Victoza Comparison: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you’ve been Googling "Victoza" you’ve probably seen a flood of articles about dosing, pricing, and side effects. It can feel overwhelming, especially when other GLP‑1 drugs like Ozempic, Trulicity, and Wegovy pop up in the same search results. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the practical facts you can use today.

How Victoza Works and Who It’s For

Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist. In plain English, it mimics a gut hormone that tells your pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises, and it slows down how fast food leaves your stomach. The result? Lower post‑meal spikes and a modest weight loss.

It’s approved for type 2 diabetes and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management. If you’re an adult with a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with a weight‑related condition), Victoza could be a good fit.

Victoza vs. Other GLP‑1 Options

When you line up Victoza next to Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Wegovy (higher‑dose semaglutide for obesity), a few clear differences pop up:

  • Frequency: Victoza is a daily injection, while Ozempic, Trulicity, and Wegovy are once‑weekly. If you hate daily shots, the weekly pens win.
  • Weight loss: Ozempic and Wegovy tend to produce bigger weight‑loss numbers (average 10‑15% vs 5‑7% with Victoza) because of the higher dose.
  • Cost: In Canada, Victoza’s list price hovers around CAD 120‑150 per month. Weekly GLP‑1s can be CAD 130‑170, but insurance coverage varies wildly, so the out‑of‑pocket cost can flip either way.
  • Side‑effects: All GLP‑1s can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Victoza’s daily dosing often means a gentler start, while a single weekly dose of Ozempic can hit the gut harder at first.

Bottom line: If you want steady, daily control and don’t mind the extra shot, Victoza is a solid choice. If convenience and bigger weight loss are top priorities, a once‑weekly option might suit you better.

Another practical tip: many Canadian pharmacies offer a 30‑day starter pack for Victoza at a reduced price. Ask your prescriber about a “test‑and‑see” period before committing to a full‑year supply.

Choosing the Right Dose

Victoza starts at 0.6 mg per day for the first week, then jumps to 1.2 mg. Your doctor may increase to 1.8 mg if blood sugar targets aren’t met. For weight‑loss purposes, the FDA‑approved dose is 3.0 mg, but that version is sold under the brand Wegovy, not Victoza. Mixing the two is not recommended.

Adjustments are simple: the pre‑filled pen has a dial you turn to the exact dose, then press a button to inject. No need to count units or draw up the medication.

Final Quick‑Check

  • Do you prefer daily or weekly injections? Daily = Victoza, weekly = Ozempic/Trulicity.
  • Is weight loss a primary goal? Weekly GLP‑1s generally win.
  • What’s your budget? Compare pharmacy prices and check if your insurance covers one brand better.
  • Any GI sensitivity? Start low, go slow – Victoza’s gradual titration can help.

Use this checklist the next time you talk to your healthcare provider. A clear conversation about dosing, cost, and side‑effects will save you time, money, and a lot of guesswork.

Remember, the best medication is the one you can stick with. Whether you pick Victoza or another GLP‑1, the goal is the same: steady blood sugar, healthier weight, and fewer complications down the road.

Victoza (Liraglutide) vs. Other Diabetes & Weight‑Loss Drugs: A Straight‑Forward Comparison

A clear, jargon‑free comparison of Victoza (liraglutide) with Ozempic, Trulicity, Mounjaro and metformin, covering efficacy, weight loss, safety, cost and how to choose the right option.

Written by

Edward Jepson-Randall, Sep, 28 2025