Overview
An FDA-approved GLP-1, but unlike the weekly ones, it’s a daily injection (brands Saxenda for weight, Victoza for diabetes).
Shorter-acting, so it has to be dosed every day.
What It Does
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with a ~13-hour half-life, requiring once-daily dosing.
It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
FDA-approved as Victoza (diabetes, up to 1.8 mg) and Saxenda (weight, up to 3.0 mg).
Reconstitution
| Vial Size | BAC Water / Solvent | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | + 1 mL | 5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | + 2 mL | 5 mg/mL |
| 30 mg | + 6 mL | 5 mg/mL |
| Phase (1 wk each) | Frequency | Dose |
| Week 1 | Daily | 0.6 mg |
| Week 2 | Daily | 1.2 mg |
| Week 3 | Daily | 1.8 mg |
| Week 4 | Daily | 2.4 mg |
| Week 5+ | Daily | 3.0 mg |
Reconstitution Calculator
Enter the vial amount and diluent volume to calculate concentration. If you already have a target amount, you can also convert it to liquid volume and syringe markings. This tool does not recommend a target amount.
Enter a target amount you already have and select the syringe capacity.
Mathematical reference only. The calculator does not determine an appropriate target amount. Syringe capacity only changes the maximum volume that fits.
PROTOCOL (SAXENDA WEIGHT-LOSS TITRATION)
| Phase (1 wk each) | Frequency | Dose | Units (5 mg/mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Daily | 0.6 mg | 12u | Daily dosing, not weekly. Same time each day. |
| Week 2 | Daily | 1.2 mg | 24u | |
| Week 3 | Daily | 1.8 mg | 36u | Victoza (diabetes) max is 1.8 mg. |
| Week 4 | Daily | 2.4 mg | 48u | |
| Week 5+ | Daily | 3.0 mg | 60u | Saxenda weight-loss maintenance. Cycle: weekly 0.6 mg steps to the 3.0 mg maintenance; continuous daily use for the indication. Timing: once daily, same time, independent of meals. Note: daily dosing means high vial use vs weekly GLP-1s, budget accordingly. Women: Women lose more than men at the same dose but report more GI (start lower). In PCOS they improve cycles, lower free testosterone and raise ovulation; a real unplanned-pregnancy risk. Stop before conceiving. Men: In men, excess fat lowers testosterone; GLP-1 raises testosterone, SHBG and gonadotropins as weight drops, improves sperm and erectile function, and preserves fertility (unlike TRT). |
Handling & Stacking
- Freeze-dried: -4°F.
- Reconstituted: 36–46°F.
- Best used within 28 days.
- No clear reconstituted-potency data (the pen label gives an in-use date, not potency), so defer to the 28-day sterility limit. (Commercial pens are pre-filled, refrigerated.)
- Appetite suppression and glucose lowering within weeks; weight loss over months (moderate, generally less than weekly semaglutide).
- Supply math 30mg → 9 vials | 10mg → 26 vials (12-wk @ 3 mg/day, daily dosing is vial-heavy)
Safety & Patient Education
- Fasting glucose / HbA1c (baseline + periodic) Renal function with significant GI losses Lipase if pancreatitis suspected Resting heart rate (GLP-1s nudge it up a few bpm; the label says to check it) Out of range?
- Rising glucose/HbA1c = creeping toward diabetes (recheck, tighten diet); falling eGFR = kidney strain, usually dehydration (hydrate, hold).
