Victoza Side Effects

Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% having type 2, according to CDC data. The condition typically affects those 45 and older, but it’s increasingly common in younger people, including children and teens. Managing diabetes often involves lifestyle changes and medication. There are various medications indicated for diabetes treatment and one class of drugs gaining popularity is GLP-1 agonists, such as Victoza.

Victoza is an injectable pen that contains liraglutide. It has become popular for managing type 2 diabetes due to its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. However, to ensure safe and effective use, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with this treatment.

In this article, we’ll explore Victoza side effects to help people make informed decisions about their health and manage any associated risks.

Weight Loss as a Victoza Side Effect

Although Victoza is not FDA-approved for weight management, some use it for this purpose. Victoza promotes weight loss by suppressing appetite and delaying gastric emptying, with studies showing a weight reduction of at least 5% after one year. However, side effects like nausea and vomiting can impact patient compliance and overall outcomes.

What are the common side effects of Victoza?

Victoza treats diabetes by delaying gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar levels after meals. However, this delay can cause gastrointestinal issues such as the following:

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is one of the most common Victoza side effects, affecting 18% of its users, with vomiting at 6%. In a study of 561 participants, those treated with Victoza (1.2–3.0 mg) reported more nausea and vomiting (17–38%) than those on placebo or orlistat (4%), especially during the first 6 weeks. Among those on Victoza 3.0 mg, nausea and vomiting were generally mild to moderate, with only 4% discontinuing due to symptoms. 

2. Diarrhea

Another gastrointestinal-related side effect of Victoza is diarrhea, which affected 11% of users. In a 2023 study, 29.13% of participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects, with diarrhea being one of them. Factors linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects include:

• • • use of a-glucosidase inhibitors
    • concomitant gastrointestinal diseases
    • female sex

While many patients tolerate mild symptoms, a small percentage discontinue treatment due to severe gastrointestinal reactions.

3. Decreased Appetite

Research shows that Victoza significantly impacts appetite control, leading to a notable reduction in hunger levels among participants compared to those receiving only behavioral interventions. Participants in the Victoza group also reported more significant decreases in food preoccupation and increased feelings of fullness. The loss of appetite and increased fullness, persisted through week 24 of the study.

4. Indigestion

According to a recent study, 29.13% of patients reported abdominal pain, which is a common manifestation of indigestion. Research highlights that individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal diseases have an increased risk for these side effects. 

5. Constipation

Constipation is another Victoza side effect that’s usually apparent in the first three months and may eventually subside.

Initially, 18.4% of Victoza patients reported constipation, with improvement seen in 15.3% of cases. Three months later, 13.3% of Victoza patients experienced constipation, and 15.7% showed improvement. By six months, the incidence of constipation in Victoza users decreased to 10.5%, with 15.8% noting improvement.

Pro Tip!

To ease gastrointestinal side effects, stick to bland foods like crackers, toast, and rice. Stay hydrated with soups and gelatin, and avoid lying down right after eating. A little fresh air can also help reduce discomfort.

What are the serious side effects of Victoza?

Here are the more serious side effects of Victoza:

1. Inflammation of the Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis)

Acute pancreatitis is a rare but serious Victoza side effect usually confirmed by CT scans and elevated lipase levels. In a clinical study, patients took 1.61 mg daily, with pancreatitis developing between three weeks and 10 months after starting the medication. Most cases were managed by stopping Victoza and providing supportive care, leading to recovery without complications. Recognizing this risk early and discontinuing the drug can help prevent complications and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Here are the symptoms of pancreatitis:

• • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Greasy stools with a foul smell
  • Pain that starts in the upper abdomen and spreads to the back can last several days

If pancreatitis is suspected, seek immediate medical attention, as it can be life-threatening if untreated. Avoid eating or drinking, as this can worsen the inflammation. Treatment typically includes pain management, IV fluids, and close monitoring to prevent complications.

2. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

A case report indicated that hypoglycemia in Victoza users can occur as a side effect or in cases of overdose. At regular doses, hypoglycemia is rare, but it can still happen, especially if patients are also on sulfonylureas or insulin. In cases of overdose, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sweating may resemble hypoglycemia but are often due to persistent vomiting and lack of food intake rather than an insulin-like effect. 

Most overdose cases reported stable blood glucose levels, with only a few requiring dextrose infusion. This suggests that Victoza overdose leads to relative hypoglycemia from reduced food intake rather than direct glucose-lowering effects.

Common symptoms of low blood sugar are the following:

• • Feeling hungry
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability or confusion

Patients should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels to stay within a safe range. They should also carry a quick source of glucose, such as glucose tablets, candy, or juice, to treat low blood sugar immediately when symptoms arise.

3. Kidney Problems (Kidney Failure)

Victoza’s gastrointestinal effects may sometimes lead to dehydration, which in rare cases can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly acute tubular necrosis. A reported case describes a patient who developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms after taking Victoza for a month, resulting in dehydration and kidney stress. Lab tests showed elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, confirming AKI. 

With other causes ruled out, Victoza was identified as a likely factor, and the patient recovered after stopping the medication, rehydrating, and receiving hemodialysis. To prevent AKI, here are the symptoms to watch out for:

• • Decreased urine output
  • Fluid retention, causing swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or altered mental status
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures or coma in severe cases

The patient should seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

4. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Victoza may occur, such as the following:

• • Rash or redness on the skin
  • Itching or hives
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Rapid heartbeat

These allergic reactions can also occur with a delayed onset, making them difficult to detect. A case report describes a 39-year-old male who developed mild, itchy, red patches at the injection sites a day after his dosage was increased to 1.8 mg from 0.6 mg for obesity treatment. 

Despite negative skin prick and patch test results, an intradermal test showed a delayed positive reaction, confirming delayed hypersensitivity to Victoza. The patient’s symptoms resolved with topical steroid treatment, and he was able to continue the medication and achieve his required dose of 3 mg daily without further issues.

5. Gallbladder Problems

A study found that while Victoza did not affect the maximum contraction of the gallbladder after meals, it did cause a delay in reaching this peak compared to the placebo. The gallbladder contracts to release bile, which is essential for digesting fats, so any delay in this process could affect digestion and be associated with a higher risk of gallstones. 

One participant in the Victoza group developed non-symptomatic gallstones, but this was not linked to any dysfunction in the gallbladder. While Victoza appears to impact the movement ability of the gallbladder, no major safety concerns were raised in the trial.

Separately, an analysis of 76 clinical trials showed that Victoza is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder-related events, including gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). This risk was more pronounced with long-term use at higher doses.

In another case study, a 66-year-old diabetic and hypertensive woman on Victoza presented with fever, right-side abdominal pain, and vomiting. Imaging revealed gallstones, so Victoza was discontinued, and she was switched to insulin therapy while receiving IV antibiotics. 

Her symptoms resolved, and follow-up imaging confirmed a normal gallbladder without stones, showing that gallstones associated with Victoza use can be reversible once the medication is stopped.

Symptoms of gallbladder problems can vary, but common signs include:

• • Abdominal pain in the upper right or center abdomen, often after eating fatty foods. Pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating.
  • Indigestion
  • Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Fever and chills
  • Pale or clay-colored stools 
  • Dark urine

Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are present.

6. Thyroid C-cell Tumors

Animal studies suggest that Victoza may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including rare and potentially fatal medullary thyroid cancer. A study comparing Victoza to other antidiabetic drugs shows that people using Victoza had a slightly higher risk of developing thyroid cancer, especially with more prolonged use. 

While more cases of small thyroid cancers were found in Victoza users, the study also showed that the rate of diagnosis was similar between those using Victoza and those on other medications. More research is needed to understand the potential link between Victoza and thyroid cancer fully. 

Thyroid cancer (TC) may not show symptoms in its early stages, but as it grows, the following signs could appear:

• • A lump or nodule in the neck (often painless)
  • Hoarseness or changes in voice
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Pain in the neck or throat (may radiate to the ears)
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Cough not caused by a cold

To check for thyroid cancer, individuals should regularly monitor for lumps in the neck and seek medical attention if any are found. Those at higher risk should discuss regular thyroid exams and ultrasounds with their doctor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excessive radiation can also help support thyroid health.

Takeaway

Victoza’s side effects can range from mild to severe. Common issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation may impact daily life, while more serious concerns like pancreatitis and kidney problems require closer monitoring. Patients need to discuss with their healthcare provider whether the benefits of Victoza outweigh the potential risks to ensure it is the right treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions