Liraglutide is the active substance of two drugs prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It can also be used for weight loss, but in very specific cases. Watch out for its side effects.
Definition: what is liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a analog of GLP-1. “GLP-1 is anaturally produced hormone through the intestine when eating and which slows gastric emptying, improves the production of insulin, acts on the production of sugar by the liver and on the appetite centers located directly in the brain. This is a drug that has been used for about ten years in the treatment of type 2 diabetes“, explains Dr. Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist.
What is the trade name of liraglutide?
Liraglutide is the active substance of the drug Victoza, prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda, which also has an indication against obesity. These drugs are sold in the form of injectable pens. “There is no no difference in composition between Victoza and Saxenda, assures Dr. Lecornet Sokol. Only the indication and the dose change. HAS and the laboratory preferred to market the pens under two different names to avoid abuses because one is covered by social security and the other is not.”
What is the effect of liraglutide on insulin?
When blood sugar is high, liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion (hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar) and simultaneously decreases excess glucagon (hormone produced by the pancreas that increases blood sugar levels). This is why it is effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This process also helps to control weight by slowing the passage of food from the stomach to the intestines, allowing the patient to feel a faster and longer satiety effect, thus reducing his appetite.
Does liraglutide make you lose weight?
“During studies, scientists have observed a efficacy of high-dose liraglutide on weight loss due to with two actions: the slowing of gastric emptying and the effect on appetite. For 2 years, doctors have therefore had the possibility of prescribing liraglutide for patients obese with a BMI greater than 30 or overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 accompanied by health problems such ashypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure or sleep apnea syndrome“, underlines the endocrinologist. The only medicinal product authorized in this indication is Saxenda.
What are the differences with Ozempic?
Ozempic, whose active substance is semaglutide, is also a analogue of GLP-1. But unlike Victoza and Saxenda, Ozempic (semaglutide) injection is weekly. Moreover, “semaglutide is more potent than liraglutide“. Today, Ozempic is not indicated for obesity. “Wegovy, is the name used for the use of semaglutide in high doses in the treatment of obesity but can only be used for the moment by hospital departments specialized in nutrition.”
What are the side effects of liraglutide?
“THE most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain. These effects are not serious unless the patient suffers from a particular fragility. Taking liraglutide may increase the risk of pancreatitis and there is some doubt as to the possibility that this may lead to pancreatic and thyroid tumors“, explains Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol. It is also important to respect the doctor’s indications and dosages.
What efficiency?
“Sometimes the injections are ineffective. This is the case in 10 to 15% of people without knowing for the moment what is the cause of this non-functioning. THE effects of liraglutide in weight loss may fade over time, after 5 to 6 months in some patients.”
Whether its use occurs in the context of type 2 diabetes or obesity, the use of one of these drugs must be integrated into a overall weight loss process with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
How to use liraglutide injection?
Victoza and Saxenda should be administered once a day subcutaneously, independently of meals, at more or less fixed times. Ozempic should instead be administered once a week. Screw a new needle (these should be changed daily) onto the pen, turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows your dose, insert the needle into the skin (belly, arm, thigh) then press the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0.
What is the price of liraglutide? Is it reimbursed by social security?
Victoza is supported by social security as part of the treatment of diabetes and therefore reimbursed, this is not the case with Saxenda. Its price varies from one pharmacy to another but the cost of a box of 3 injections is around 200 euros. “There is a real subject of difficulty in accessibility because the price can be a barrier to its use“, laments the endocrinologist.
Thanks to Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist, president of the Fenardediam, co-author with Caroline Balma Chaminadour of the book “And if it was hormonal” (Marabout pocket editions).