VICTOZA users

humph

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Re: VICTOZA

Hi Dennis,

I will give Boots a try. Needed them fairly quickly and a friend works at Lloyds. Will get a price from Boots before my next script is due.

Apparently the Pharmacist worked it out at over £1000 to start with, I have 4 pens due so will see how they work out, will find out tomorrow.

There certainly doesn't seem to be the same level of support from Novo Nordisk for Victoza as there was from Lily for Byetta. There is virtually no patient information on there website.
 

Graham1441

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Re: Victoza mentioned on This Morning

cugila said:
Thanks babbette.

That has added the Patient information leaflet to my little collection about this drug.

Someone earlier asked about this drug VICTOZA.
Here is the list of:
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Victoza can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.
Side effects may occur with certain frequencies, which are defined as follows:
• very common: affects more than 1 user in 10
• common: affects 1 to 10 users in 100
• uncommon: affects 1 to 10 users in 1,000
• rare: affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000
• very rare: affects less than 1 user in 10,000
• not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
Very common side effects
• Nausea (feeling sick). This usually goes away over time.
• Diarrhoea. This usually goes away over time.
Common side effects
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on
suddenly and can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heart beat, feeling sick,
feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, nervous, anxious,
confused, difficulty concentrating, shaking (tremor). Your doctor will tell you how to treat low
blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs. If you are already taking a
sulphonylurea medicine when you start using Victoza, your doctor may tell you to reduce the
dose of the sulphonylurea.
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Inflamed stomach (gastritis). The signs include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The signs include heartburn.
• Painful or swollen tummy (abdomen)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Viral infection in stomach
• Constipation
• Wind (flatulence)
• Decreased appetite
• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Toothache
• Injection side reactions (such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching, and rash)
Uncommon side effects
• Pancreatitis

After reading through that lot, I am so glad I am on Byetta. Good luck. :D

Ken.


MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM It did sound good now not so sure.
Graham1441. :twisted: :twisted:
 

Sammybee

Member
Messages
10
Re: VICTOZA

Hi,

I though I'd post a quick update!

I've been on Victoza now since 18th August. And I can honestly say its the best thing thats ever happened to me! I've lost just over a stone since starting and I feel the best I've felt in years. My sugars have dropped dramatically though I am on 1000mg of Metformin aswell.

I have had no side effects with this drug, so please don't let the long list stop you from trying it if your doctor wants to put you on it.
 

cugila

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Re: VICTOZA

Hi Sammybee.

That sounds great. Glad to hear you are getting on so well.

As for the list of side effects, they are not obligatory. That was posted in response to an earlier question from a member. As you say, don't let it put you off if it is offered - just try it and see.
I'm on Byetta and that has many side effects listed but I haven't had any of them.
 

candyog

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Re: VICTOZA

hi just an update on my victoza been on it now since august 16th and everythings still going really well with it sugar levels are still down in single figures and im only on 1.20 dose dsn said to stay on it for now no need to up the dose got weighed in doctors last week another 1st4lbs less she was very pleased although found another problem for me just to worry about ive got a large fibroid which has to be removed i have to go for a scan this week at least my sugar levels seem under control to cope with having the operation thanks to victoza as you say every drug has a list of side effects but they dont effect anyone :D :D :D bye for now hope everybodys well
 

Kathy86

Member
Messages
8
Re: VICTOZA

Hi

Thought I would update you on my progress with Victoza, into week three and now on 1.2. Not feeling sick anymore and my sugar levels (with metformin)very promising. Staying in single figures, early morning readings have always been bad for me and now 6.0 in the morning and going as low as 4.9 later in the day. lost 7lbs in the first two weeks. Don't think I will need to go upto 1.8, but have an appointment with the nurse next week.

:D :D
 

Garfield

Active Member
Messages
28
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Re: VICTOZA

I have been on 1.2 for 1 week now and only have slight Nausea. My Dr. told me I could go to 1.8 next Friday. It has lowered my appetite, so I'm hoping to start losing weight soon. :D
 

Graham1441

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Re: VICTOZA

My doctor told me i would be better staying on Metformin so i will, this doctor is the one i trust.
Graham1441 :twisted: :twisted:
 

debz

Newbie
Messages
1
Re: VICTOZA

Hello,

I am new here, just came across the site whilst looking for information on Victoza. I am not diabetic but do have impaired glucose tolerance. I have been struggling with my weight for years and have only recently, and reluctantly, agreed to have gastric banding. My referal to my local hospital was fantastic, I discovered that they are working on a weight management programme which is aimed at trying new things to help lose weight in the hope that patients can avoid surgery. If things still dont work then surgery it is.

I have just started Victoza and I feel fine. I am hopeful that this will work. It comes highly recommended by the consultant, who says he has been prescribing it under the programme for a few months with very pleasing results. So here goes!
 

8789sal

Newbie
Messages
2
Re: VICTOZA

Hi everyone

This is my 2nd posting and perhaps I should have put my first one on this subject of Victoza - but I'm rectifying that now :D

I started Victoza one week ago. Long story - I will try to keep it brief:

Diagnosed 4 years ago - 3 monthly sugar levels around 7.4. Overweight by about 4 stone and high blood pressure and high cholestorol - the whole works in fact :(

Tried dieting and exercising, often successfully but never maintained. After lengthy consultations agreed to gastric band. Op was on 28th March but when they opened me up, they found that the adhesions from previous ops made their procedure impossible and so I was sewn up and sent back home (in despair, I might add!)

The doctor there suggested Byetta as another way forward and finally after 6 months I was given it. I had no side effects at all for 3 weeks and then was hit by the most excrutiating heartburn (acid reflux). Not sure if it was the Byetta or outside stress factors, but anyway I was recommended to stop taking it.

Last Monday I started on Victoza - highly recommended by my diabetic clinic - and so far so good. Morning sugar levels down to around 8 already (they had been as high as 10) and 2lb lost. Tomorrow I start on the higher dose and I shall see how that goes.

I am happy to report back if there is any interest :?:
 

cugila

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Re: VICTOZA

Hi 8789sal.

Glad to hear that you have started out well on the Victoza. Hope it all goes well.

Please do leave your feedback HERE as this is a new drug and we need all the information we can get.

We are all very interested. :D
 

Kathy86

Member
Messages
8
Re: VICTOZA

I have been on victoza for about 5 weeks, steadily losing weight and when I saw by diabetes nurse about a fortnight ago she was in her words 'delighted' with my levels. All of my readings over the previous three weeks were in the normal range. I have also been feeling very chilled out despite having had lots of problems that could have made me feel otherwise. I wonder is this because my levels have stabilised or is it victoza. I would be very interested to hear of anyone else's experiences or advice. Look forward to hearing from anyone. :D
 

candyog

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Re: VICTOZA

hi kathy86 it was interesting reading your last post about feeling chilled out i dont think ive been so chilled out for years as i have been lately even though with other issues waiting to go into hospital to have a fibroid removed but have just been put on iron tablets for anemia normally i would be stressedout about it all but lately i cope with things much more i have been on victoza for a few months now and my sugar levels are down in single figures im still on 1.2 dose nurse does not want me to up the dose yet .. its a good point you made why we feel chilled out it could be to do with lower sugar levels lower or the victoza.
 

jenchoc

Newbie
Messages
3
Re: VICTOZA

This is my first visit to this site, and therefore my first post - apologies if I get anything wrong! :?
I was reading the threads regarding Victoza, and wanted to add my two penneth in -
I've been on Byetta since January 2009 with no complications, and have had a fair amount of weight loss - about 10 kgs.
I'm 34, 106kgs, was diagnosed with Type 2 over 10 years ago. I've mostly had good control with metformin, but needed a little extra something a couple of years ago, and have been on gliclazide and rosiglitazone. I was put on byetta in the hope of reducing my weight.
I saw my practice nurse last night, and she decided to change my prescription to Victoza, as at times I struggle to use Byetta twice a day before eating, due to convenience, and I collect the prescription tonight.
She has decided to start me off on the higher increment dose as I've been on Byetta with very little side effects, and thinks I should be ok regarding nausea etc.
I shall keep you informed of my progress!
Jenny :)
 

humph

Well-Known Member
Messages
95
Re: VICTOZA

You should always start on the lower dose. I asked my consultant the same question when I switched from Byetta to Victoza. He insisted I start on the lower dose, good to see a DN who thinks they know better than the drug company.

They are similar drugs, but not quite the same.
 

Kathy86

Member
Messages
8
Re: VICTOZA

I agree that you should start on the lower dose of 0.6. I think the normal is to hae 0.6 the first week and then move onto 1.2 in the second week. This worked very well for me and still is and as previous post have said my nurse also wants me to stay on the 1.2 as she the results are so good on this dose that there seems no need to go up. Good luck :)
 

cugila

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Re: VICTOZA

Hi jenchoc.

I am in full agreement with the previous posters Humph and Kathy86. To start you on the highest dose saying " I think you should be OK " seems madness. Byetta and Victoza are not the same at all.
 

mammacaz

Active Member
Messages
30
Re: VICTOZA

Good to see another NHS Nurse who knows so much - humph!!! Although I have a good DN I wouldn't trust her knowledge even though it is based on the fact that her mother was type 1. Type 2 is a different kettle and like type one needs to be monitored and you need to get to know your body and how it reacts to certain foods and exercises etc.,. Mine hates the fact that I closely monitor what goes on with my body.

I have been on drug trials of Victoza and 2 months ago I was randomised to include Levemir insulin once a day, and what a disaster that is, all the weight I had lost on the Liraglutide (Victoza) has gone back on and then some, for the first time in my life (apart from when I was pregnant) I have a tummy roll above my waistline that is bigger than the bottom half, I am permanently tired, I can't think straight and I feel so run down. I am going to come off the trial in the hope that my GP will put me onto Victoza as I was great on that, my bloods were under control and I was losing weight, apart from ocassional eggy breath (which is caused by eating pasta of any variety including chinese noodles) I use my Cider Vinegar to combat that and it works.

But having been through the trial from the 0.6ml to 1.8ml the nurses who run the trial who know a lot about Diabetes even told me that some people cannot tolerate the 1.8ml and have to have only the 1.2ml level, so I would advise from the people who know that to go to the full doze could be dangerous. The fact she had you on Rosiglitazone is sus as well, as the side effects from that are serious.

Whatever you do, make sure you consider you and you only.!!!!!
 

Garfield

Active Member
Messages
28
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Re: VICTOZA

I have now been on Victoza, 1.8 dose, for a couple of month now and feel fine. I'm on two small meals a day, have cut down on my other two insulins and I have lost over a stone (Whoopee). I am the happiest I've been for months. I also attend the Gym a couple of times a week. :D
 

Pam

Member
Messages
14
Re: VICTOZA

Hi YES I am on my 3rd day of Victoza and really noticed a change in my sleep pattern already. I take Zopiclone sleeping pills and my sleep has been wonerful since i have been on them, as soon as my head touches the pillow i am gone and never get any disturbed sleep but the last 2 nights since starting Victoza i have woken several times in the night and started dreaming! Strange because i never wake or have dreams since taking Zopiclone BUT if i forget to take it I have bad dreams. The last 2 nights felt like i hadn't taken the Zopiclone at all so i will be mentioning this to my specialist next week

Apart from the sleep disturbance have not noticed any side effects apart from very slight nausea occasionally
Pam



Sammybee said:
Sorry another quick question!!

Has anybody noticed a change in their sleep patern? I am waking at silly o'clock in the morning and am unable to go back to sleep! This has been going on since I started on Victoza, I've forgotten to mention it previously!

Sammy :wink: