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Liraglutide

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Also known as: Victoza · Saxenda

A once-daily GLP-1 analog FDA approved for both type 2 diabetes & obesity. The predecessor to semaglutide with a well-established long-term safety record.

Typical Dose

1.2–1.8 mg/day (T2D); 3 mg/day (obesity)

Route

Subcutaneous injection (once daily)

Cycle

Continuous

Half-life

~13 hours

Storage

2–8°C. Once opened, room temp up to 30 days.

Overview

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid identity to native GLP-1, modified with a C16 fatty acid chain for albumin binding extending half-life to ~13 hours & enabling once-daily injection. It was approved for T2D (Victoza, 2010) & obesity (Saxenda at 3 mg, 2014).

SCALE trials demonstrated 8% mean weight loss at 3 mg — lower than semaglutide or tirzepatide but established over a longer evidence base. Cardioprotective effects are documented in the LEADER trial (13% MACE reduction). Liraglutide is now often considered second-line to semaglutide given once-weekly convenience.

Quick Start Guide

1

Start at 0.6 mg subcutaneously once daily for 1 week.

2

Escalate by 0.6 mg weekly to 1.8 mg (diabetes) or 3 mg (obesity).

3

Inject at same time each day into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Research Indications

Type 2 diabetes

Most Effective

LEADER trial: 1.5–1.8 mg reduces HbA1c by ~1.2% with 13% MACE reduction.

Obesity

Effective

SCALE trials: 8% mean weight loss at 3 mg vs 2.6% placebo at 56 weeks.

Cardiovascular risk reduction

Effective

LEADER trial: first GLP-1 agonist to demonstrate cardiovascular mortality benefit.

Research Protocols

Weight loss

Escalate weekly; maintain at 3 mg

Dose

0.6 → 1.2 → 1.8 → 2.4 → 3 mg

Frequency

Once daily SubQ

Route

SubQ abdomen/thigh

Peptide Interactions

Do not combine; same class. Switching: no washout needed given 13h half-life.

Side Effects & Safety

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite

Uncommon

  • Pancreatitis
  • Cholelithiasis
  • Injection site reactions
  • Tachycardia

When to Stop

  • History of MEN2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • Suspected pancreatitis
  • Signs of allergic reaction

How to Reconstitute

1

Most pharmaceutical liraglutide comes pre-filled; compounded versions require reconstitution.

2

Inject bacteriostatic water down inner vial wall. Swirl gently.

3

Refrigerate. Use within 28 days.

Dosing math: Common compounded concentration: 6 mg/mL. For 1.2 mg dose: 0.2 mL.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

  • Clear, colorless solution

Acceptable

  • Very faint tint

Discard immediately

  • Cloudiness
  • Particulate
  • Discoloration

What to Expect

Weeks 1–4

Dose escalation; nausea peaks then improves. Appetite begins to decrease.

Weeks 5–12

Weight loss accelerates. Most loss occurs in first 16 weeks.

Weeks 13–52

Slower, continued weight loss. 8% total loss by 56 weeks on average.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Research References

Liraglutide & Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER)↗

New England Journal of Medicine · 2016

13% MACE reduction vs placebo in 9,340 high-CV-risk T2D patients.

doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1603827 →

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Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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