Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Saxenda and Victoza.

Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight loss in patients with obesity or who are overweight with other comorbidities such as high blood pressure, PCOS or obstructive sleep apnea.

Victoza is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Its use to help with weight loss is off-label, which means that insurance providers generally do not offer coverage if it's being prescribed for weight loss.

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the brand name medications Saxenda and Victoza.

Victoza is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight loss in patients with obesity or who are overweight with other comorbidities such as high blood pressure, PCOS or obstructive sleep apnea.

Victoza is not FDA-approved to promote weight loss. The use of Victoza to help with weight loss is strictly off-label, meaning that weight loss is not the primary use of this drug.

Liraglutide has been shown to cause some mild side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse effects do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported while taking liraglutide include:

• Nausea or upset stomach
  
• Heartburn
  
• Vomiting
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Fatigue
  
• Dizziness
  

This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects.

If you experience an unexplained rash, swelling, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, behavior or mood changes, depression, or fainting while taking liraglutide, seek medical attention immediately. These are early signs of a potentially serious adverse reaction to the medication reaction.

Talk to your health care provider about any medication you are currently taking, or any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with before starting treatment with liraglutide.

Liraglutide is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription during an online weight loss program visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book with one of Sesame’s online weight loss doctors or specialists to determine whether or not this medication is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, weight loss doctors and specialists can write a prescription for branded or generic liraglutide during an online weight loss program visit. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

It's important to note that the cost of medication is not included in this program, and Sesame does not guarantee insurance coverage for medication. If you are uninsured, please be aware that GLP-1 medications like Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus can be expensive, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month.

If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to cover the cost of your medication.

Yes. The FDA has approved generic versions of both Victoza (liraglutide) for diabetes and Saxenda (liraglutide) for weight loss.

Generic Victoza for diabetes costs $469.60 for a two-pack of injector pens (around a month's supply at the beginner dose) and $704.40 for a three-pack of pens (around a month's supply at the maintenance dose).

Generic Saxenda for weight loss costs $1,165 for a month's supply.

If you need assistance with navigating your options, you can schedule a video consult with a provider through Sesame’s weight loss program to discuss the best medication for your needs.

The Success by Sesame subscription starts at just $99 per month and includes telehealth visits, unlimited messaging, and ongoing clinical care from a provider of your choice. The $99 subscription fee does not include the cost of medication.

It's important to note that brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda can be expensive without insurance coverage, typically ranging between $950 to $1,600 per month out-of-pocket. If you are insured, your provider can assist with insurance pre-authorization paperwork to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Note that providers on Sesame set their own prices, which means that some providers may offer the service at a higher price.

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid gland tumors, including MTC, a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed if these medications pose the same risk to humans. You can find additional information about the risks of FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide here.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or MEN. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication and exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Severe abdominal pain
  
  

Before taking GLP-1 medications, you should also discuss the following with your provider:

Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any allergies you have to semaglutide (including under brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or similar medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, or in Xultophy) and lixisenatide (Adlyxin, or in Soliqua).

Personal and family medical history: Be sure to disclose if you have a history of medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease or kidney disease. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or any inability to consume liquids, which could lead to dehydration.

Current medications and supplements: Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This is crucial as GLP-1 medications can alter how your body absorbs oral medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.

Surgical procedures: In the event of surgery, including dental procedures, inform the medical or dental professional that you are on GLP-1 medication.

It's essential to thoroughly discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and consider your personal and family medical history when deciding whether to use these medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific health situation.