Problems Dosing 3mg with the Generic Victoza Pen (Liraglutide)

Answer

Thank you for reaching out! This is a great question, and I'm happy to provide some clarity on your situation.

As you mentioned, Victoza (liraglutide) has recently become available in a generic form. It is the first GLP drug to be available generically, which has caused excitement about the potential for a lower-cost option in this class. This is especially significant for those using GLP medications for weight loss, as these are often not covered by insurance and can be expensive.

In regard to your question, it is important to clarify a few things:

• Only Victoza is available generically. Saxenda, which contains the same active ingredient as Victoza (liraglutide) and is used for treating obesity, is still only available as a brand-name drug.
• Victoza is FDA approved for the treatment of diabetes and the pens can only be dosed up to a maximum of 1.8mg per injection. Saxenda can be dosed up to 3mg per pen.

There seems to be some confusion at the pharmacy regarding the dose of generic Victoza (liraglutide) you were prescribed.

Your doctor prescribed a 3mg dose, but the generic Victoza pen does not deliver a dose this high. The maximum dose is 1.8mg per injection. Only Saxenda can deliver a 3mg dose, and it is not available generically.

To inject 3mg of Victoza, you would need to use two injections, one at 1.2mg and another at 1.8mg. I understand the pharmacist's hesitation to label the dosage as '3mg per dose' since the pen does not accommodate this amount in a single injection. This could create confusion for patients who are not properly informed or counseled on the fact that a 3mg dose requires two injections.

It appears your pharmacist wants to verify the prescription with your doctor to ensure that both they and you understand that you cannot inject 3mg at once with the generic Victoza.

Additionally, there could be insurance coverage issues. Since Victoza is FDA-approved for dosing up to 1.8mg per day, taking 3mg per day would exceed the typical coverage limits. It's possible that dosing over 1.8mg will not be covered by your insurance as it may be over a set quantity limit and it technically would be an 'off-label' dose (i.e., not FDA approved dose).

Final Words

It seems you were particularly confused about the pharmacist's statement regarding Victoza not being able to be dosed at 3mg.

I hope my answer has clarified things. To reiterate, it is true that Victoza, and its generic form, cannot be dosed at 3mg per injection. You would need to inject twice to achieve a 3mg dose. Only Saxenda (with the same active ingredient as Victoza) can be dosed at 3mg per day.

I suggest you talk to your pharmacist to find a solution that will allow you to get your prescription.

Thanks again for reaching out!