) in the area of the abdomen, thighs, upper arm, or buttocks. The area can’t be massaged after the injection and should be switched after every medication application in order to avoid bumps and lumps formations under the skin.

The proper treatment option should be chosen together with a doctor; the patient can not do it on their own. Saxenda and Victoza may be used both independently and in combination with other medications for the patient’s health issues.

Victoza vs Saxenda for weight loss. Side effects and contraindications

Every medication in any sphere can cause several side effects the patient should be informed about. That is why Saxenda vs. Victoza debate won’t be very diverse in this case because these drugs contain the same active substance in their base. The list of common side effects includes the following symptoms:

• Injection site reactions (itching, redness, rash, painful sensations in the injection area, etc.);
• Headaches and migraines;
• Loss of appetite (in this way, the person may lose excessive weight);
• Diarrhea or constipation;
• Slight indigestion.

All of those symptoms do not require a doctor’s assistance and can not be dangerous to the person. Typically, they should be gone in a week-week and a half maximum. The doctor should be informed of side effects that are still present after the previously mentioned period of time.

In rare cases, severe reactions are possible in patients; the health care provider should inform the person about them in advance. These demand immediate treatment and help from a professional specialist; they may lead to the fatal outcome if not taking care of on time:

• Kidney problems (it may lead to kidney failure sometimes);
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
• Pancreatitis;
• Severe allergic reactions;
• Thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer;
• Gallbladder disease.

Saxenda and Victoza can’t be administered to patients with the following health issues or symptoms:

• Currently present or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2;
• In case the person takes other medications that contain any GLP-1 receptor agonist in their composition;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding during the treatment with these medications were not completely studied;
• During the episode of low blood sugar in patients.

Also, Victoza can not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus; the way it acts with prandial insulin is not studied as well. Saxenda is not effective for diabetes type 2 and heart issues it may cause.

The bottom line

Even though Saxenda and Victoza have the same active substance, these two medications are meant for different medical purposes. Victoza is designed to cure cardiovascular disorders, as well as helping to control blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes; Saxenda is very effective for people who suffer from obesity and need to lose weight.

The type of insulin or insulin-like product for a patient should be chosen by the professional, depending on their needs and health issues. That is why a consultation is vital before prescribing Saxenda or Victoza. Contact your health care provider in case you need a prescription, and Insulin.Store will gladly help you to stock up on all the needed medicine. Thanks for reading, and stay safe!