Victoza (liraglutide) is currently facing an international supply shortage. In such cases, we may offer alternative GLP-1 medications. Our clinic also conducts treatment in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Japan Diabetes Society and the Japan Diabetes Foundation.

“I want to lose weight without putting too much strain on my body.”
“I want to control snacking and overeating as part of my weight management.”

Do any of these sound familiar?

Victoza is a medication that may support weight loss. By increasing levels of a hormone called GLP-1, it works to suppress appetite and support weight reduction.

On this page, we explain the effects, potential side effects, and common questions about Victoza.

At IC Clinic, we propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and provide care with a focus on results. We take the time to carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.

What Is Victoza? A Treatment That Promotes Insulin Secretion

Victoza is a type of “GLP-1 receptor agonist.” It is a treatment in which GLP-1 hormone is self-injected to stimulate the secretion of insulin.

Originally, Victoza was used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Once its appetite-suppressing effects were identified, it began to attract attention as a weight management option, and it is now also prescribed as a treatment for obesity.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Victoza, work by promoting insulin secretion and differ from insulin preparations, which directly supplement insulin. As a result, the risk of hypoglycemia from administration is low, and appetite suppression effects may be expected.

For more details on GLP-1, please refer to the page below.

What Is a GLP-1 Injection? Weight Management Effects and Side Effects Explained | IC Clinic

How Does Victoza Work? Appetite Suppression That May Support Weight Management

Victoza is a medication that delivers GLP-1 through external injection.

GLP-1 works in the following way:

1. When food enters the digestive tract, the small intestine secretes a hormone called GLP-1
2. GLP-1 transmits a “feeling of fullness” signal to the hypothalamus in the brain
3. The satiety center within the hypothalamus then works to suppress appetite

Normally, individuals who naturally secrete higher levels of GLP-1 are able to control their appetite more easily.

Victoza is a treatment that helps regulate appetite by administering GLP-1 to those whose natural secretion levels are low.

By enabling a greater sense of fullness from smaller meals, it helps reduce overall caloric intake, which may contribute to weight management.

Is Victoza Hard on the Body? Potential Side Effects Including Nausea

The following side effects have been reported with Victoza:

(Reference: KEGG | Prescription Drugs: Victoza)

As noted above, the most commonly reported side effects are constipation and nausea.

If these symptoms occur, options such as laxatives or anti-nausea medications may be considered. Please do not push through on your own—follow your doctor’s instructions and ask for appropriate medication.

In addition, hypoglycemic symptoms such as weakness or fatigue may also occur. There have been reports of patients losing consciousness in some cases.

If you experience hypoglycemia, consuming glucose-containing products (such as candy or sugar cubes) may help relieve symptoms.

Depending on the situation, the dosage of Victoza may be adjusted. If you notice anything unusual, please contact our clinic promptly.

How to Obtain Victoza? Personal Importation Is Dangerous

GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Victoza, are not approved as weight loss medications in Japan.

Therefore, they must be prescribed at a clinic or hospital.

Some people may consider purchasing from overseas via the internet, but personal importation carries the following risks:

• Quality and safety cannot be verified under Japanese law
• There is a risk the product was manufactured in unsanitary conditions
• The product may be a counterfeit posing as a genuine item
• You may not know how to manage side effects if they occur

(Reference: Government Public Relations Online | Beware of Risks Such as Health Hazards: Personal Importation of Medicines from Overseas)

Personal importation carries the risk of serious health harm. Please only use Victoza that has been prescribed by a qualified medical institution.

Who May Benefit from Victoza for Weight Management

GLP-1-based weight management using Victoza tends to be well-suited for those whose daily eating habits are irregular.

Specifically, Victoza injections may be worth considering if you identify with any of the following:

• You tend to eat large portions regularly
• You find yourself snacking frequently
• You tend to overeat due to stress

Using Victoza may help suppress appetite and allow you to feel full with smaller meals. In addition, potential benefits such as reduced fat accumulation and improved metabolism are among the effects that may be expected with Victoza.

Who Is Not Suited for Victoza Weight Management

The following characteristics may indicate that Victoza is not an appropriate option:

• You already eat small portions
• You rarely snack or overeat
• You are underweight (BMI below 18.5)

Since GLP-1-based weight management aims to improve dietary habits, it may not be effective for those who already monitor their caloric intake carefully.

Furthermore, the weight management effects of GLP-1 have currently only been demonstrated in individuals with obesity. Those who are underweight may not see the expected results, and we may decline to prescribe in such cases.

If you are considering Victoza, we encourage you to consult with us first. We will assess your physical condition through appropriate examinations before proceeding with any treatment.

Treatment Process and Post-Treatment Progress with Victoza

1. Medical Consultation and Blood TestWe begin with a consultation to understand your concerns and goals. A blood test is then conducted to confirm that Victoza administration is appropriate for you.
2. Test Results and Victoza PrescriptionIf no health concerns are identified, we will provide guidance on how to administer Victoza and what to be aware of, and then issue your prescription.
3. Once-Daily Self-InjectionYou will begin self-injecting at home. Unused Victoza should be stored in the refrigerator. If you are anxious about your first self-injection, we are happy to guide you through it at the clinic, so please feel free to come in.
4. Monitoring Effects and Side EffectsWe ask that you return to the clinic approximately one month after starting treatment. At that visit, we will assess the effects and any side effects. If there are no concerns, treatment will continue. Regular follow-up visits are required for ongoing monitoring.
   While there is no set time for Victoza administration, we recommend injecting at the same time each day.

Administering at the same time each day helps maintain a consistent GLP-1 concentration in the body, supporting more effective results.

How to Use Victoza Subcutaneous Injection 18mg

Victoza is prescribed in a pen-type format known as “Victoza Subcutaneous Injection 18mg” and is used via self-injection.

The steps for self-injection are as follows:

1. Wipe the injection port of the pen with an alcohol swab
2. Attach the included needle to the injection port
3. Point the needle upward and perform a priming shot
4. Dial the dose selector to the prescribed amount
5. Disinfect the injection site and insert the needle perpendicularly
6. Press the injection button and hold the needle in place for at least 6 seconds
7. While keeping the button pressed, withdraw the needle

Since Victoza is not affected by food, it can be administered either before or after meals.

However, it is important to inject at the same time each day whenever possible. Administering at a consistent time helps maintain stable GLP-1 levels in the body, which may support more effective results.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Victoza

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Victoza.

Q1. Are there cases of death due to Victoza side effects?

There have been no reported cases of death in otherwise healthy individuals using Victoza.

Past fatalities associated with Victoza have been reported, but these occurred in the context of diabetes treatment, where Victoza was used as a substitute for insulin preparations.
(Reference: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) | Liraglutide (Recombinant) Safety Information)

These cases are believed to have been caused by the discontinuation of insulin therapy, which led to an inability to properly control blood glucose levels.

Therefore, there are no reported cases of death in individuals using Victoza for weight management purposes.

Q2. What is the daily dosage of Victoza for weight management purposes?

Dosage ranges from 0.3 mg to 1.8 mg per day, adjusted based on observed effects and side effects.

Typically, Victoza treatment begins at 0.3 mg per day and may be gradually increased up to a maximum of 1.8 mg per day.

The general process is as follows:

1. Start with 0.3 mg per day
2. If appetite suppression is not observed, increase to 0.6 mg per day
3. If still insufficient, further increase to 0.9 mg, then 1.2 mg per day
4. Once appetite suppression is achieved, maintain that dose as the ongoing amount

The dose is determined by monitoring not only the effects but also side effects such as nausea and constipation.

If side effects such as nausea are pronounced, the injection frequency may be reduced to once every two to three days.

Q3. When can I expect to notice results from Victoza for weight management?

Results from Victoza vary by individual, but some people may begin to notice effects as early as two weeks. However, sustained weight management typically requires continued use over a period of several months.

An international study involving 3,731 participants provides clinical data on weight management effects in non-diabetic individuals:

As shown above, an average weight loss of approximately 8.4 kg was observed over roughly one year.

It should be noted that the study population consisted of non-Japanese individuals with obesity; however, the findings do provide a clinical basis for GLP-1-based weight management with Victoza.

Q4. Is Victoza covered by insurance?

Victoza is not covered by health insurance and is payable entirely out of pocket.

In Japan, Victoza is approved only as a treatment for diabetes. When prescribed for weight management purposes, it falls under private (self-pay) treatment and is not covered by insurance.

The specific cost will vary depending on the clinic.

For pricing details on GLP-1 injections at our clinic, please refer to the following:

• Body Slimming Price List
• Face Slimming & Contouring Price List

IC Clinic for Victoza Prescriptions

Victoza works by increasing hormone levels in the body to help suppress appetite and support weight reduction.

This approach may be particularly suitable for those who relate to the following:

• You tend to eat large portions regularly
• You find yourself snacking frequently
• You tend to overeat due to stress

At IC Clinic, we conduct in-person consultations and adjust the dosage individually for each patient. If you are considering Victoza injections for weight management, we invite you to consult with us.

At IC Clinic, we propose a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient and provide care with a focus on results. We take the time to carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.