VICTOZA users

[steve_sandy]

VICTOZA

Type 2 diabetic tried insulin from early jan to about 2 weeks ago, started on 12 units and upped every 4-5 days, last dose was 40 units and made little difference to the before and after results

on victoza, lower day time than before, higher in the morning

nurse reckons might have to go back onto insulin even though it had not a lot of success

on the victoza for 6 months or so

is there a need to keep it refrigerated when going camping ?

 

[cugila]

Re: VICTOZA

is there a need to keep it refrigerated when going camping ?

All depends where you go Camping .....? Hot or cool climate etc ?

Victoza should be kept in a fridge when not in use or unopened. Once opened and in use then it needs to remain below around 25 deg C. Check your PIL for the correct temperature. If it is hot where you are then you can use a Frio bag to keep it cool........ You also need to avoid too low a temperature........

Frio.........used for ANY injectable medication, not just Insulin.....

http://www.friouk.com/buy/

 

[steve_sandy]

Re: VICTOZA

cheers for the link - might end up buying a double pouch for both pens

I have been leaving the pen in use in the fridge, but looks like this is not that important

any problems with leaving it in the fridge for the one in use ?

 

[cugila]

Re: VICTOZA

I use Byetta and if it gets much too hot I do place it in the fridge for a while but always take it out about an hour before use. I found cold Byetta DID sting........

If you want to, providing it is at the usual fridge temp and not too low it should be fine. It is only in the height of the summer the fridge gets used when room temps start to climb. Either that or switch the Air-Con on......... Extremes of heat AND cold will damage the drug, reducing it's efficacy.

 

[steve_sandy]

Re: VICTOZA

just noticed the comment

"Insulin AND Victoza are not recommended" why is this ?

tried insulin it did not seem to do a lot

the camping is all going to be in this country, looks like getting a travel bag and a large wallet, but some sort of discount in the colour I want - sandstone, so have to phone in

the insulin is lantus

reading up on the net, gave all my avandia to my doctor who I think sent it overseas for some reason

 

[cugila]

Re: VICTOZA

just noticed the comment

"Insulin AND Victoza are not recommended" why is this ?

Basically it was never tested in the initial trials of the drug so could not be recommended for use, however since it has now been out for some time there are some Consultant's who are 'trialling' it with Patients........what is known as 'Off Licence' use. Some are getting good results with it apparently. If it is used in conjunction with the Victoza the HCP's are supposed to make sure the Patient is fully aware it is a trial use.

 

[Lozzie]

VICTOZA

Hi

i am T2 but undiagnosed for 20 years. I suffered severe gestational diabetes but they told me "it will settle down" ....well it didn't so i went back to my GP and after being poked and prodded for years.
i was then diagnosed with POS,and Diabetes I was put on low levels of insulin to start with and it just increased and increased i was on 4 injections a day of insulin 200 units a day. and my BSL was still sky high. I was on insulin for 8 years along with various combinations of drugs.When i became seriously ill and taken into hospital they discovered that I was totally insulin resistant, and i was told that POS increases the level of resistance.sO i was in a spot of bother to say the least.
My weight ballooned despite a healthy regime.
i had used byetta for a year which was the most horrific year of my life but i persevered vomiting every day. i couldn't take it any longer, and despite my perseverence it didn't help with my weight at all.
I then went onto a liquid diet controlled fully by a team of health care people ,Lipotrim and lost 5 stone in 6 months which was fabulous, but i had to come off it because you have to use it carefully. I was miserable because i had to come off it.

I have been using liraglutide (Victoza ) since august 2009 My GP told me it had been out a month and that it was really the only thing left to try and curb my BSL from regularly reading 25-35.
I have been on it every day since and although it hasn't helped me to lose my weight it has totally regulated my blood sugar and i rarely go over 10 as a reading.

It is the best thing my GP and i ever did as regards my diabetes. it was a risk and i was the only person on it that he knew of so i was the guinea pig. it worked for me and continues to work.
it is one injection a day which is a massive jump from 4.

I was quite ill with it in the beginning, severe vomiting etc but it controls the way my body deals with food.
i hate food because it makes me tired (which is why i did so well on the liquid diet)
i can have things like mayonnaise etc BUT if i have a tip of a spoonful too much or i have anything that my body dosent need, it lets me know !! it makes you remember what NOT to have
So not only does it train your blood sugar but it trains your brain too!
i am still on other medication to 'compliment' it

if you are at the end of your tether and nothing is working for you to help to control your diabetes ask your GP, it is still quite unknown but it IS out there.

cheers to my 'Vic' (affectionatley known pen) who i see once a day :lol:

cheers
Lozzie
x

 

[BrianSkye]

Re: VICTOZA

Hi, I posted once in this thread when I started Victoza about 2 1/2 months ago. I was already using Metformin and Gliclazide but I was getting BSLs at 12-15 fasting and peaking up to 22 after a meal. I'm not a very good patient as far as diet is concerned but I do my best balancing food and depression.

I thought I would let you know how I was getting on. I started on the 0.6mg for about 6 weeks and it made a significant difference so I moved up to the 1.2mg dose a month ago. Since then my BSL readings have continuously fallen and I think are still doing so. So much so that I may be able to give up one of the other drugs. I am now typically getting 6.5-7 fasting and peaks after food do not exceed 11. I have noticed in the last week that I am getting quite low readings if I don't eat on time and have had two 4.6 readings in the late afternoon. Both times I started to feel a bit odd with a slight headache and so guzzled some dextro tablets.

As far as side effects go there have been very few. For years I have had IBS, always on the loose side if you see what I mean. Since Victoza this seems to have become a thing of the past and I couldn't be more pleased! Otherwise I have not lost weight at all but frequently feel very hungry and compelled to snack. I sweat a little after meals which seems to suggest my metabolism has notched up a gear. On the whole very positive

As my BSL readings are still falling I won't be moving up to the higher dose and may be cutting back on the gliclazide. I seem to remember the diabetes clinic suggesting that this would be the course of things but after my initial enthusiastic visit to them and one little phone call from the diabetic nurse telling me not to phone her because she was going on holiday I haven't heard a 'dickie bird' from them and so my GP is trying to keep up with me.

Is this abandonment by the diabetes clinics typical :?: It happened to my mother when I was looking after her until she died last year.

 

[cugila]

Re: VICTOZA

Well done on your progress.......looking good !

You need to concentrate a bit more on those post meal readings as they are still high, as a Type 2 you shouldn't really be going above 8.5 mmol/l 2 hrs after meals. Lower is also better if possible. The high numbers may be because your diet choices need tweaking a bit ? Too many carbs perhaps......high Bg levels particularly after meals can cause you to sweat.

Feeling odd around levels of 4.6 mmol/l is a good thing and quite normal as that gives you time to do something about dropping levels......'guzzling' glucose/dextrose is a bit vague. You shouldn't really take more than 2-3 tabs to quickly elevate your levels, then stabilise with a small carby snack or your normal meal.

The 'normal' dose is usually 1.2 and not many move up to 1.8 as there is some evidence that it is not any more effective. There are people here who are on 1.8 though, maybe they might answer with their experience of the higher dose.

You mention that you are on Gliclazide....this has the unfortunate effect of stimulating the appetite and also weight gain so it might be a good idea at some point to discuss lowering the dose of that if your levels are better controlled in future.

As for the Diabetic Clinic and the Nurse who went on Holiday......it might be an idea to cantact them yourself as sometimes things get forgotten. Don't leave everything to the HCP's......follow things up with a phone call and make a further appointment. You have to be pro-active where YOUR Diabetes is concerned.......

I doubt you have been 'abandoned'.......probably just overlooked as they are busy. A reminder should get something going and if not.......take it from there. :twisted:

 

[BrianSkye]

Re: VICTOZA

Well done on your progress.......looking good !

You need to concentrate a bit more on those post meal readings as they are still high, as a Type 2 you shouldn't really be going above 8.5 mmol/l 2 hrs after meals. Lower is also better if possible. The high numbers may be because your diet choices need tweaking a bit ? Too many carbs perhaps......high Bg levels particularly after meals can cause you to sweat.

Feeling odd around levels of 4.6 mmol/l is a good thing and quite normal as that gives you time to do something about dropping levels......'guzzling' glucose/dextrose is a bit vague. You shouldn't really take more than 2-3 tabs to quickly elevate your levels, then stabilise with a small carby snack or your normal meal.

You mention that you are on Gliclazide....this has the unfortunate effect of stimulating the appetite and also weight gain so it might be a good idea at some point to discuss lowering the dose of that if your levels are better controlled in future.

Thanks for the encouragement. My peaks of 10-11 come at about 1 hr after a meal by 2 hrs I'm back to about 8.5 or so. Guzzling was 7 tabs Point taken. I did follow it up with something carbonacious though so that was good.

I'd seen that about Gliclazide and weight gain, it might be the only thing that's preventing me from losing weight now. Unfortunately exercise it out as I have serious back problems and can only walk about 50 yds or so and I have neck problems as well which make it problematic to do most upper body exercises.

 

[pearlj]

liraglutide

Hi new on here, I got put on Liraglutide last year after 2 years on Byetta. Started at a dose of 1.2mg
but last week it was increased to 1.8mg, the day after I took the increased doze I got vaginal thrush which I have not had since before taking my Byetta. Still sufffering after 1 week and wish to know if it was my increase doze that maybe caused it, thanks

 

[Skoobi]

Re: VICTOZA

Hi Skoobi - any relation to skooby-doo we luv you? :lol:

Don't be sad about the clinics only treating the diabetes - if you were sent to them it is because they specialise in that particular condition. Having said that if they are thorough they will ask about any other medication you're taking too and why you are taking it since they need to ensure whatever you're already taking doesn't interfere with what they'd like to give you for your diabetes.

I can tell you a little about Lantus as I've been on it for just over 18 months. It's fine - no side effects. I think if you have a particularly high dose there's always the risk you might put on weight but since I started Victoza I've found my appetite decreased a little and I've lost about four pounds already - though only been on it for three weeks tomorrow so early days yet.

You don't say whether you're on any other medication for the diabetes like oral medication? I'm assuming you're type 2 as I understood Victoza is only prescribed to Type 2 - not sure why.

Why are you annoyed at yourself :? Don't beat yourself up for being diabetic. I'm assuming you have a lot of weight to lose given they gave you Victoza but that is not necessarily the reason you're diabetic - just means it makes the illness worse as fat seems to cause higher sugar levels as it squeezes the pancreas (or so I've been told by a friend who is also Diabetic).

Keep cheerful young lady - you're among friends here. It's good to share experiences.

Regards, Madame P

Thanks for the encouragement Madame P No relation to Skooobi Doo where are you?!! I've been on Lantus now since 1st March and was started on 60 units and have had to increase it up to 74 which seems to be doing the trick and although I started putting the weight back on I'm glad to say it's started to come off again! Phew!

I'm not only any other meds for diabetes just Lantus & Victoza for type 2. I found that I got really annoyed with myself that I had struggled with my weight all my life - had a gastric band fitted in 2000 but got an infection which affected the band so it doesn't work that well unless I eat bread! But managed to lose 8 stone in the long run but since then had 6 major ops in 7 years, one recovery took 1 year of trailing back and forth to the drs getting the wound dressed! Due according to the Dr to my diabetes! But I'm healed and finally the weight began to come off. So I'm a happy bunny now! I'm feeling a wee bitty more confident about being on Lantus now that the weight has started to come off again. SO thanks for your kind words. I hope things are working for you.

 

[ailz]

Re: VICTOZA

I've asked my doctor about this (yesterday) and he'd rather I didn't have it - too expensive - but wants me to think about it for 3 weeks and then speak to him again. If I still want to go on it - in his words - he thinks he'd be able to make a good argument with the PCT for me. He admitted that he thought it would be good for me, but can't just prescribe it.

 

[YesMe]

Re: VICTOZA

Hi, I was on Glycazide 160 morning and evening, blood sugars 1AC running at 11.6, Dr wanted me on Insulin, went to clinic and refused and demanded Byetta which I got, side effects over 7 months constant feeling of Nausea and decreased appetite, was switched to Victoza injection once per day 1.2mg B Sugars started dropping, from 11.6 down to 9.8 and now at last 1AC 7.4, have recently experienced slight low sugar symptoms so am reducing Glycazide to 80 morning and evening as per clinic suggestion, have also experienced excellent weight loss..about 36lbs.

Very few side effects, just some constipation, decreased appetite - makes life a lot more inexpensive - and eating smaller meals. So far am extremely pleased with this drug and hope those idiots at the NHS don't stop the general prescribing of it, they have already changed the frequency of the 1AC from every 4 mths to now every 6 mths, made us fight for foot examinations or cancelled them completely, guess they'll be pleased when we're dead and gone so they can save cash and of course it's a good way to get drivers off the road if on insulin....Overall a for Victoza

 

[Cowboyjim]

Once-daily Victoza success

More from AACE
http://www.medilexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=222611
Novo Nordisk presented data that showed regardless of baseline A1C, once-daily Victoza® 1.8 mg consistently helped more patients achieve blood sugar control than some other type 2 therapies.

 

[mehdave]

Re: VICTOZA

Hmm my bs have been slowly creeping up over the last month and the only thing I have changed is the needles from 5mm to the new 4mm maybe there just too small. Will check it over next few weeks.

But im thinking that the victoza at 1.2 just is not as effective as it once was bs have been going above 12 into early teens at points. Wondering if its time to get a tablet with it as well. Diabetic specialist on Thursday. Have heard good things about Januvia and not causing weight gain might ask for that as well as my victoza depending on HbA1c results.

What combos are most of you on. I was on Diamicron MR and Actos but now only the Victoza

 

[mehdave]

Re: VICTOZA

Well results seem back to normal with the 5mm it must be the 4mm is just a bit too short for us non skinny folk :lol:

 

[clairy clutterbuck]

Re: VICTOZA

Hi,

Not been on for a bit, Once I had recovered from my op I helped my brother build a house! I am still on victoza and glucophage and although my levels have been reasonable they are not good enough - too many bacon butties with the builders :lol: I have been looking at the diet the dietician recommmended and it conflicts with a lot of comments on this thread and have decided to start testing after each meal etc as is recommended on this site to see where I am going wrong. I think carbs are the culprit. I am so lacking in knowledge about all this and its very confusing. I have read through all the 55 pages of threads this past week and it has been so helpful but can I ask a few stupid quesions - sorry to be a nuisance.

1. I am testing after 1 hr, 2 hrs 3 hrs etc. I know it says below 8.5 after 2 hours but after one hour the reading is sometimes 10 and then it drops after 2 hours to below 8.5 mostly. What should I be expecting after 1 hour. and what should I be expecting after 3 hrs?

2. What figures would be a spike? How high is too high after eating? Is it a case of as long as it is below 8.5 after 2 hours the 1 hour reading is ok?

3. They porridge is good as its slow release but I found it went up more slowly until it reached 9.7 after two hours and stayed there for ages. So why is slow release good?

4. and why can't I work out how to do the ticker thing and add my statistics to my posts? :lol:

I will have loads more questions I am sure as I try things out, but dont want to go on too much at once.

Glad to see so many are doing well on victoza. and thanks for any help received.

x

 

[purplecrystal]

Re: VICTOZA

Hi everyone I started at first on the byetta along with metformin im still taking that. after 9months or so my gp took me off byetta because it wasn't working.so he put me on the victoza only been on it a month on the 1.2 mg had some nausea but nothing to bad.I don't feel full on this or felt its reduced my appetite much.it is lowering my bms from the teens to around 8/11.I just don't have much help or support at the moment on this pen as my gp put me on it and not the ds.i know the clinic will start the support next week as im due to see my new referred diabetic specialist next week so Im not sure if he will want to change anything.just have to wait and see. hope everyone is doing well

 

[paolog]

Victoza and sense of cold

I have been on Victoza for >1/52, now on 1.2 mg (2days) in addition to pioglitazone and metformin statins etc, Type 2 metabolic syndrome ( genetic inheritance f+m).
usual s/e nausea, little interest in food, delayed stomach emptying, diarrhoea, nausea etc.
Seems to fade and losing weight so good.
For first time since I was prediabetic I have returned to my usual interest in food and no longer have constant hunger and feel more energetic and less lethargic.
Fasting Blood glucose 6.2 so improved.
But I feel so cold in hands, feet and limbs and nothing warms me up (electric blankets, exercise, jumpers hot showers etc) It is at the level of discomfort.
I am on B Blockers for arrythmias but only had cold feet till started Victoza. Symptoms increased significantly when I increased from 0.6 to 1.2.
Any one else notice this? Any one else on BBs?