Adult: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control, or to reduce the risk of major CV events in patients with diabetes and established CV disease: Monotherapy (if metformin is considered inappropriate due to contraindications or intolerance) or in combination with other antidiabetic agents: Victoza Initially, 0.6 mg once daily for at least 1 week, then increase to 1.2 mg once daily. If additional glycaemic control is needed, dose may be increased further to the Max recommended dose of 1.8 mg once daily after at least 1 week. Doses may be given without regard to meals but preferably around the same time each day. Treatment recommendations may vary between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines). Child: ≥10 years As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control: Victoza Same as adult dose.
Subcutaneous Weight management
Adult: As an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in patients with initial BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or with initial BMI of 27-<30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least 1 weight-related comorbidity (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidaemia): Saxenda Initially, 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week, then increase dose in increments of 0.6 mg at intervals of at least 1 week until reaching the maintenance dose of 3 mg once daily. Consider treatment discontinuation if escalation to the next dose step is not tolerated for 2 consecutive weeks. Discontinue treatment if at least 4-5% of baseline body weight has not been lost after 12 weeks on maintenance dose or 16 weeks after treatment initiation. Doses may be given without regard to meals but preferably around the same time each day. Treatment recommendations may vary between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines). Child: ≥12 years As an adjunct to healthy nutrition and increased physical activity in patients with initial BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m2 for adults (obesity) by international cut-offs and with body weight >60 kg: Saxenda Initially, 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week, then increase dose in increments of 0.6 mg at intervals of at least 1 week until reaching the maintenance dose of 3 mg once daily or the Max tolerated dose. Discontinue and re-evaluate treatment if at least 4% of BMI has not been lost after 12 weeks on maintenance dose or Max tolerated dose. Doses may be given without regard to meals but preferably around the same time each day. Dosage and treatment recommendations may vary between countries and individual products (refer to local or specific product guidelines).
What are the brands available for Liraglutide in Hong Kong?
Weight management:
Severe (including ESRD): Not recommended.
Hepatic Impairment
Severe: Not recommended.
Administration
Liraglutide May be taken with or without food.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to liraglutide. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Special Precautions
Patient with history of anaphylaxis or angioedema with another glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist; thyroid disease. Patient receiving insulin or sulfonylurea. Avoid in patients with active suicidal ideation or history of suicidal attempts. Not recommended for use in patients with congestive heart failure NYHA class IV, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetic gastroparesis. Not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Not a substitute for insulin. Patients undergoing surgeries or procedures requiring deep sedation or anaesthesia may have an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration due to residual gastric contents caused by delayed gastric emptying associated with GLP-1 agonists. When used for weight management, liraglutide is not recommended for elderly aged ≥75 years, patients being treated with other products for weight management and those with obesity secondary to endocrinological or eating disorders or treatment with medicinal products that may cause weight gain. Liraglutide is available in multiple brands that are approved for specific indication; these brands may not be interchangeable and must be used according to their approved indication; refer to specific product guidelines before administration. Potential misuse of GLP-1 agonists for unauthorised indications, such as aesthetic weight loss, has been reported; ensure the proper use of this medication, as the risks and benefits of using GLP-1 agonists for weight loss outside of the approved indications have not been studied. Hepatic and severe renal impairment. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Delayed gastric emptying, which may lead to pulmonary aspiration (particularly in patients undergoing surgery or procedure requiring deep sedation or general anaesthesia); goitre, increased blood calcitonin, MTC; increased resting heart rate; gallbladder disease (e.g. cholelithiasis, cholecystitis); gastrointestinal effects (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain) which may lead to severe dehydration and renal impairment; acute renal failure, worsening chronic renal failure; hypoglycaemia (particularly in non-diabetic patients using liraglutide for weight management or when liraglutide is used concurrently with insulin or sulfonylurea); antibody formation. Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal discomfort or distension, flatulence, gastritis, GERD, dysgeusia. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fatigue, malaise, asthenia, inj site reactions (e.g. rash, pruritus, erythema). Infections and infestations: UTI. Investigations: Increased lipase, increased amylase. Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia, decreased appetite. Nervous system disorders: Headache, dizziness. Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, urticaria, pruritus. Potentially Fatal: Acute pancreatitis, including haemorrhagic or necrotising pancreatitis; serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, angioedema); suicidal thoughts or behaviour (particularly in patients being treated for weight management).
Patient Counseling Information
Ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment. This drug may cause dizziness, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor plasma glucose, heart rate, renal function, triglycerides, body weight (when used for weight management), and HbA1c (twice a year for patients who have stable glycaemic control and are meeting the treatment goals; quarterly for those not meeting the treatment goals or with therapy changes). Assess for signs and symptoms of thyroid tumours (e.g. neck mass, dyspnoea, dysphagia, persistent hoarseness), hypoglycaemia, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, unusual changes in mood or behaviour, new or worsening depression, and suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Severe nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe hypoglycaemia. Management: Supportive treatment. Monitor blood glucose levels and for signs of dehydration.
Drug Interactions
Increased risk of hypoglycaemia (including severe cases) with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g. sulfonylurea). May affect the absorption of concomitantly administered oral drugs due to delayed gastric emptying.
Action
Description: Mechanism of Action: Liraglutide, a long-acting analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is an antidiabetic and antiobesity agent. It acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist and activates the receptor in the pancreatic β cells, thereby increasing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing inappropriate glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying. Additionally, its weight loss effect is mediated by reduced calorie intake through the activation of GLP-1 receptor, a physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake. Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Slowly absorbed after SC inj. Time to peak plasma concentration: 8-12 hours. Bioavailability: Approx 55%. Distribution: Volume of distribution: 11-17 L; 20-25 L (for patients weighing approx 100 kg). Plasma protein binding: >98%. Metabolism: Metabolised endogenously by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and endogenous endopeptidase enzymes. Excretion: Via urine (6% as metabolites); faeces (5% as metabolites). Elimination half-life: Approx 13 hours.
Chemical Structure
Liraglutide Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16134956, Liraglutide. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Liraglutide. Accessed Feb. 25, 2025.
Storage
Before initial use, store between 2-8°C. After initial use, may store between 2-8°C or below 30°C and must be used within 1 month. Do not freeze or store directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element. Protect from heat and light.
A10BJ02 - liraglutide ; Belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues. Used in the treatment of diabetes.
References
Anon. Liraglutide. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 11/11/2024.Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Liraglutide. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 11/11/2024.GLP-1 and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Potential Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anaesthesia or Deep Sedation. Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update. Accessed 12/02/2025.GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Reminder of the Potential Side Effects and to Be Aware of the Potential for Misuse. Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update. Accessed 11/11/2024.Joint Formulary Committee. Liraglutide. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 18/02/2025.Liraglutide. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 11/11/2024.Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Saxenda Solution for Injection data sheet 04 April 2024. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 11/11/2024.Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Victoza Solution for Injection 6 mg/mL data sheet 04 April 2024. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 11/11/2024.Paediatric Formulary Committee. Liraglutide. BNF for Children [online]. London. BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press, and RCPCH Publications. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 11/11/2024.Saxenda 6 mg/mL Solution for Injection in Pre-filled Pen (Novo Nordisk A/S). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 11/11/2024.Saxenda 6 mg/mL Solution for Injection in Pre-filled Pen (Novo Nordisk Pharma [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 11/11/2024.Saxenda Injection, Solution (Novo Nordisk). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 11/11/2024.Victoza 6 mg/mL Solution for Injection in Pre-filled Pen (Novo Nordisk A/S). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 11/11/2024.Victoza 6 mg/mL Solution for Injection in Pre-filled Pen (Novo Nordisk Pharma [Malaysia] Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 11/11/2024.Victoza Injection (Novo Nordisk). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 11/11/2024.
Sign Out
