Victoza
 

I was prescribed it this past week. It's a new human GLP-1 analog drug - that is similar to Byetta but only once a day and the side effects last about 5 days. I've been on it now for 3 days and so far no side effects. I have noticed it does help appetite. I'm eating a lot less food since I'm getting fuller faster. Looking forward to the assistance in weight loss too!

Was just approved by the FDA this past Jan.

Was wondering if anyone else on here is trying it and if so how are they liking it? I had a 71 reading just about an hour ago. It's really working! I'm also taking 2mg Amaryl and 2000mg of Metformin.

Hi there, I am due to begin taking Victoza next week so don't have any further info at this stage. Have you seen their website - www.mydiabetesfreshstart.co.uk

Puddock - Have you started using it yet? It's now been almost 20 days and I'm in LOVE with it. Still not a fan of the needle - but besides that it's AMAZING! I've never seen this low of sugars and I've lost about 5 pounds also. It is great at helping you get fuller faster.

Victoza - Update
 

Meant to put this on earlier - My HbA1C in June 2010 (before taking Victoza) was 11.7 and won't know the effects of Victoza until Sep 2010.
At the end of week two on Victoza (29/06/10) with first week of increased dose at 1.2mg, I lost some weight but I had been really careful about what I am eating (almost low-carbing) with reduced portion sizes and stopping when I felt I'd had enough. I've found that if I even slightly overeat the indigestion is pretty bad and I've done that accidentally twice so far:o Otherwise I feel much better than I did, I have more energy and BG levels are at an all time low. Prior to Victoza, levels were mid to late teens and had been as high as 21. Now most are under 10, and I got the lowest level of 5.4
Now almost 5 weeks on dose of 1.2mg and I've lost around 8lbs - again I'm keeping the carbs low but not eating low fat or formally exercising. I know it's still early days but so far so good...:D

Anyone else out there on Victoza
 

Would love to chat with anyone else on Victoza, I am on Day13 and LOVE IT. I have lost about 6 lbs already, have seen the best numbers ever, I have had the side effects, nausea, lower GI etc. I have been really eating carefully, that is when I can eat and exercising. Reaching out to anyone who is on this new treatment. I am taking 2000 metformin and still on low dose of lantus. Is anyone else out there on this protocol?

Hello. I've just finished my first week of .6mg of Victoza. Now I'm on 1.2 mg. I'm really feeling the nausea today. My numbers are good and I'm looking forward to loosing some weight. I was on 500 mg of metaformin last week, but will increase it to 1000 mg starting today.
I wondered if the numbers stay within normal range, has anyone stopped taking Victoza?

I have never felt the nausea some associate with Victoza and I have been taking it for over four months. I inject myself, (always in my spare tire) an hour or two after lunch. Any side effects would be well worth it as I have lost over three inches in my waist and reduced my A1c from 10.2 to 5.7. I can see my shoes again, and I feel great!

Taking Victoza and have just increased to 1.2 mg and now am feeling the upset stomach. Otherwise have noticed lower glucose levels overall. Happy on it so far with 2550mg metformin, novorapid at meals and Levemir at bed.

Check with your doctor, I believe that Victoza is not suggested to be used with fast acting insulin. I have been on Victoza since Oct 10, 2010 and stopped my Novolog immediately and have been weaning myself off Lantus little by little and am now almost insulin free.

To all who are complaining about the nausea, I am on 1.8 (top dosage) of Victoza, have had serious nausea, but it does go away. Tip, you really need to eat small amounts during this phase. I have lost over 15 lbs- most of my insulin weight gain. My numbers are great. I look forward to my next A1C.

Remember, Victoza makes your pancreas work the way it is supposed to, on this drug protocol we are much healthier than on insulin. Thank the developers of this drug that it exists, watch your diet and exercise!

@acktennislady
You are right however, my endocrinologist has done studies with patients using fast acting insulin and Victoza and reports successful results.

Am very happy on it to date and am over the naseousness.

I've been interested in finding out more about Victoza. I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic in August 2010, along with a nasty case of gangrene in my right foot. I've been taking Duetact, 30/2 (glimeperide and Actos) and trying to watch what I eat. I've lost about 50 pounds since August; of course massive infection plus even more massive doses of antibiotics did nothing for my appetite. My last A1c, last week was 5.0. My doctor is trying to get me on Victoza, but I know it's expensive (no insurance), and I'm not sure that I need it.

My 1st day of Victoza
 

After last night shot, this morning (FBS) was 216 went all the way. For almost 2 weeks my blood sugar average was 275. So far I have not felt any side effects and hope i dont. Yet my Dr needs to see me every week just in case some unknown or undocumented side effect arises.

I have been on victoza for approximate 6 months.
No side effects at all but unfortunately no weight loss as it has not affected my appetite.
Blood glucose results were fine at my last checkup 3 months ago.
Next checkup next week, fingers crossed.

Hi there I am taking victoza and I am in my sixth day and I am seeing numbers that I never saw in my life!! I also taking Metforminn, Actos and Amaryl , so is there anyone in the same protocol?

I have been on Victoza about two months now, at 1.8 dosage. I am wondering if after meal readings are within range? Sometimes the readings are fine and sometimes in the 200's.

You numbers should be less than 140 at 2 hours after and less than 120 at 1 hour after. You may want to do a tag search on "normal blood sugars".

I started a week ago and my BS are great. I also take levimir 14 units twice a day. It is made by the same company. BS before were running 170-250 now 90-139. No nausea or GI effects. I have noticed my appetite is under a lot better control. I have lost three pounds on a week. I also have a lot more energy. Dar

Just took my first dose today...nervous about the needle but I felt no pain during the injection. So far, so good

Hi, I started Victoza 4 days ago and I have not had any side effects. My blood sugar is 92-115. I up my dose in a few days. Sure hope I don't het sick.

I have been on Victoza for almost a week and today is the first day I feel a little sick but not bad, nothing like Byetta! My blood sugar is running around 91-115. I will up my dose in a few days.

I have been using it for about one month without any side effects and it worked for me since my reading are normal before and after meals.

Started victoza 2 wkd ago, still no side bad effects. Will start 1.8 dose in 2 days. Stopped januvia and actos. Started victoza because of bladder cancer warning. On 2000 metformin and 8mg amaryl. High mornings gone, 10 lbs lost. See what happens till my next endo visit, may try to reduce more meds. Check webmd, extremely high reviews. One other point, I started testosterone meds about 3 months ago that helped lower my sugars also. May be worth a try.

Clarification on previous post. My comment about bladder cancer was related to increased risk with actos.

My primary doctor had me on 850mg (2x a day) of metformin and 1mg of amaryl. My AM readings were 150 or higher and I would drop below 100 by lunch, my A1c was 7.1, so many highs and lows. Finally decided to go to endocrinologist. Took me off Amaryl and put me on Victoza 1.2mg and had me go through diabetic education and nutrition. Three months later A1c was 5.5 an I lost 15 pounds (I'm not an exerciser)and best of all no extreme highs or lows.

Hi!
This is my second week on Victoza. No side affects so far.

Victoza
 

I am on my fourth month of using Victoza now, started on 0.6, now I'm on the more common 1.2 dose. I've lost 2.5 stones since being on it. My blood sugars have fallen dramatically and I feel soooo,,,, much better. Whilst portions have been reduced and I'm more careful of what I eat, the benefits far outweigh the side effects. They can be harsh!!! Stick with it though!!

I am wondering what the cost is and does insurance cover any of the cost?

Have been on V since last Oct. lost 50+ lbs 1.2 doesn't seem to effect blood much use metformine

I've Aetna Insurance and they cover it. The cost for co-pay is $25.00.

I am happy for those of you who have had success with Victoza. My new endo put me on Victoza in Sept'10 and I had great results with minimal queasiness. I was happy with the lower gls, weight loss, and the improved meal-time control. I just didn't feel that hungry and I got fuller faster. I thought Victoza was like a "miracle drug". The bad news is that my heart rate increased alarmingly by 20-30 beats soon after I started Victoza. The endo was not aware of any heart-related problems associated with the drug. My primary physician ordered me off Victoza since I also have heart issues. I was very disappointed because Victoza had given me high hopes of better gl and weight management. Didn't even have a problem with the insurance coverage. Diabetics starting or planning to start Victoza should read the FDA warnings, and the web forums that detail other users' experiences with the drug.