Victoza injections should only be administered under strict medical
supervision. They must only be prescribed by a specialist due to their dangerous side effects that will be mentioned later on.
- They are licensed and authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
- It is important to warn patients not to be tricked by certain marketing schemes that make deceptive statements with no scientific basis. These injections have been falsely marketed by some as a treatment that can cure diabetes completely.
Usage:
• Victoza injections can be used as a contributing factor (along with a healthy diet and exercise) to help adult type 2 diabetes patients manage their blood sugar levels more efficiently.
• Victoza along with your current treatment for cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks, strokes, or death).
Restrictions of use:
- Victoza injections are not an alternative to insulin, and they should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or as a treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It remains unknown whether Victoza injections are safe and effective for children.
General instructions:
- Read the usage instructions that come with the Victoza injection.
- Only use Victoza injections if they are prescribed by a doctor and make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Victoza injections are administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (same injection sites as insulin). Victoza injections should not be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
- There is no need to adjust the dose if the injection site and timing are changed.
- Do not use the injection if the solution is not clear and colorless or if it has any particles stuck in it.
- Do not mix insulin and Victoza together in the same injection.
- Victoza is administered subcutaneously once-daily at any time, independent of mealtime.
- At the beginning, take only small doses for a week, then the doctor can increase your dose.
- Do not share your Victoza injection with other people.
- Caution should be exercised when oral medications are administered at the same time as a Victoza injection.
- Avoid taking two doses at the same time if you miss a dose.
Contraindications:
- Do not use Victoza if you or any member of your family has ever had medullary thyroid cancer or if you have an endocrine system condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
- Do not use Victoza if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
- Pregnancy
- Children
When to see a doctor?
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
- If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
- If you have problems with your pancreas, kidneys, or liver;
- If you have problems with digesting food;
- Inform your doctor about all the medications you take including vitamins and others;
- Discuss how to deal with low blood sugar.
Most common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Indigestion
Serious side effects:
- Thyroid tumors, including cancer. For this reason, it is essential for the patient to immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the neck
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath;
- Acute pancreatitis. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting
- Abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Low blood sugar. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Kidney problems (kidney failure), which can develop due to loss of fluid (dehydration) caused by diarrhea and vomiting.
- Severe allergic reactions. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Increased heart rate
- Skin rash or itching
- Gallbladder problems. The patient must immediately see a doctor upon noticing the following symptoms
- Pain in the upper right or mid-abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- The whites of the eyes get a yellow tint
For inquiries, contact us by e-mail.