About liraglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control.
- May reduce cardiovascular risk in some adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.
Usual adult dose
Inject under the skin once daily: start 0.6 mg for one week, then 1.2 mg; may increase to 1.8 mg daily if needed.
Usual dose in children
For type 2 diabetes from age 10: start 0.6 mg under the skin daily; increase to 1.2 mg after one week, then 1.8 mg if needed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or reduced appetite
- Headache or indigestion
- Injection-site reactions
- Low blood sugar, especially with insulin or sulfonylureas
Important warnings
- Seek urgent care for severe, persistent abdominal pain, possibly indicating pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder problems and dehydration-related kidney injury can occur.
- Not for type 1 diabetes or treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Avoid with personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy; discontinue if pregnancy occurs. It may harm fetal development, and improved glucose control is important in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Human data are limited; discuss treatment choices with a clinician because effects on a nursing infant are uncertain.
Interactions
- Insulin or sulfonylureas increase low blood sugar risk.
- Slows stomach emptying and may affect absorption of oral medicines.
- Can affect medicines requiring close monitoring, including warfarin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.