Liraglutide

First-gen GLP-1 agonist — daily injection, now available as generic

3.5
2 avis

Rating Breakdown

Weight Loss Efficacy
3.5
Appetite Suppression
4.0
Metabolic Improvement
4.0
Body Composition
3.0
Glycemic Control
4.5
Safety & Side Effects
5.0
Cardiovascular Benefit
5.0
Dosing Convenience
2.0

Aperçu

Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for obesity. It requires daily injection but has 15+ years of safety data and is now available as a generic.

Key Information

Identity
Also Known As Saxenda; Victoza
Sequence GLP-1(7-37) with C16 fatty acid
CAS Number 204656-20-2
Molecular Formula C172H261N43O53
Properties
Half-Life 13 hours
Administration subcutaneous injection
Dosage Range 0.6-3.0 mg daily
Price Range $1.5–$15.0/mg
Handling & Storage
Storage Refrigerated 2-8C
Reconstitution Pre-filled pen, no reconstitution needed
Regulatory Status
US Status FDA-approved (generic available)
Legal Status FDA-approved as Saxenda (weight) and Victoza (diabetes). Generic available since 2024.
Research Papers 1 indexed

Mechanism

GLP-1 receptor agonist with 13-hour half-life requiring daily dosing. Produces peak and trough drug levels unlike weekly formulations.

Benefits

  • 6.4-8.0% weight loss
  • 15+ years safety data
  • Generic available
  • Pediatric approval

Side Effects

  • Nausea (39%)
  • Diarrhea (21%)
  • Vomiting (16%)
  • Daily injection required

Contraindications

  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • MEN2 syndrome

Evidence Summary

SCALE trials (5,000 participants), LEADER trial (9,340 patients, 13% MACE reduction).

Research

SCALE trials showed 6.4-8.0% weight loss. LEADER trial showed 13% MACE reduction in T2D patients.

View Research

Safety

15+ years post-marketing safety data. Same class boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.

Legal Status

FDA-approved as Saxenda (weight) and Victoza (diabetes). Generic available since 2024.

Recherche

1 research papers indexed

View Research

Write a Review

Rating Breakdown

Effectiveness
3.5
Safety
5.0
Value
4.0
Overall
3.5

Based on 2 avis.

Avis

Decent but better options exist now 2026-05-16
Tom Z.

Used liraglutide for 8 months. Lost about 10 lbs. It works but weekly options like semaglutide are much more convenient. Good safety profile though - 15 years of data is reassuring.

Effectiveness: 3/5 Safety: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Solid but daily injections are annoying 2026-04-13
Tom Z.

Lost 14 lbs over 6 months. Works well but having to inject daily is a hassle compared to weekly options. Nausea was manageable. Good option if you want something well-studied with long safety data.

Effectiveness: 4/5 Safety: 5/5 Value: 4/5