Victoza · Saxenda
Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that shares 97% amino acid sequence homology with native human GLP-1. It has a C16 fatty acid chain (palmitic acid) attached via a glutamic acid spacer, which enables non-covalent binding to albumin. This albumin binding slows absorption from the injection site, reduces renal clearance, and extends the half-life to approximately 13 hours, allowing once-daily dosing.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
Binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, potentiating glucose-dependent insulin secretion (only when blood glucose is elevated) and suppressing glucagon release from alpha cells. This dual mechanism improves glycemic control with low intrinsic hypoglycemia risk.
Acts on GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus and other appetite-regulating centers) to reduce hunger and increase satiety. Slows gastric emptying, which prolongs post-meal fullness and reduces food intake. These central and peripheral appetite effects drive the weight loss seen with liraglutide.
Exerts cardioprotective effects through multiple mechanisms including reduced inflammation, improved endothelial function, decreased oxidative stress, and favorable effects on blood pressure and lipid profiles. The LEADER trial confirmed reduced cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, and non-fatal stroke.
Days 1-7: Appetite reduction begins within days. Nausea most common during first 1-2 weeks. Blood glucose effects begin rapidly in diabetic patients.
Each reference below was re-fetched from its PubMed record, and the quoted sentence was confirmed to appear in that abstract and to support the claim it sits under. Follow any of them to read the source.
Evidence boundary from the checked abstract: Besides lowering blood glucose, liraglutide also reduces body weight.
Besides lowering blood glucose, liraglutide also reduces body weight.
The arcuate nucleus mediates GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide-dependent weight loss.
Evidence scope. This entry supports only the exact statement quoted from the live abstract; it does not independently verify OnePin's displayed dose, route, frequency, formulation, population, or broader mechanism.
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 0.6mg; Subcutaneous (SubQ); daily. No checked live PubMed abstract verified this exact displayed dose, route, and frequency for the same molecule/formulation and relevant population.
Primary safety claim: Nausea (most common, 30-40%, usually transient during dose titration). No checked live PubMed abstract directly verified this source-JSON safety claim at the displayed formulation, route, and regimen.
SubQ
SubQ (due to albumin binding and slow absorption from depot)
Supports once-daily dosing
Endogenous peptide metabolism (DPP-4, NEP); no single organ of elimination
Storage. Store refrigerated at 2-8C before first use. After first use, can be stored at room temperature (up to 30C/86F) or refrigerated for up to 30 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
FDA-approved. Victoza (1.2-1.8mg) for type 2 diabetes (2010). Saxenda (3.0mg) for chronic weight management (2014). Cardiovascular benefit indication added (2017). Manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
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Open Liraglutide straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
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