Read the medicine name
What is liraglutide?
The Saxenda label describes liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) as copying a gut hormone. That hormone is a body signal with a role in blood sugar and appetite.
The diabetes and weight medicines differ
As of September 2026, Victoza’s approval involves type 2 diabetes; Saxenda is approved for weight treatment.
As of September 2026, FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved liraglutide generics for both uses.
A generic version of Victoza for diabetes cannot simply replace a generic version of Saxenda for weight treatment at the pharmacy, or the other way round.
- Ask which use the product is approved for.
- Ask the pharmacist to confirm the exact product.
- Check whether that product is available before making the cost comparison.
What the main adult trial found
Over 56 weeks in SCALE, adults without diabetes lost an average 8.4 kilograms (about 18 pounds) on liraglutide. Those on a dummy treatment lost 2.8 kilograms (about 6 pounds).
That is a group average from the trial, not a result promised to a reader.
The September 2026 Saxenda label reports nausea in 39.3% of adults on it versus 13.8% on a dummy treatment.
Nausea means feeling sick to your stomach.
Ask about supply as well as approval
The FDA shortage records reviewed in September 2026 still list liraglutide injection in shortage; approval does not guarantee local stock.
FDA records also mark Saxenda for discontinuation, with supply stated to last until January 2027, as of September 2026.
- What is the plan if the pharmacy cannot supply this medicine?
- Who helps check the next care option?
- What happens to the fees if the plan changes?