Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Victoza (Liraglutide).
Diabetes identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet (or necklace) or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking medication to manage your blood glucose levels.
Heart problems: Victoza (Liraglutide) may increase heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. If you have heart disease (e.g., recent Heart Attack, Angina, heart failure) or an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., heart block or fast heart rate), discuss with your doctor how Victoza (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Victoza (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Intestinal problems: The safety and effectiveness of using Victoza (Liraglutide) for people with inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) or who have slowed movement through the intestinal tract due to diabetes have not been established. If you have digestive system problems, discuss with your doctor how Victoza (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Victoza (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: The safety and effectiveness of using Victoza (Liraglutide) for people with reduced kidney function has not been studied. Ensure that you are drinking enough water to prevent dehydration if you experience nausea or vomiting with Victoza (Liraglutide). If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Victoza (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Victoza (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using Victoza (Liraglutide) for people with reduced liver function have not been studied. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Victoza (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Victoza (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): People who use Victoza (Liraglutide) and are also taking a sulfonylurea (e.g., Glyburide, Gliclazide) to control high blood sugar are more at risk of experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication(s).
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Victoza (Liraglutide) may cause pancreatitis. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to the back with or without vomiting, contact your doctor immediately. If you have previously had pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Victoza (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Victoza (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Risk of thyroid cancer: In rare cases, people have developed thyroid cancer while using Victoza (Liraglutide). People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumours in more than one gland in their body) should not use Victoza (Liraglutide). If you develop a lump in your neck or experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, or persistent hoarseness, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Victoza (Liraglutide) has not been studied for use by pregnant women and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Victoza (Liraglutide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Victoza (Liraglutide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Victoza (Liraglutide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Victoza (Liraglutide) have not been established for children younger than 10 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects associated with Victoza (Liraglutide).
