Niacin - Liraglutide Recombinant Interaction
Herbal: Niacin
Also Known As: 3-Pyridinecarboxylic Acid, Vitamin B3
Drug: Liraglutide Recombinant
Brand names:
Saxenda

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Liraglutide Recombinant is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Niacin can increase blood glucose levels and may diminish the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Niacin impairs glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner, probably by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose. In diabetes patients, niacin 4.5 grams daily for 5 weeks can increase plasma glucose by an average of 16% and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 21%. However, lower doses of 1.5 grams daily or less appear to have minimal effects on blood glucose. In some patients, glucose levels increase when niacin is started, but then return to baseline when a stable dose is reached. Up to 35% of patients with diabetes may need adjustments in hypoglycemic therapy when niacin is added.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Knodel LC, Talbert RL. Adverse effects of hypolipidaemic drugs. Med Toxicol 1987;2:10-32.
- Garg A, Grundy SM. Nicotinic acid as therapy for dyslipidemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. JAMA 1990;264:723-6.
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP Therapeutic Position Statement on the safe use of niacin in the management of dyslipidemias. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1997;54:2815-9.
- Bays HE, Dujovne CA. Drug interactions of lipid-altering drugs. Drug Saf 1998;19:355-71.
- Kahn SE, Beard JC, Schwartz MW, et al. Increased B-cell secretory capacity as mechanism for islet adaptation to nicotinic acid-induced insulin resistance. Diabetes 1989;38:562-8.
- Schwartz ML. Severe reversible hyperglycemia as a consequence of niacin therapy. Arch Int Med 1993;153:2050-2.
- McKenney J. New perspectives on the use of niacin in the treatment of lipid disorders. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:697-705.
- Guyton JR, Fazio S, Adewale AJ, Jensen E, Tomassini JE, Shah A, Tershakovec AM. Effect of extended-release niacin on new-onset diabetes among hyperlipidemic patients treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin in a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 2012
Niacin Overview

Liraglutide Recombinant Overview
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Liraglutide injection (Victoza) is used with a diet and exercise program to control blood sugar levels in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) when other medications did not control levels well enough. Liraglutide injection (Victoza) is also used to reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart and blood vessel disease. Liraglutide injection (Victoza) is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated) in adults. Liraglutide injection (Saxenda) is used along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise plan to help certain adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh 132 pounds (60 kg) or more and who are obese or who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems to lose weight and to keep from gaining back that weight. Liraglutide injection (Saxenda) is not used to treat type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide injection is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Liraglutide injection also slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite and cause weight loss.
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Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Using medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Niacin - More Interactions
Niacin interacts with 698 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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