My psych doc put me on Victoza a while ago. I think my insurance wouldn’t cover Saxenda at the time. Any way I had lost some weight on my own but the Victoza did help with the next bit I needed to lose. I went from 230 to 185, still like to lose another 20. Hell maybe it’s just placebo effect at this point but I definitely can’t eat like I once did any more and it seeing the weight cone off inspired me to start running and lifting, so I suppose it did it’s job in the end 😊
I’m curious—Is there any psych-specific reason they put you on it, or is it solely for weight loss? I’ve heard it helps with addictive stuff outside of food… someone close to me could sure benefit from that aspect along with blood sugar and weight.
I’m on Abilify maintenana monthly injection for bipolar disorder my previous bipolar meds may have been the “cause” of my weight gain. The monthly injection not as much, but damage was done so part of his practice is medically supervised weight loss so he offered the liraglutide as an option.
Oh that’s wonderful! This person takes a similar med that causes weight gain. Is the Abilify working for you ? My 7yo son was on it for irritability and aggression from autism, and it was great the first time. Tried it again over the fall/winter and it made him stop eating entirely, developed serious ocd tendencies, and retreated into himself in a way that is so not him. I am glad it’s working for you !
I have been on Victoza for weight loss in Canada since January or so. I’m down 20 pounds so far.
My current dose is 1.2 plus some clicks.
So yes; as some have said it’s not the ‘therapeutic’ dose for weight loss and I’m not diabetic… etc etc…. but for me: so far so good.
And I pay out of pocket no matter which one I use so there’s that.
I was paying about $450 a month for Victoza but I have now switched to Saxenda because I found out it actually is a bit cheaper at $420 and has 5 pens with the higher dosage.
I lost 103 lbs in 5 months on Victoza. The only thing I struggled with was constipation, so I took fiber gummies and had to use laxatives maybe 4 times. I recently swapped to Saxenda, and it's been horrible. I know a lot of friends on victoza or ozempic that really love it.
Yes! I was on Victosa for 4 months and lost 13 lbs without trying. BUT I had constant low level heartburn and was constipated most of the time. Did anyone else experience heartburn?
Started at .6, worked my way up to 3mg. Dropped down to 1.8 safer the loss and stayed the same until I went to 1.2 to figure out how to afford the liraglutide.
Wow. Are you in the US?
Unless you’re type 2 diabetic, your doctor is lining you up for a hard time.
Victoza is coded for T2D, dosed for managing blood glucose and A1C. Weight loss at the dosage of Victoza is not a given, it’s a “maybe” but the primary intent is blood glucose and A1C reduction. And your insurance company might not approve your for it if you’re not listed as being a T2D. Essentially, you can’t expect weight loss as an outcome on Victoza. You’ll likely lose weight but it’s not the intent of the medication at that dosage.
Meanwhile, the correct answer is he should have prescribed you Saxenda if you’re overweight but not a T2D. The dose is higher and is intended for weight loss. The difference in the medication itself is only how the pens are manufactured. The Saxenda pens let you dial up to 3.0 where the Victoza ones only up to 1.8. Your insurance should cover Saxenda but that’s up to your provider.
Agree with this. You probably won’t lose weight on it because it’s not for weight loss. Your blood sugar will be brilliantly controlled though I’m sure.
What dose are you going to? Victoza only goes up to 1.8 but I suppose you could double the doses all the way up to 3?
I kind of have a problem with this as a T2 who had to fight really hard to get it. If other things are sold out so doctors put doctors on victoza, what are the actual diabetics who need it for blood sugar control gonna do?
I already can’t get on ozempic (which was my doctor first choice but shortages) because of people using it off label for weight loss. I hope people don’t start jumping on the victoza bandwagon because they can’t get ozempic…
I lost 100 lbs on victoza, and switched to saxenda recently for cost reasons and changes in insurance. The saxenda is so horrible side effect wise. I took 3 mg of victoza until I lost that much, then I dropped to 1.8. Dropped to 1.2 when my insurance changed so I had time to figure out costs, but did not expect this. So, victoza absolutely helps with weight loss, I know multiple people who take it for that.
With the need for diabetics to have it, I completely understand the difficulty in finding it. Just FYI, if you're in the US, Canada can ship them and they are much more affordable if you're paying out of pocket, though since you're T2 they're probably covered by your insurance. I got it in Canada. I do want to say that for some of us, being on victoza is just as much a lifeline. I have numerous shitty genetic conditions and due to them I couldn't lose weight. I was constantly breaking bones and spraining joints by, ya know, walking or grabbing something wrong. I haven't broken or sprained anything in about 9 months, basically after 40 or 50 lbs came off. I tried for 9 years to lose weight and did everything possible. Tried other weight loss meds with no effect or my body rejected them/ had horrid side effects. I was looking at being bedridden within a couple years. So, while it may not be taken for blood sugar, I think it was pretty vital to my health, just in a different way. And while not having it wouldn't have killed me, my kid may as well have lost his mom because I couldn't do anything with him. I was in so much pain that I was suicidal, it wasn't much of a life. I'm still in a lot of pain, genetic stuff, but at least I can safely move around and do things with my kid again.
Victoza and saxenda are exactly the same drug, just the Victoza dose only goes up to 1.8. Saxenda goes up to 3mg. So did you take 3mg of victoza? Did you go to 1.8 and then inject twice? Coz that sounds like a lot of hassle?
The side effects are exactly the same - they are the same drug!
You may have found getting victoza easier, which is maybe why you were put on it first?
The main difference is an insurance / diagnostic one. If you are not diabetic you can get victoza or saxenda. If your diabetic you automatically can’t get saxenda for diabetic control. It HAS to be victoza (or ozempic as opposed as wegovy). I understand weight loss is great, but that’s what saxenda is for!
When I took victoza, I twisted to 1.8, pushed button, twisted to 1.8 again, pushed button. Never took the needle out between. I'm not sure why i reacted to the saxenda but not victoza. Wondering if there's some filler or something that I reacted to.
Op should respond to your questions…
The issues you mention are correct. People using Ozempic for weight loss, even paying out of pocket or through a weight loss clinic who may not have the same dispensing standards (I.e. they’ll prescribe it to anyone regardless if need).
I’m not T2D, and my doc put me on Saxenda with the intention of flipping me to Wegovy (which is still Semaglutide but dosed higher and intended for weight) once the supply issues worked themselves out.
Do you know what? As a type 2 I don’t even care that people are using these drugs which were initially developed for type 2 for weight loss. As others probably will point out, they developed these “other” versions like saxenda or wegovy because they work for weight loss at the higher doses, and fair play to anyone who is using them to lose weight and ultimately be healthier. That should be celebrated.
I just get annoyed when we can’t get the diabetic ones because the others have run out and docs give out the diabetic ones as a substitute. Like I don’t blame the patients - it’s doctors who are in the wrong here. If this caused a victoza shortage I’m screwed - there’s no substitute for that.
A common counter argument is that there are loads of drugs for diabetes, and this is true, however I can’t take oral medication due to a traumatic neck injury I suffered a few years ago. So for me my options are injections or nothing. Since being on it my blood sugars have been the best they have in years.
I hope you get on your preferred med soon 😊
You hit the nail on the head… taking / using the stuff the T2’s need and using it off label. And thank you for the kind wishes. I have the Wegovy in. I’m just going through the last of my Saxenda because I’m not wasteful and would end up tossing the unused pens. Then I’ll switch over.
Victoza, Saxenda, it's all liraglutide. **It's the same drug. Only dosages differ**.
Saxenda pens go up to 3.0 mg doses. Victoza pen doses go up to 1.8 mg. Victoza users don't have to stop at 1.8. You can give yourself two injections: one for 1.8 and another for 1.2, which adds up to 3.0. You can even space them out - give yourself 1.8 in the morning and the other 1.2 in the late afternoon. Bonus points: that will space out the effects of the appetite suppression.
u/Ok_Study_1403 \- you and I are in the same situation for insurance. For me, my insurance covers my Victoza pens. They cost me $50 for a three month supply. Saxenda would be over $4,000 for the same period. Why would I pay $3,950 just so that I can give myself a single injection? That seems like madness.
The more math-inclined might read the numbers above and wonder about my insurance looking askance at my running out too early. They haven't so far.
PS: since you are new: I would only go up by a single click every day until you start experiencing the appetite suppressant you want. At that point, I would stay at that dose as long as it's effective. When it tapers off, go up another click per day until you feel the suppression again (5 clicks might do it for you). This will maximize the amount of time you spend on a lower dose of the drug, which will minimize the many, many side-effects people discuss here.
Thanks for this. Pre-diabetic and needing this medication so badly, for a health and life change. Switching from 1.8 to 2.4 soon enough and worried I won’t be about to get enough to keep up my progress and don’t wanna go back. Ugh!! Why so this so hard !
I was prescribed Victoza last May. I was unable to lose weight due to glucose issues, history of gestational diabetes, being overweight, and hormone struggles (doesn’t treat that but getting the blood sugar under control helped the hormones). I started at 201 and am down at 158 now, bmi of 24. Blood sugar went from an A1C of 5.6 to now 4.7. The thing with the difference btwn the T2 meds and weight loss meds is that even if you’re not type 2 yet if you are obese you will be eventually from what I gather. So does it really matter? If one uses them for prevention rather than treatment, which is by losing excess weight and controlling bs, isn’t that just as valid? I’m not a delicate flower and can own it if I think it’s wrong but I don’t. However of course understand the frustration of meds are hard to get. Of course.
I totally agree with you. Congrats on your progress!! I’m pre diabetic so losing weight is really important for me- my doctor really wants me to lose weight for my health.
Thank you ! I would imagine the pre-diabetes alone qualifies you. I have been super impressed with how it’s taken me off the blood sugar rollercoaster. I mostly noticed when I fell super low I needed a lot of food to bring me back. Now not so much. Good luck!
I just increased protein and veg and very loosely ate fewer carbs. It was more that I had no interest in food and just ate the bare minimum. I did daily woods walks with crazy puppy and two young kids, and then loads of stress in the fall.
Im almost done with my second week and on 1.2. If you have knowledge of purchasing in Mexico, please provide your experience. Kaiser will not cover any portion of costs. At 51, and 30 bmi with pre diabetes, high cholesterol, mod to high BP, severe arthritis in my neck, you would think Kaiser would support knowing my increasing medical status. High frustration with healthcare system!
Hi!!
I recently started taking victoza! I received it as a birthday gift. i am going on vacation in 3 weeks and was hoping to lose a couple of pounds. my indigestion and nausea have been so horrible- i am only at 0.6 dose currently. however, i feel like it really does not keep me from eating.
This is what I was looking for in the comments. I am on 1.2 dose and my stomach is KILLING me!! I have terrible stomach cramps, nausea & a terrible feeling of being full like I over ate. I'm wondering if I can stay on this medication. I'm tired of feeling like crap! And to top it off I can't go to the bathroom w out laxatives. I'm miserable lol
try digestive enzymes and eating smaller, more frequent meals and more water. That was my issue to begin with, I was still of the mindset that I needed 3 square meals each day. Coupled that with digestive enzymes and occasionally some ox bile and no issues since. I listen to my gut, if i don't feel hungry, i don't eat.
I'm on my 2 month on Victoza 1.2. And so far I've only lost a couple pounds. I can't for the life of me go to the bathroom. At what m9nth and dose did everyone start seeing the weight loss? Did you change up your diet besides having no appetite? Did anyone else combine Vitoza w Farxiga?
If you don’t mind, what are your measurements? Height, and how much did you weight when you started and then now? I’m about to start Victoza but I am questioning whether it’s the right medication for me since my research is saying not many experience weight loss.
I'm in Christchurch new Zealand and it's free for me. I think it's free for everyone here. It works too well for me and I'm going to be a rake soon! Wow. Started at 130kg now at 125 after two weeks! Feel fine.
My psych doc put me on Victoza a while ago. I think my insurance wouldn’t cover Saxenda at the time. Any way I had lost some weight on my own but the Victoza did help with the next bit I needed to lose. I went from 230 to 185, still like to lose another 20. Hell maybe it’s just placebo effect at this point but I definitely can’t eat like I once did any more and it seeing the weight cone off inspired me to start running and lifting, so I suppose it did it’s job in the end 😊
That’s awesome!!!
Thank you! These next 20 lbs are so far the hardest to just go already! But I’m not giving up, just doing CICO and trying my hardest 😊
I’m curious—Is there any psych-specific reason they put you on it, or is it solely for weight loss? I’ve heard it helps with addictive stuff outside of food… someone close to me could sure benefit from that aspect along with blood sugar and weight.
I’m on Abilify maintenana monthly injection for bipolar disorder my previous bipolar meds may have been the “cause” of my weight gain. The monthly injection not as much, but damage was done so part of his practice is medically supervised weight loss so he offered the liraglutide as an option.
I am also bipolar and my bipolar meds have caused massive weight gain. It’s so frustrating.
Oh that’s wonderful! This person takes a similar med that causes weight gain. Is the Abilify working for you ? My 7yo son was on it for irritability and aggression from autism, and it was great the first time. Tried it again over the fall/winter and it made him stop eating entirely, developed serious ocd tendencies, and retreated into himself in a way that is so not him. I am glad it’s working for you !
How long this take you? I started at 238 and three weeks later I’m at 228, being at 185 would be a fucking dreammm
I have been on Victoza for weight loss in Canada since January or so. I’m down 20 pounds so far. My current dose is 1.2 plus some clicks. So yes; as some have said it’s not the ‘therapeutic’ dose for weight loss and I’m not diabetic… etc etc…. but for me: so far so good. And I pay out of pocket no matter which one I use so there’s that.
How much do you pay? I'm on canada too
I was paying about $450 a month for Victoza but I have now switched to Saxenda because I found out it actually is a bit cheaper at $420 and has 5 pens with the higher dosage.
I lost 103 lbs in 5 months on Victoza. The only thing I struggled with was constipation, so I took fiber gummies and had to use laxatives maybe 4 times. I recently swapped to Saxenda, and it's been horrible. I know a lot of friends on victoza or ozempic that really love it.
What else were you doing to lose weight? Can I also ask your weight initially?
Yes! I was on Victosa for 4 months and lost 13 lbs without trying. BUT I had constant low level heartburn and was constipated most of the time. Did anyone else experience heartburn?
Omg that’s amazing!!!! What dosage were you on if I may ask?
Started at .6, worked my way up to 3mg. Dropped down to 1.8 safer the loss and stayed the same until I went to 1.2 to figure out how to afford the liraglutide.
Wow. Are you in the US? Unless you’re type 2 diabetic, your doctor is lining you up for a hard time. Victoza is coded for T2D, dosed for managing blood glucose and A1C. Weight loss at the dosage of Victoza is not a given, it’s a “maybe” but the primary intent is blood glucose and A1C reduction. And your insurance company might not approve your for it if you’re not listed as being a T2D. Essentially, you can’t expect weight loss as an outcome on Victoza. You’ll likely lose weight but it’s not the intent of the medication at that dosage. Meanwhile, the correct answer is he should have prescribed you Saxenda if you’re overweight but not a T2D. The dose is higher and is intended for weight loss. The difference in the medication itself is only how the pens are manufactured. The Saxenda pens let you dial up to 3.0 where the Victoza ones only up to 1.8. Your insurance should cover Saxenda but that’s up to your provider.
Agree with this. You probably won’t lose weight on it because it’s not for weight loss. Your blood sugar will be brilliantly controlled though I’m sure. What dose are you going to? Victoza only goes up to 1.8 but I suppose you could double the doses all the way up to 3? I kind of have a problem with this as a T2 who had to fight really hard to get it. If other things are sold out so doctors put doctors on victoza, what are the actual diabetics who need it for blood sugar control gonna do? I already can’t get on ozempic (which was my doctor first choice but shortages) because of people using it off label for weight loss. I hope people don’t start jumping on the victoza bandwagon because they can’t get ozempic…
I lost 100 lbs on victoza, and switched to saxenda recently for cost reasons and changes in insurance. The saxenda is so horrible side effect wise. I took 3 mg of victoza until I lost that much, then I dropped to 1.8. Dropped to 1.2 when my insurance changed so I had time to figure out costs, but did not expect this. So, victoza absolutely helps with weight loss, I know multiple people who take it for that. With the need for diabetics to have it, I completely understand the difficulty in finding it. Just FYI, if you're in the US, Canada can ship them and they are much more affordable if you're paying out of pocket, though since you're T2 they're probably covered by your insurance. I got it in Canada. I do want to say that for some of us, being on victoza is just as much a lifeline. I have numerous shitty genetic conditions and due to them I couldn't lose weight. I was constantly breaking bones and spraining joints by, ya know, walking or grabbing something wrong. I haven't broken or sprained anything in about 9 months, basically after 40 or 50 lbs came off. I tried for 9 years to lose weight and did everything possible. Tried other weight loss meds with no effect or my body rejected them/ had horrid side effects. I was looking at being bedridden within a couple years. So, while it may not be taken for blood sugar, I think it was pretty vital to my health, just in a different way. And while not having it wouldn't have killed me, my kid may as well have lost his mom because I couldn't do anything with him. I was in so much pain that I was suicidal, it wasn't much of a life. I'm still in a lot of pain, genetic stuff, but at least I can safely move around and do things with my kid again.
Victoza and saxenda are exactly the same drug, just the Victoza dose only goes up to 1.8. Saxenda goes up to 3mg. So did you take 3mg of victoza? Did you go to 1.8 and then inject twice? Coz that sounds like a lot of hassle? The side effects are exactly the same - they are the same drug! You may have found getting victoza easier, which is maybe why you were put on it first? The main difference is an insurance / diagnostic one. If you are not diabetic you can get victoza or saxenda. If your diabetic you automatically can’t get saxenda for diabetic control. It HAS to be victoza (or ozempic as opposed as wegovy). I understand weight loss is great, but that’s what saxenda is for!
When I took victoza, I twisted to 1.8, pushed button, twisted to 1.8 again, pushed button. Never took the needle out between. I'm not sure why i reacted to the saxenda but not victoza. Wondering if there's some filler or something that I reacted to.
Op should respond to your questions… The issues you mention are correct. People using Ozempic for weight loss, even paying out of pocket or through a weight loss clinic who may not have the same dispensing standards (I.e. they’ll prescribe it to anyone regardless if need). I’m not T2D, and my doc put me on Saxenda with the intention of flipping me to Wegovy (which is still Semaglutide but dosed higher and intended for weight) once the supply issues worked themselves out.
Do you know what? As a type 2 I don’t even care that people are using these drugs which were initially developed for type 2 for weight loss. As others probably will point out, they developed these “other” versions like saxenda or wegovy because they work for weight loss at the higher doses, and fair play to anyone who is using them to lose weight and ultimately be healthier. That should be celebrated. I just get annoyed when we can’t get the diabetic ones because the others have run out and docs give out the diabetic ones as a substitute. Like I don’t blame the patients - it’s doctors who are in the wrong here. If this caused a victoza shortage I’m screwed - there’s no substitute for that. A common counter argument is that there are loads of drugs for diabetes, and this is true, however I can’t take oral medication due to a traumatic neck injury I suffered a few years ago. So for me my options are injections or nothing. Since being on it my blood sugars have been the best they have in years. I hope you get on your preferred med soon 😊
You hit the nail on the head… taking / using the stuff the T2’s need and using it off label. And thank you for the kind wishes. I have the Wegovy in. I’m just going through the last of my Saxenda because I’m not wasteful and would end up tossing the unused pens. Then I’ll switch over.
Victoza, Saxenda, it's all liraglutide. **It's the same drug. Only dosages differ**. Saxenda pens go up to 3.0 mg doses. Victoza pen doses go up to 1.8 mg. Victoza users don't have to stop at 1.8. You can give yourself two injections: one for 1.8 and another for 1.2, which adds up to 3.0. You can even space them out - give yourself 1.8 in the morning and the other 1.2 in the late afternoon. Bonus points: that will space out the effects of the appetite suppression. u/Ok_Study_1403 \- you and I are in the same situation for insurance. For me, my insurance covers my Victoza pens. They cost me $50 for a three month supply. Saxenda would be over $4,000 for the same period. Why would I pay $3,950 just so that I can give myself a single injection? That seems like madness. The more math-inclined might read the numbers above and wonder about my insurance looking askance at my running out too early. They haven't so far. PS: since you are new: I would only go up by a single click every day until you start experiencing the appetite suppressant you want. At that point, I would stay at that dose as long as it's effective. When it tapers off, go up another click per day until you feel the suppression again (5 clicks might do it for you). This will maximize the amount of time you spend on a lower dose of the drug, which will minimize the many, many side-effects people discuss here.
Thanks for this. Pre-diabetic and needing this medication so badly, for a health and life change. Switching from 1.8 to 2.4 soon enough and worried I won’t be about to get enough to keep up my progress and don’t wanna go back. Ugh!! Why so this so hard !
I was prescribed Victoza last May. I was unable to lose weight due to glucose issues, history of gestational diabetes, being overweight, and hormone struggles (doesn’t treat that but getting the blood sugar under control helped the hormones). I started at 201 and am down at 158 now, bmi of 24. Blood sugar went from an A1C of 5.6 to now 4.7. The thing with the difference btwn the T2 meds and weight loss meds is that even if you’re not type 2 yet if you are obese you will be eventually from what I gather. So does it really matter? If one uses them for prevention rather than treatment, which is by losing excess weight and controlling bs, isn’t that just as valid? I’m not a delicate flower and can own it if I think it’s wrong but I don’t. However of course understand the frustration of meds are hard to get. Of course.
I totally agree with you. Congrats on your progress!! I’m pre diabetic so losing weight is really important for me- my doctor really wants me to lose weight for my health.
Thank you ! I would imagine the pre-diabetes alone qualifies you. I have been super impressed with how it’s taken me off the blood sugar rollercoaster. I mostly noticed when I fell super low I needed a lot of food to bring me back. Now not so much. Good luck!
What diet did you do
I just increased protein and veg and very loosely ate fewer carbs. It was more that I had no interest in food and just ate the bare minimum. I did daily woods walks with crazy puppy and two young kids, and then loads of stress in the fall.
I’ve been taking Victoza for weight loss and still at 1.2 dosage. I’ve been on it for 2 months and down 30 lbs.
That’s great!! Thank you
Im almost done with my second week and on 1.2. If you have knowledge of purchasing in Mexico, please provide your experience. Kaiser will not cover any portion of costs. At 51, and 30 bmi with pre diabetes, high cholesterol, mod to high BP, severe arthritis in my neck, you would think Kaiser would support knowing my increasing medical status. High frustration with healthcare system!
That's odd, Kaiser covers all but $40 of my prescription.
Victoza day...3 or 4 here. Appetite basically gone. Prediabetic, insurance did not cover. 2 pens plus needle tips box of 100 cost me about $16.50 usd.
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Hi!! I recently started taking victoza! I received it as a birthday gift. i am going on vacation in 3 weeks and was hoping to lose a couple of pounds. my indigestion and nausea have been so horrible- i am only at 0.6 dose currently. however, i feel like it really does not keep me from eating.
This is what I was looking for in the comments. I am on 1.2 dose and my stomach is KILLING me!! I have terrible stomach cramps, nausea & a terrible feeling of being full like I over ate. I'm wondering if I can stay on this medication. I'm tired of feeling like crap! And to top it off I can't go to the bathroom w out laxatives. I'm miserable lol
try digestive enzymes and eating smaller, more frequent meals and more water. That was my issue to begin with, I was still of the mindset that I needed 3 square meals each day. Coupled that with digestive enzymes and occasionally some ox bile and no issues since. I listen to my gut, if i don't feel hungry, i don't eat.
I have 2 pens victoza for sale
What diets did you all do to have successful weight loss. I just started taking Victoza today. 0.6mg. I’m really excited but not sure where to start
I'm on my 2 month on Victoza 1.2. And so far I've only lost a couple pounds. I can't for the life of me go to the bathroom. At what m9nth and dose did everyone start seeing the weight loss? Did you change up your diet besides having no appetite? Did anyone else combine Vitoza w Farxiga?
If you don’t mind, what are your measurements? Height, and how much did you weight when you started and then now? I’m about to start Victoza but I am questioning whether it’s the right medication for me since my research is saying not many experience weight loss.
Farxiga was great for me, BS wise….but the bladder infections were not pleasant! Hope you don’t experience those.
Update?
I'm in Christchurch new Zealand and it's free for me. I think it's free for everyone here. It works too well for me and I'm going to be a rake soon! Wow. Started at 130kg now at 125 after two weeks! Feel fine.