Ozempic’s cousin drug liraglutide is about to get cheaper. But how does it stack up?

Ozempic’s Cousin Drug Liraglutide is About to Get Cheaper. But How Does it Stack Up?

Fourteen years ago, the older drug cousin of semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) came onto the market. The drug, liraglutide, is sold under the brand names Victorla and Saxenda. Patents for Victorla and Saxenda have now expired, so other drug companies are working to develop “generic” versions of this medication.

How Liraglutide Was Originally Developed

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Liraglutide was not originally developed as a weight-loss treatment. Like semaglutide (Ozempic), it was originally used to treat type 2 diabetes.

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide belongs to the class of GLP-1 mimetics, meaning it mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone is released from your small intestines in response to food and acts in several ways to improve the way your body handles glucose (sugar).

How Does Liraglutide Stop Hunger?

Liraglutide acts in several regions of the unconscious part of your brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which controls metabolism, and parts of the brain stem responsible for communicating your body’s nutrient status to the hypothalamus. Its actions here appear to reduce hunger in two different ways. First, it helps you feel full earlier, making smaller meals more satisfying. Second, it alters your motivational salience towards food, meaning it reduces the amount of food you seek out.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Liraglutide?

People respond differently and will lose different amounts of weight. Some will lose more, while others will lose less. On average, patients who use Saxenda can expect to lose around 10% of their body weight.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Them?

Despite the effectiveness of these medications in helping with weight loss, they do not appear to change people’s weight set-point. This means that when people stop taking them, they will often experience a rebound toward their original weight.

Dosage and Administration

Liraglutide (Victorla) for type 2 diabetes is exactly the same drug as Saxenda for weight loss, but Saxenda is a higher dose. The main difference is that Saxenda requires a higher dose due to its ability to pass the blood-brain barrier more effectively.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of GLP-1 mimicking drugs include nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. These can occur due to the drug’s ability to slow the movement of food out of the stomach, and may be managed by increasing the dose slowly. It’s also important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any of these medications, as they may lead to injection-site reactions or increase the risk of food entering the lungs during surgery.

Who Can Use GLP-1 Mimicking Drugs?

GLP-1 mimicking drugs like Victorla and Saxenda are approved for use by people with obesity and should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. However, these drugs are only approved for use by individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher and one or more weight-related condition.

Conclusion

While the patent for liraglutide has now expired, it’s worth considering how this drug stacks up against semaglutide and other weight loss medications. With a track record of effectiveness in clinical trials and a proven safety profile, liraglutide is an excellent option for individuals seeking a safer and more affordable treatment option for weight loss.

FAQs

1. What is the effectiveness rate of liraglutide for weight loss?
   Liraglutide has been shown to result in an average of 10% weight loss for patients who use the Saxenda formulation.
2. How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?
   Liraglutide is comparable to semaglutide for weight loss, although the exact effectiveness may vary between individuals.
3. Can liraglutide be used to treat type 2 diabetes?
   Liraglutide has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, although it has not been specifically approved for use in this context outside of clinical trials.
4. Are there any specific risks associated with using GLP-1 mimicking drugs?
   Yes, these medications may lead to increased rates of thyroid disease, pancreatitis, and food entering the lungs during surgery, although the exact risks and frequency of these side effects is not yet clear.