glp1versus

Saxenda vs Victoza

liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) vs liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) — a complete side-by-side comparison.

Novo NordiskNovo NordiskSame active ingredient

Saxenda weight loss

8%

Victoza weight loss

3.2%

Saxenda dosing

Once daily

Victoza dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 4 sources cited

Quick Summary

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Saxenda showed greater weight loss (8% vs 3.2%).

See the comparison table below for detailed side-by-side data.

Saxenda vs Victoza: Full Comparison

FeatureSaxenda(liraglutide)Victoza(liraglutide)
Active Ingredientliraglutideliraglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2014-12-232010-01-25
Approved Indications
  • Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • Chronic weight management in patients aged 12-17 with body weight >60 kg and BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m² for adults
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes in patients aged 10+ years
Routesubcutaneous injectionsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyOnce dailyOnce daily
Starting Dose0.6 mg daily0.6 mg daily
Maintenance Dose3.0 mg daily1.2 mg or 1.8 mg daily
Max Dose3.0 mg daily1.8 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)8%3.2%
A1C ReductionN/A (not indicated for diabetes)1.1%
Key TrialSCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (56 weeks)LEADER (188 weeks)
List Price$1,349/month$950-$1,100/month
With Insurance$25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings Card$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients)$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Saxenda vs Victoza

Side EffectSaxendaVictoza
Nausea39%28%
Diarrhea21%17%
Constipation19%6%
Vomiting16%11%
Headache14%9%
Decreased appetite10%9%
Dyspepsia10%7%
Fatigue8%Not reported
Dizziness7%Not reported
Abdominal pain5%Not reported
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<1%
Gallbladder events2.5%Not reported

Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.

Related Comparisons

Saxenda vs OzempicVictoza vs OzempicSaxenda vs WegovyVictoza vs WegovySaxenda vs MounjaroVictoza vs MounjaroSaxenda vs ZepboundVictoza vs Zepbound

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  1. Saxenda FDA prescribing information
  2. Victoza FDA prescribing information
  3. Pi-Sunyer X et al., N Engl J Med 2015;373:11-22. FDA prescribing information.
  4. Marso SP et al., N Engl J Med 2016;375:311-322. FDA prescribing information.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.