Victoza injections: yes or no?
Hi there,
I’m a Type 2 diabetic and overweight. I admit that I am lazy and have been struggling to make the right choices to lose weight.
My doctor has advised that as I have a short window of opportunity to try to ‘reverse’ my situation, I should try to lose weight on my own for the next 3 months. If no drop in my HbA1C level (currently 6.7), then I should go start taking Victoza injections.
I have just had my Glucophage dosage increased to 850mg twice daily. What experiences have other diabetics had on this medication? Should I try on my own or start on the Victoza sooner than later?
Any advice would be appreciated.
– Karin Munro
Victoza injections have to be prescribed
The first thing to understand is that Victoza injections have to be prescribed – your doctor has to write a script for them. Victoza is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. While not technically a weight loss drug, it can help some people to lose weight. Victoza injections won’t reverse diabetes, though.
Exciting update!
As of January 2021, a new medication called Xultophy is available for people living with Type 2 diabetes. It combines Victoza and Tresiba (ultra-long-acting insulin) and must be prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about it if you are curious.
How to reverse Type 2 diabetes
If you want to reverse Type 2 diabetes, read this article: How to reverse Type 2 diabetes. We asked diabetes experts what the best method to reverse Type 2 diabetes is – and there was no mention of Victoza injections. The recipe?
How to reverse Type 2 diabetes:
“Work with your doctor, lose weight if you need to, change your diet and get active.”
Prof. Joel Dave, Endocrinologist
We know that can seem like an impossible task, but we’re here to help! All you need to remember is TEEL:
Take your medication. Here’s an article to help with that.
Eat healthy food. Here are simple ways to start eating healthier.
Exercise, a little every day. It can be fun to get active (we promise!) Here are some ideas.
Lose weight, if you need to. Here are our best weight loss suggestions.
You are not alone
Whether you’re looking for information on Victoza injections, or trying to find the right meal plan (we have those too!) – remember that you are not alone. Join Diabetic South Africans to meet other people living with diabetes in SA, and come back to this site any time you need your questions answered. We’re all in this together.
What to read next?
How to reverse Type 2 diabetes: There is a ‘recipe’ for how to reverse Type 2 diabetes, and we’ve outlined it step-by-step here.
How to lose weight with diabetes: Expert tips to help you succeed.
Managing Type 2 diabetes: All you need to know to manage your condition, with terrific food and exercise tips.
Hi. I used Victoza for 4 months and it really helped me a great deal. I lost 7kg over a period of time and i had never felt as wonderful as i did when i was taking the Victoza. I wish i can continue taking it as i found its the only meds that has helped me with my diabetes without me having to go to the Dr’s every 2 weeks because the tablets were causing more problems than actually helping me. But, the injection is very expensive, and somehow, my medical aid declined my request to have the Victoza provided under Chronic – even though my Dr gave them a motivational letter. I find it unfair and just wish that the medical aid would keep Victoza as a chronic meds – as it works faster.
No way medical aids will pay for this
Trulicity is the newer version of Victoza, and apparently medical aids have been covering it.
Hi,
I have only recently herad about Victoza- I am a Type II Diabetic whose HbA1C levels are a concern. Also tablets that I am using now are affecting my health negatively. some medication have acused considerable weight gain lately.
I would love to try the new injection, but was told that medical aids are not eager to approve it as chronic medication.
Is ther any advice for patients on how to convince medical aids otherwise, or is there anyone out there who has been able to get it on their medical aid?
Any advice will be welcomed.
Marie Steyn
Hi Marie,
Did you manage to get this med on Chronic, and if so – how did you do this?
i have been using victoza for 4 months now and have gone from size 40 to size 34. never felt so good, my skin has improved a lot, i no longer feel tired and my sugar levels are improving. from what i have researched the victoza remedies diabetes in fixing the pancreas therefore reversing the whole process. automaticaaly the blood pressure lowers itself. coupled with taking 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per day……………………………..i am happy !
Hi are you still on victoza
what dose are you on
I am also on Victoza. I think it is not working. my glucose is high, no weightloss. okay I am not gaining weight.
I want to know if it is save to use victoza solely to loose weight I am not diabetic but are struggeling to loose weight. I read somewhere that it has cancerous side effects and we have cancer in our family.
Hi , I am on victoza for the passed few days now , I feel much better there is also less craving for food . I think in few months my weight would be reduced .
Lefu how can I get victoza. Please help a sister.
Please check my comments
How can I get victoza please help good people.
Speak to your physician and he/she will know exacly what to do for you to get it.Discovery key care wont pay for mine so i have to buy it cash with a prescription @Dischem its R1300 for 2 pens that can last for a month.Winsy
Hi
Im also diabetic type have obesity issues insulin levels are high and currently have no metabolism so im really sturggling to loose the weight. im currently using 1000mg metformin ( 500mg twice a day )Mr dr put me on duramine 2 years ago for 6 months and i lost weight but not much but the moment i stopped taking the duramine i stopped loosing. Thanks for sharing this new drug Victoza and please advise if dischem is stilling it at R1300 or has the price gone up?
Hi Shireen,
We aren’t medical specialists so can’t advise, unfortunately…
Hello..am so glad i found this site..am also considering to ask my Dr.to put me on Victosa..am on Discovery Essential Plan..Am type two diebetes 3 times a day humalog n 1 ×500mg am only glucophage 500XR.n Balsagar at nyt..hopefully i lose this weight n bring back HBc to 6/ 7 .currently on 9,5…
Please advice further
Let us know what your doctor says, Bilkish! We’re so happy to have you here… Check out our free diabetes cookbook for healthy food ideas – http://sweetlife.org.za/free-diabetes-cookbook/
price of victoza in S.A at clicks pharmacy is R3230 for 4 pens
Hi, I have just started on Saxenda, same as Victoza – this is what we get here in the Middle East.. Can someone please tell me the price of Victoza in SA
Hi Amorette! It looks like it’s between R1800 and R2600 – https://health-e.org.za/medicine-price-registry/
Your doctor can prescribe victoza for you and you can buy it from clicks or dischem, i buy mine from clicks, it expensive though for 3 pens you pay around R1,800.00
I think it’s disgraceful that medical aid does not pay for a type 2 medication on chronic….it’s all about money with them, we pay so much to be on a decent medical, Victoza has proven to help the Pancreas, lower blood pressure, lower HbA1c and help heart health together with weight loss….how wonderful for the patient. I believe we should call them “Medical Not Aid” they only pay for the cheapest meds possible.
Can we please get a contact number where to buy Saxenda in South Africa,
Hi Rozel!
Unfortunately we don’t sell any products – we just share information. Sorry!
hi lefu how can i get victoza . has your doctor prescribed it for you ? i am trying to get this please advise
Hi Judy!
Yes, you need your doctor to prescribe it for you.
Thank you can a normal doctor prescribe or you need a specialist ?
Hi Judy!
I think it needs to be a specialist but I’m just double-checking and will let you know ASAP.
Thank you much appreciated
its R1655 pack of 2
and R2403 pack of 3
I’ve confirmed that a GP can write a script for Victoza, but medical aids apparently only cover it on higher plans. Hope that helps!
hi contact discovery on essential saver does cover a portion R950 i need to cover balance .
phone M/A says only specialist need to MOTIVATE for Victoza is it true ?
Each medical aid will have its own process – so if Discovery needs a motivation from a specialist that’s the process you need to follow. Good luck!
Ok trying that now wish all works out for me :):)
All the best! Let us know how it goes 🙂
[…] new insulin, Xultophy, has Victoza as one of its elements, so can help with weight loss while it helps manage Type 2 diabetes with […]
[…] new insulin, Xultophy, has Victoza as one of its elements, so can help with weight loss while it helps manage Type 2 diabetes with […]