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Has Victoza helped anyone with weight loss?

I have Type 2 Diabetes and was put on Victoza yesterday, my doctor wants me to take this for weight loss.  I would just like to know if anyone has lost weight or has had any side effects while taking this medication.  I was on Byetta but the nausea never stopped and I felt bad all of the time.  I took my first dose this morning of Victoza and so far there has been no nausea--I just hope it lasts.  Any comments on this medication would greatly be appreciated.  

Also---my doctor has put me on lisinopril even though I don't have high blood pressure, he said this is a ACE inhibitor and will protect my kidneys.  I have read BAD reviews on this medicine and I'm not sure what to do.  I told my doctor yesterday that I was leery about taking this, but he seems to think this is a good medication to take.  
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Avatar universal
I've been taking Victoza since July, 2015 and lost over 35 Lbs. I feel great. The only problem is that the doctor who prescribed Victoza is located in RJ, Brazil. I need a doctor in NYC, NY. Any referrals. I just need to control my weight
Helpful - 12
Avatar universal
Victoza was the first injectable I was given. Took it for 2 nights and had to stop it. It made me so sick during the night. It was then added to my allergy list. But I will say that the two days I was on it, my BS were way down.
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
Hi I was reading your comment, wanted to know if you get nausea when you don't eat for a couple of hours? Thnx
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
Started on Victoza 2 weeks ago and have lost 4 lbs already on 0.6 . My food intake has decreased due to loss of appetite . I do find that when I do get hungry I feel some nausea .
Helpful - 2
141598 tn?1355671763
I cannot answer your question directly on weight loss. Victoza is a new kid on the block approved by the FDA in January 2010. It is too new to fully understand its good vs bad on humans. In animal studies, Victoza caused tumors of the thyroid gland in rats and mice. Whether it will aid in weight loss is unknown as no weight loss studies were conducted. Your best solution is a lifestyle change; proper nutrition and exercise. No pill can do what you can to do for yourself.

Lisonopril - Do you have kidney issues? I would ask your doctor why "he seems to think this is a good medication to take." For what? Get a full explanation and don't leave his office until you feel satisfied with his answer.

If you have doubts on any drug, or need more information about them go see and discuss them with your local pharmacist.
Helpful - 1
Tbd
hsm64External User
No need to take diabetes meds beause I don't have diabetes, but I do have an under active thyroid (hypo) and it is hard to lose weight.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have been talking Victoza for 13 days along with metformin. A1C was 7.9 when I started and average daily blood sugars were around 150.  I have not been back to the Dr. but my average daily blood sugars have dropped to 115. I am anxious to see what the A1C will show when I return to Dr.

When I first started it I got so ill with diarrhea and vomiting I was in bed for 2 days and I decided not to take it. But I started up again a week later, because I really wanted to see if it could help me lose some weight. The headache, nausea are better and I still occasionally have episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. Hopeful it will continue to get better. However I have already lost 10 pounds (I was 199 when I started.) I have no appetite or desire to eat.  I make myself eat a little something at each meal, my daily calories are around 1200, so it isn't a surprise I am losing weight.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Is it okay to drink wine with this medication? Would anyone know
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don't know if they get money but I heard they get gifts and trips
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
can u buy victosa -im on a complete food replacement diet at the minute so i take a two shakes a day so would i be able to take victosa
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS) years ago. Last year, I was referred to a doctor that specializes in this disease; at the time I first met him, I weighed a whopping 387 pounds (I’m 5’10’’). Of course, the first thing he told me was that my POS would get better if I lost weight. I was totally discouraged! I told him that I was very active and had been on EVERY diet… nothing seemed to work. I was so frustrated and asked if there was anything he could do to jump start my weight loss from a medical stand point. This is when he told me about Victoza and about the study that demonstrated that individuals suffering from POS, not from Type 2 diabetes had lost weight on this medication but there were some serious side effects to consider. I was so desperate that after reading on the matter for a few days, I decided to try it out. The first months were pretty horrible because I had severe nausea and vomiting (in the morning upon waking I would throw up stomach acid – I know erk!) but I decided to continue. The reason I kept up with it is that, for the first time in my life, I could sense that I was full when I ate. For some reason, this message was not making its way up to my brain when I ate before… I thought it was awesome. The medication no only killed every craving I normally had but it stopped me from overeating. I have been on Victoza for one year now. The side effects are no longer there (they stopped after about 6 months after starting Victoza) and I now weigh 276 pounds… yes I lost over 100 pounds. I am continuing to lose weight and wish you all the best.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
MarieQC congratulations on your weight loss that's fantastic. Can I ask what dose you are on please? I am on 0.6 daily and although it's totally curbed my appetite I'm losing absolutely zero weight. Thank you in anticipation.
Avatar universal
No doctor can force a patient to take any drug, especially a drug that clearly is having a negative impact on your health.  Every patient has the right to refuse any treatment at any time.  It is important to listen to your body.  Every body is different and, what may be effective for one person isn't necessarily effective for another.  Please find a doctor who respects a patient's right to be involved in all decisions regarding their health.  It is your body, after all.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been on it now for 6 weeks I have lost 25 Lbs. I have to force myself to eat I have zero appetite and subdued  nausea which has declined in the last two weeks.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have just started on Victosia do you take your shot in the AM or PM?
Thank you
Avatar universal
I had the same symptom. I went to an ENT and he said my thyroid wasn't enlarged. I was told it is acid reflux...which makes sense.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I started on Victoza in December 2015. To date January 30, 2016 I have lost 16 lbs. once the nausea and vomiting slowed down it was not so bad. But now there are certain foods I used to like and now I can't stand the taste or smell. But in the last 4 days my blood sugars are over 140-145. Very worried.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Do you take your shot in the AM or PM?
Avatar universal
There was an article in the New England Journal of Medicine (considered the most credible medical journal in the world) that Victoza and drugs like it DO NOT cause pancreatitis.  Unfortunately, people with Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of acute pancreatitis and it's not related to Victoza - which I've now been using for 3 years and have literally read everything you can about it and other diabetes treatments.  It's safe (it uses a naturally occurring hormone that is made in your gut) has help me loose a lot of weight and my HbA1c's have been in perfect target.   Other drugs like Januvia do not work and Innvoka (and drugs like it, called SGLT-2s) will give all kinds of urinary tract infections and can cause diabetes ketoacidosis (which is something that only Type-1's are suppose to get).  Do you research and talk to your talk to your doctor as the big drug companies are trying to pay them to use the non-hormone drugs.  Stick with Victoza and insulin - i.e. the natural stuff!   This is more than advice and my own experience, it's in the literature.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So since you quit taking victoza - have you gained weight back ?
How is knot in throat ?  Status now ?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So have you lost weight ?  still losing ?  I am just starting.
Great start for you:)  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HOW IS YOUR WEIGHT ISSUE ?  JUST STARTING VICTOZA and appreciate your comments:)  Jo
Helpful - 0
13058316 tn?1428380200
I went on Victoza November 2014, I was 220 lbs and 4 months after had lost 23 lbs. I have stayed at that weight ever since. My A1C went from 9.5 down to 5.8. It really changed my eating habits, at first I was nauseous and after I didn't want the same foods as before. I no longer have side effect. I am on the 1.8 mg a day which is highest dose.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have lost 30 lbs. when I first started it I was sooo nauseous. I think I lost most of my weight the fist 2weeks, lol. Lower your dose if needed. My doctor had me start at 3 clicks. I am at 10 clicks now. Still get waves of nausea from time to time. The only thing that bugs me is that my urine is darker and it has strong odor.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I started Victoza 1 month ago, and I've lost 18lbs.  So excited and finally lost weight!  I stopped taking the injections due to a knot in my throat and the dry cough.  Is something wrong with my Thyroid or do I need to fight past the feeling of a knot in my throat?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am so sorry for your loss.  I just started taking it and I have a one year baby.  I need to be around for her.  I would rather be fat than dead.  My A1c is only 6.5 so, if I cut out soda it should be enough.  Thanks for your post.  I'm going to stop using it.  
Helpful - 0
15323250 tn?1439843510
I've had T2DM for 18 years now.  I am on an insulin pump - Novolog, 2000mg of Metformin daily, 10 mg Invokana and now .6 of Victoza.  Yes, I take all of it.  The insulin tends to keep weight on me and my goal is to get off the insulin.  Like many others, my stomach didn't tell me I was full and I am a stress eater.  Since starting the Victoza 2 weeks ago, I have lost 5 lbs and my appetite is in check.  I am not craving the carbs and delightfully have to "think" about eating.  I had limited discomfort the first few days and was a little nauseous, but that has ceased.  So far, I'm very happy with the results.  I also recommend the Invokana; it has helped me reduce the amount of insulin needed and I only refill my pump every 5-days rather than every 3.  It is a slow race for me, but I am hopeful!
Helpful - 0
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