Victoza in type 1's

[Lily47]

Since having a kidney transplant in Sept 11, I have put on 5 stone. The anti rejections are partly to blame, as is the high dose of insulin needed also due to the drugs. After asking for help since last March my renal specialist asked the diabetes consultant if I could have Victoza, he said no as it wasn't licenced for type 1's.So he asked another consultant who said yes. I was really pleased until I just checked with a diabetes support group. The lady there said to look it up on the Electronic Medicines Compendium and was shocked to find all the things it could do to me. It also says it shouldn't be given to type 1's. I am angry that this other consultant would prescribe such a drug, and also angry that I am still 5 stone heavier and still gaining weight. I am bordering on depression, anyone got any words of wisdom please?

 

[Karen.G.]

I read up on Victoza when I was prescribed and it clearly states that it should not be given to Type 1 Diabetics - I would actually write a complaint letter with regards to the other Consultant's advice.

Have you tried any of the diet clubs? I'm doing Weight Watchers along side the advice from this site and slowly getting results.

Have you done some investigating on the internet to see if there is anything else that can be prescribed to help?

Good luck in finding something that will work for you.

 

[phoenix]

First, I don't think they are any long term studies of the concurrent use of insulin and Victoza, however there are a number of people that have been prescribed it 'off label' and have found it to be useful.

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/type-1/di ... /off_label
http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/typ ... ctoza.html

one (very small ) study found it reduced insulin usage in T1s.
http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2011 ... pe-1s-too/
and there is research that suggests that it can be helpful for people with T1 who have weight problems.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2012/Jun ... 69256.html

Personally I would discuss any concerns with the doctor but not necessarily dismiss it out of hand.

 

[picklebean]

I'm type1 and I take 1.2mg victoza every day. I've been on it for about 6months now. My diabetes consultant suggested I try it for a number of reasons... I was in the 'obese' range for my weight, I have insulin resisntace and was on a very high dose of insulin and I have other health problems that were preventing me from losing weight by myself.

Since being on victoza I have lost 2 stone and my insulin levels have come down a lot. Apart from intial side-effects in the first two months, which i admit were horrible, I've had no other problems and am maintaining my lower weight.

My consultant told me outright that it wasn't licensed for T1s but that doens't mean you can't use it under supervision. I've found it to be the only thing ever in my life that has enabled me to lose weight.

 

[Lily47]

Thanks all. My main concern is my kidney, one Dr says it will harm it in later stages and I cant go through another transplant and all that comes with it. Such a dilemma.