What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes (Victoza)
Weight management in people living with obesity, alongside diet and activity (Saxenda)

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Liraglutide is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone called GLP-1. It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows emptying of the stomach and reduces appetite.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Liraglutide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sick
diarrhoea or constipation
being sick
indigestion
loss of appetite
headache

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

severe stomach pain that may spread to your back, with or without being sick, which can be a sign of an inflamed pancreas
pain in the upper right tummy, a high temperature or yellow skin, which can be gallstones
signs of dehydration from ongoing sickness or diarrhoea

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Do not use it if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Only use medicines prescribed by a doctor or registered pharmacy. Fake weight-loss pens are sold online.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.