Liraglutide is a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is administered via subcutaneous injection. Liraglutide's primary actions involve mimicking the effects of natural GLP-1, a hormone produced in the gut that plays a role in blood sugar regulation and appetite.
Approved applications for liraglutide vary by dose. At lower doses, it is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control in adults and children aged 10 years and older. For this indication, it is often used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. At a higher dose, liraglutide is approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, also as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
Liraglutide is available under different brand names depending on its approved use and dosage (e.g., Victoza for type 2 diabetes, Saxenda for weight management). It must be prescribed and managed by a licensed clinician due to its controlled nature and potential side effects.
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: glp1 × supplement
Note
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.
Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Combining a GLP-1 with rapid insulin increases hypoglycemia risk.
Reduce mealtime insulin at GLP-1 initiation; monitor glucose closely.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
GLP-1 plus basal insulin increases hypoglycemia risk.
Reduce basal insulin dose 10–20% at GLP-1 initiation and titrate.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
* DrugBank
* European Medicines Agency (EMA) SmPC
* Examine.com
* Mayo Clinic
* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
* National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS)
* U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prescribing Information
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the glp1 category or studied for the same goals.
