Liraglutide

Is Liraglutide FDA-approved?

Approved by the FDA. A licensed clinician has to decide it is right for you and prescribe it. FDA-approved, prescription only, including generics. FDA's April 2026 proposal would also exclude liraglutide from the 503B outsourcing bulks list.

As of September 23, 2026.

How does Liraglutide work?

What does the evidence say about Liraglutide?

Randomized trials (the SCALE program) show moderate average weight loss, generally less than newer weekly GLP-1 drugs.

What to expect

What trials and prescribing information measured over time. Everyone responds differently.

1. First weeks

   Treatment starts low and increases gradually. Tiredness, dizziness and taste changes were reported mostly in the first 12 weeks, often alongside GI symptoms.

2. Week 16

   The label says to check progress at 16 weeks and stop if weight loss is below its threshold.

3. Week 56

   In SCALE, participants lost about 8 kg on average, versus about 3 kg on placebo. About 63% lost at least 5% of body weight, versus 27% on placebo.

What do clinicians say about Liraglutide?

Liraglutide has solid trial evidence, but guidelines now see it as a less effective option than newer weekly GLP-1 drugs. Generics have made it a lower-cost choice.

• The AGA 2022 guideline suggests liraglutide as one option for long-term weight management in adults with obesity, based on moderate-certainty evidence.

  AGA clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for obesity (2022)

• The Saxenda label says to check your weight 16 weeks after starting and stop if you have lost less than 4% of your starting weight, since meaningful long-term loss is then unlikely.

  DailyMed: Saxenda (liraglutide) prescribing information

• The Endocrine Society's obesity drug guideline advises continuing a weight-loss medication only if it is working at about three months, and considering alternatives if not.

  Endocrine Society: Pharmacological management of obesity, clinical practice guideline

• FDA approved the first generic of Victoza in December 2024, and a generic of Saxenda followed in 2025.

  FDA (Dec 2024): First generic of once-daily GLP-1 injection approved

Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.

Is Liraglutide right for you, and who should avoid it?

Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.

What are the risks and side effects of Liraglutide?

• Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
• Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are common; label warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury, and increased heart rate.
• Its label includes a warning about suicidal thoughts; report mood changes promptly.
• Not for use in pregnancy. Low blood sugar risk rises with insulin or sulfonylureas.

What should you ask a clinician about Liraglutide?

• Would generic liraglutide be a reasonable, cheaper option compared with a weekly drug?
• How would a daily injection fit into my routine?
• What results would make it worth continuing?

These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.

How do people get Liraglutide through telehealth?

1. 1

   Answer an online health questionnaire about your weight history, conditions and medications.

2. 2

   A licensed clinician reviews it. Depending on your state and the program, that is either an asynchronous review or a short video or phone visit.

3. 3

   Some programs ask for recent labs, or send an at-home kit, before or soon after prescribing.

4. 4

   If prescribed, the medication ships to you or is sent to a local pharmacy. Branded pens covered by insurance usually need a prior authorization first.

5. 5

   Follow-ups happen by message or visit as your clinician adjusts treatment, typically monthly early on.

Where can I get Liraglutide?

12 providers list Liraglutide on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.

† Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.

How much does Liraglutide cost?

Listed prices run from $160 to $279 a month across 2 providers, as checked October 7, 2026.

Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change. Membership or consult fees may be separate; see each provider.

Compare and learn

• Semaglutide vs liraglutide: how do Wegovy and Ozempic compare with Saxenda and Victoza?
• Compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide: how do they differ from the brands?
• What are peptides, what is peptide therapy, and are peptides legal?
• Peptides for weight loss: which are approved, and which are not?

Liraglutide: questions, answered

Sources

• DailyMed: Saxenda prescribing information
• SCALE: A randomized trial of liraglutide 3.0 mg in weight management (NEJM 2015)
• FDA (Apr 30, 2026): Proposal to exclude semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide from the 503B bulks list

Also checked for this guide

• AGA clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for obesity (2022)
• Endocrine Society: Pharmacological management of obesity, clinical practice guideline
• FDA (Dec 2024): First generic of once-daily GLP-1 injection approved
• LifeMD: Weight management
• Nurx: Weight management

Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.

Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.