Has Victoza helped anyone with weight loss?

[bke64]

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.  

[WaveRider]

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.

[bke64]

Thanks for the input on Victoza.  The first day on it I was fine but now nausea has stepped in.  I expected this to happen because the same thing happened when I was taking Byetta.  Victoza does take away your appetite and with having Diabetes it's a catch 22--you have to eat but you don't want to.  

As far as the Lisonpril goes--I still have not had the prescription filled because one of the side effects is a dry cough and right now with all of the nausea I can't handle coughing all day on top of it.  Once the nausea subsides I am going to talk to a pharmacist about this medicine because I'm still not sure I really need this.

[WaveRider]

Print this out and keep handy.

Victoza may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; decreased appetite; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; sinus inflammation; sore throat; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Victoza:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); increased or painful urination; severe stomach pain (with or without vomiting); symptoms of thyroid cancer (eg, lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent hoarseness)

[JRZPostTransplant]

I'm one yr post kidney transplant after 5 yrs on hemodialysis.  My diabetes II kicked in post-transplant as I was warned it might.  Cleve Clinic post-transplant team has me on about 20 meds, some immunosuppressive, some lipid control, some blood pressure control including lisinopril.  I do have a bit of a gagging cough during the day.  The increasing insulin doses to control my blood sugar was a contributing factor in a significant weight gain month after month post surgery.  My clinic endocrinologist said I could not take Byetta because of its potential problems with kidney function, but prescribed Victoza.  Drs have had limited experience with the drug but she said on the dozen or so patients she put on Victoza, some had good experience with weight loss.  It took 3 months to get my health insurer to cover Victoza, so I've only been on it for 3 days and cannot yet speak from my own experience.  Hope this helps!
Jeff-PostTransplant

[bke64]

I like you have had nothing but problems with my kidneys for the past ten years.  I have been through 5 lithotripsy's and 3 laser surgery's and numerous PICC lines.  My doctor told me that my kidneys are so scarred that eventually I would wind up on dialysis.  Last year in January, I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and was put on Byetta, I had constant nausea and could not even keep a glass of water down.  I have now been on Victoza a week now and it seems to be a much better medication than Byetta.  When I first started taking this, the nausea only lasted about 2 days and I haven't had any since and it has really cut my appetite, in fact, at times I find that I am not eating enough and I have to make myself eat a little more.  
I hope Victoza works for you and you don't get the nausea.  Me and you have been through enough and the last thing we need to deal with is nausea.  Take Care.

bke64

[Tamela32058]

I have been on Victoza for a little over a month and have had excellent blood sugar readings and lost 15 lbs pretty quick but then it just stopped.  My sugar is still great but no more weight loss.  I thought this was going to be my answer to weight loss prayers.  I did have a lot of nausea and loss of appetite so I guess that had  a lot to do with it.  I have contacted the company but haven't gotten a reply.  Let me know how you do.  

[bke64]

I have been on Victoza for 2 weeks now and I am still having nausea.  I haven't weighed myself but I might have lost a little weight, not much.  Once the nausea subsides, I get very hungry but I'm really trying not to eat much.  My problem is and has always been bread.  I grew up eating bread with EVERY meal and this has been a very hard habit to break, but I'm trying.  

Although I have only been on Victoza for 2 weeks, I personally did much better with the weight loss when I was on Byetta.

Good luck to you and your weight loss, I know first hand how hard it can be.

bke64

[bke64]

My doctor have me a prescription 2 weeks ago for Lisinopril, I still haven't filled it.  With all of the nausea I am experiencing right now with Victoza, I just don't think I can handle a cough.  I know other people as well that have taken this and they have all complained about having a dry cough and like your wife, theirs started with their first bottle.  

Thanks for letting me know the experiences you and you wife had with this medication.  The more I hear about it, the more I know that I WILL NOT be getting this filled.

Take Care,
bke64  

[stevem92544]

I've been using Victoza for a few months now.  I had a struggle getting going with it due to the side effects and a trip I was taking.  I completely stopped it for the trip.  I restarted it five weeks ago and "toughed it out" through the side effects.  (dizziness, headaches, etc.)  I spent a week at each level (.6/1.2/1.8).  Lost all side effects except for some residual tiredness after three weeks.  My blood sugars are normal most time.  I've lost 20 pounds so far using Victoza.

Important thing to note about weight loss with Victoza is you have to mentally adjust your intake.  You won't want or need as much food but sometimes you want to eat more "out of habit".  In fact, eating more food than you need to satisfy your hunger can actually increase the side effects of Victoza.

I tried Byetta for several months and the side effects of it were just devastating to me.  Couldn't handle it.  Victoza has been a God sens for me.  You really have to just tough it out through the side effects though.  If you persist .... it will get better.  My sugars are good all the time now, I've lost (and am continuing to lose) weight, my energy level is up, A1C's are great, couldn't ask for more.

I'm also taking Lisinopril.  It does give you a mild dry cough periodically for a short time, but nothing extreme or anything like that.  I take it in the evenings to try to limit the cough affecting me.  I'll gladly trade a little cough now and then for minimizing the effects of my DM II on my kidneys.

Best of luck to you!!

[sickfromvictoza]

I took Victoza for 3 weeks. I lost 10lbs during that time. I had no appetite and had to force myself to eat.  I wasn't nauseated, I just didn't feel good while on the medication.  I was irritable and had no energy, probably from not eating.  Anyway, I decided to quit taking it because I was so miserable. On the second day without Victoza, I ate a regular dinner, which included a small baked lean porkchop and mashed potatoes.  Shortly afterward, I began having terrible epigastric & right upper quadrant pain that went into my back.  I was unable to lay down and sleep, sat upright on the couch, hardly able to breathe normally due to the pain.  I was so sick the next day I was unable to go to work, and was too sick to go to the dr. or the er.  Finally, after suffering with this pain, I went to the er the next day and was admitted for acute pancreatitis.  Needless to say, I don't advocate the use of Victoza.  The only plus of using the medication was the weight loss, although, I'm not sure it was worth all the pain.

[acktennislady]

Thank you so much for all of your comments and insights. I have been on Victoza since Oct 8 and have been experiencing the side effects, nausea and terrible upper gi heartburn and a lot of burping. I have lost about 8lbs and feel like I have to force myself to eat. I have been having fantastic blood sugar numbers, fasting has been under 100 the entire time! and my after dinner sugars have been in the normal range every day but one. I am up to the 1.2 level now and don't see how I will ever get to the full 1.8, then again, do I need the full 1.8? I am on 1000 mg metformin twice a day and my lantus is cut down to 10 units. I'm sticking it out, but it is hard. Any long term advice? I feel the side effects may out weigh the benefits, lower blood sugars, weight loss and hopefully a better A1C, although my last six months of A1C has been 6.8 and 6.6 (that was all achieved by insulin use, diet and exercise). I know there is no magic wand, but I need some encouragement

[Kerinoo]

Is anyone on here who takes victoza and is on dialysis too?  My father has just been prescribed this drug, Victoza and we are all in a bit of a muddle as whether he should take this and feel so unwell as well as go through dialysis every other day.... Help!!

[rogers4life]

I have been taking victoza for weight loss for about a month now and it has definately made me naseated a lot so I can't hardly eat but I still haven't lost any weight.  Very frustrating!

[NuAttitude11]

I began taking Victoza in March or April of 2010. I was extremely nauseated in the beginning; I started at the lowest dosage all the way to 1.8. The nausea was so bad my doctor started me from the beginning. Along with the nausea from the Victoza I had a severe case of a sinusitis, which did not help. Eventually, we got in under control; I was taking 40 units of Lantus nightly, and 1000mg metformin. I am no longer taking Lantus but, I am still on metformin. Five months on Victoza I lost 32 pounds. Today I have lost a total of 48 pounds. A1C went from 8.2 to 6.7. Victoza does decrease your appetite tremendously; I have to force myself to eat at times. But, I also realized after not eating so much (stomach shrinkage) it becomes hard to overeat….which is a good thing for me. Victoza has been a Blessing for me.

[saints319]

I was prescribed Victoza in September of 2010.  Since my thyroidectomy two years ago I have gained 75 lbs!  My endo says I am borderline diabetic.  So, along with metformin, I took the victoza shots 3x daily for one month (the length of the free sample he gave me) and WOW did I love it.  I never felt sick and I never felt hungry.  In fact, I was often dragging by the end of the day because I'd had no food nor desire for food.  I had to literally make myself eat.  I lost 15 lbs and then I went to fill the prescription.  It was a no-go.  This medicine cost $429/month at my local Walgreens.  I can't afford that every month.  So, since September, I've gained the weight back and am afraid to go back to the endo to tell him that I love the victoza but can't afford it.  My insurance company specifically excludes this medicine.  Not even a letter from my doctor will get it for me.  I'm hugely disappointed.  

[cinnamon1959]

When my doctor told me about victoza and its benefits I was extremely excited about this revolutionary drug that helps lower your blood sugar level, along with weight loss at the same time.  My insurance company immediately approved it. I was so excited about trying. After a few days of using victoza  I have experienced swelling in my legs, constipation and and extreme dry mouth. Also my oral medications are slow acting since I have been on victoza. I have been advised to stop taking the drug by my doctor.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced these problems in the beginning and if so for how long?  Victoza is great for curving the appetite, but the interaction with my blood pressure and diabetes medications are my major concerns for discontinuing victoza.

Cinnamon1959

[kren9784]

I have been on Victoza only a few days, I'm on the lowest dose until Saturday. I feel as though I've been in an up-hill battle for the last 3 to 4 years... I started out with hyperthyroidism, which made me look deathly skinny, then went on medication, gained weight lost, plus more back and then developed an allergy to it causing me to have my thyroid 'killed' with radioactive iodine making my hypothyroid which makes you gain more weight! Recently, my endo told me that my thyroid was leveled, and I thought that it was great news... only to go to my PCP in November and have him test me and tell me I'm insulin resistant. So I'm on Metformin, 2000mg/day and I just started the Victoza; I haven't had any side effects... the first day I got dizzy for a minute but I went back to sleep and woke up fine and haven't had a problem since. I don't know when you take it, but I have a weird schedule so my boyfriend leaves for work at 4:30am and I get up, take all my medicine, including the victoza, and go back to sleep until I have to get up for work. This has been working for me, I don't have any adverse reactions. I have no appetite much of the time and have to force myself to eat something to keep my energy up, but aside from that first day, I've felt great on it.

Kren9784

[Gina79]

I am a Type 2 Uncontrolled Diabetic.  My Physician started me on Victoza 10 days ago I am up to 1.2 dosage and will be on 1.8 in 2 days.  I have several other health issues and if there is a side effect out there for meds you better believe I will experience it.  I am pleased to say since being on Victoza my diabetes is undercontrol the best its been my whole life and I have had NO side effects.  I also have lost 5lbs in 10days.  I feel better than I ever have and I don't have the diarrhea, headaches, food cravings or stomach problems I had on Metformin or Janumet.  I don't feel hungry and when I do I eat minimal because I feel so full so quick.  By managing my diabetes I am now managing my kidney disease and heart issues.  Try taking the Victoza for awhile and see if your side effects go away or maybe even try staying a low dose for longer.  I did have a dry mouth for the first week but its getting better each day.  I am a firm believer of this medicine and I am so blessed to have actually found something that works and doesn't make me sick.  I thank my doctor everyday for choosing this for me.

Gina79

[vv3015]

I wonder if anyone has taken the Victoza and seen weight loss without much exercise. I am a working mom and was put on Victoza to control my sugars, but was also told about the weight loss. But I ahve no time to work out with 2 kids and a hectic work schedule.

Any advice?

[Imendoza]

I have to be honest I have not excersized in the last month since I've been on Victoza and have lost 5 pounds.  I do plan to excersize, which for me means getting on the treadmill and hopefully will see even more pounds fall off.  I have to literally make my self eat 3 meals a day but haven't been doing in between meal snacking like before because I'm just not hungry.  My sugar levels are great and I expect my A1c is going to be great when I get checked again.  Good luck to you.

[cinnamon1959]

After reading your story I am very inspired.  Maybe I will discuss with my doctor about giving it another try.  He started me off with the maximum dosage, which may have been too much for me to take in the beginning.  

Is there a better time of the day to take this medication. Some people preference for taking medication varies throuh out the day.  I am currently back to taking sylimn, which does not work as well as the victoza. Victoza is a great medication for helping a type 2 diabetic to control their appetite and to lose weight.

I want to thank you all for being so open and honest with your responses. I am willing to give it a try based on all the wonderful experiences you all have shared with me.

Lets continue to stay in touch to compare to notes on victoza and weight loss results.  I am excited about starting over again, but with a lower dose.

[cinnamon1959]

My doctor gave approval for me to reduce my dosage to 1.2 mg per day.  I administered the dosage around 8:00 a.m.  so far I am feeling fine with no re-occuring side effects.

However it was suggested that I take my blood pressure and diabetic medications a couple of hours before taking victoza and it was a good suggession.

Thanks everyone for your comments and concern nature.

Cinnamon1959

[sweets32]

I've taken Victoza since Wednesday Feb 2, 2010, I had a little nausea the first day and Thursday Morning a slight headache, but today (Saturday) I've had an upset stomach for about three hours, I'm on the lowest dosage (.06) I'm willing to stick it out, just hoping this nausea goes away.  I also take 1000mg of Metformin twice a day.  Not sure if I've lost any weight yet (haven't weighed myself) but I do find I don't have much of an appetite during the day!

[sweets32]

I've taken Victoza since Wednesday Feb 2, 2010, I had a little nausea the first day and Thursday Morning a slight headache, but today (Saturday) I've had an upset stomach for about three hours, I'm on the lowest dosage (.06) I'm willing to stick it out, just hoping this nausea goes away.  I also take 1000mg of Metformin twice a day.  Not sure if I've lost any weight yet (haven't weighed myself) but I do find I don't have much of an appetite during the day!