Saxenda and Victoza both contain liraglutide and are both injected once daily, but they are approved for different jobs. Saxenda is approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents 12 and older, with doses up to 3 mg. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes in people 10 and older, with a maximum of 1.8 mg. They are not technically interchangeable, so your doctor chooses the one that matches your goal.
One Ingredient, Two Brand Names
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics a natural gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Our primer on the difference between GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists explains the terms. The brands exist because the same molecule is dosed differently for diabetes and for weight management.
Approved Uses and Ages
According to GoodRx’s pharmacist-reviewed comparison, the two differ like this:
- Saxenda: Chronic weight management in ages 12 and older. Adults need a BMI of at least 30, or at least 27 with a weight-related condition. Adolescents must weigh more than 60 kg (about 132 pounds).
- Victoza: Type 2 diabetes in ages 10 and older, plus lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with diabetes and heart disease. It has no BMI criteria.
Neither is for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
Doses and Titration
Saxenda comes in doses of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, and 3 mg. Treatment starts at 0.6 mg for one week, then increases over several weeks toward a 3 mg target. Victoza comes in 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg, starting at 0.6 mg, moving to 1.2 mg after a week, and reaching 1.8 mg only if more blood sugar lowering is needed.
GoodRx adds that if someone on Saxenda has lost less than 4% of their body weight after 16 weeks, the provider may reassess whether to continue.
The Pens Look Alike but Work Differently
Both products come in multi-dose pens containing 18 mg in 3 mL, in different colors. GoodRx notes one handy difference: Victoza’s dose button extends as you dial up the dose, while Saxenda’s does not. Check the label every time so you never mix them up.
Weight Loss Results
The Obesity Society’s medication summary reports average weight loss of 8.0% on Saxenda compared with 2.6% on placebo at week 56 in its pivotal trial. GoodRx’s separate Saxenda overview says people typically lose about 3% to 8% of starting weight over a year, and notes that weight returns after stopping because the drug works only while you take it.
Victoza has no weight loss data on that comparison page. It is sometimes used off-label for weight loss at lower doses than Saxenda. Our guide to how GLP-1 causes weight loss explains why this class affects the scale.
Side Effects and Safety
Because the ingredient is the same, the side effect profile is too. GoodRx lists nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, abdominal pain, injection site reactions, headache, low blood sugar, fatigue, and dizziness, with digestive effects most likely at the start and after dose increases.
Rarer but serious concerns include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, a fast heartbeat, acute kidney damage, severe allergic reactions, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Both carry a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your provider promptly.
Switching Between Them and Coverage
GoodRx explains that providers may switch between the two in situations such as drug shortages, even though they are not technically interchangeable. Coverage differs as well: Victoza is likely covered for type 2 diabetes depending on your plan’s formulary, while Saxenda coverage varies by plan.
The right choice depends on your health history and goals. Our overview of natural versus prescription GLP-1 drugs gives broader context. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Saxenda and Victoza the Same Drug?
They contain the same ingredient, liraglutide, but are approved for different uses and dosed differently, so they are not technically interchangeable.
Can I Use Victoza for Weight Loss?
Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes. Weight loss with it is off-label, and Saxenda is the liraglutide product approved for weight management.
Is Saxenda Taken Daily or Weekly?
Saxenda is injected once daily under the skin, as is Victoza.