Catalog
GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily)

Liraglutide

aka Victoza · Saxenda

Daily lipidated GLP-1 RA — first agent with CV outcome benefit (LEADER, 2016).

FDA-approvedGrade A — Clinically established
Target
GLP-1R

Mechanism of action

Selective GLP-1R agonist with C16 palmitoyl side chain enabling albumin binding (t½ ≈ 13 h, daily dosing).

Pharmacokinetics

SC daily. Steady-state in 3 days.

Clinical context

T2D (Victoza), chronic weight management (Saxenda 3.0 mg).

Dosing
0.6 → 1.2 → 1.8 mg/day (T2D); titrate to 3.0 mg/day for weight.

Monitoring

  • HbA1c
  • Weight
  • Pancreatitis symptoms

Safety

Black-box warning
C-cell tumor risk.
Contraindications
  • MTC, MEN-2
Adverse effects
  • GI
  • Hypoglycemia with insulin/SU
  • Pancreatitis

Relevant labs

Hemoglobin A1cLipase

Covered in modules

Module 03
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide — the class that rewrote metabolic medicine.

Key references

Related compounds

GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide
Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
Tirzepatide

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Liraglutide.

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.