VICTOZA users

Re: VICTOZA

Started Victoza on Monday on the 0.6 dose and I've had a little nausea and a funny feeling on my tongue, but nothing major so far (touch wood). I'm normally pretty clued up on diabetes drugs, working as a GP practice manager (not anywhere near my location) as I read all the literature GPs get and I also cull any results from our patients diabetes clinical letters onto our clinical computer system, but I had never heard of Victoza before other than from my own Diabetes Consultant.

I was rather apprehensive about the injecting aspect of this medication, but I really didn't feel the needle at all

I have to say my appetite has disappeared for what seems the 1st time in my life, and I just hope it stays that way. I'm also consciously trying to address my bad habits of overeating after feeling full and I have stopped raiding the fridge now that I'm not constantly hungry all the time.

I know this is a relatively new drug and the potential risks involved, but a chance at having a normal weight for this Type 2 diabetic is a potential lifesaver and I've already lost 2.6kg (probably fluid but I'll take anything coming my way)

Re: VICTOZA

mofofunk said:

Again I'd like to thank you for your kind words and support; I think its these kind of testimonials that are going to help me get my head round this. I'm sure once the first one is out of the way, I'll be ok, its just taking that leap, in my case. I'll be sure to let you know how I get on once i start taking it (just waiting for my appointment, to be shown how to use it), its almost taunting me, sitting there in the fridge waiting to be used lol :?

Thanks again

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Morning All!

I did say I'd post as soon as I'd started Victoza to let you know how i got on with my fear of needles etc. Well I had huge anxiety when I got in there, was sweating a lot and felt really weak. The nurse asked if I wanted to do it or if she should - I advised her to do it incase I flinch on my first go. She put it in and I actually said "wow" and chuckled! I couldn't believe it, it was so painless, you’d really struggle to know it was in there had you not looked. So she removed, passed it to me I changed the needle and had a go myself - hardest bit was telling myself I wasn't going to hurt myself or mess it up, once i got my head round that i was fine, i managed to do it no problem.
So, looks like I should be ok with it. I am taking my first proper dose tomorrow, will be 0.6mg for the week, than up it. So I will keep in touch and report on how I'm feeling as I go.
Once again, thanks for all the support and kind words, they really did help and are just what we need to tackle these problems.

Thanks again

Ash

Re: VICTOZA

Hi, I'm new here, but came looking for information on Victorza which my GP put me on in September 2010.
In the beginning I had really bad side effects including constant diahorrea, acid reflux, and stomach pains. BUT I also had reduced appetite, so the weight that I need to lose has been almost 'falling' off me, and I went down one dress size in about three weeks, just because I don't want to eat. I even have to make an effort to eat a meal the size of my 11 year old daughter's portion size. I struggle to eat breakfast at all and overall using Victoza has completely changed my eating habits, it is very rare that I pick at food between meals now.
I went back to my GP as the diahorrea was just becoming unmanageable. She prescribed me loperimide (immodium) to get my bowel back into natural rythmn and all is fine now. I just have to take 1 or 2 immodium a week and the weight continues to fall off.

Re: VICTOZA

Hi Karen,

I too am new to the boards and really glad I joined, lots of help and support to be had here. Good to hear you are reaping the benfits of being on Victoza, I can't wait to see what results I get. For me the biggest hurdle is the actual injection itself, huge fear of needles not helping atall :cry: . Even thought it dosent hurt atall its still getting my head round it thats the problem - like the DB nurse said, "having to inject yourself - it's not normal" - I'll agree with that.

Ash

Re: VICTOZA

Hi i am new to the site. I started on Byetta and the side effects were too difficult for me to continue taking it. The hospital consultant suggested Victoza with Gliclazide before trying insulin.
I inject once a day 1.2mg and I take one Gliclazide am and one pm but if my test strip reading is over 10 before going to bed.

Prior to commencement of Victoza my blood sugars were very high and now they are within the "normal range". I have lost some weight, but only about 10 lbs and mostly i think through exercise.

The change it has made to me generally is FAB. Prior to April 10 the tablet medication Avandia and Rogisterlone were making me so ill i thought i was terminally ill and looked like death! I has two admissions for chest pain and finally decided no more medication. Then i was referred to see a specialist. I have now been discharged from the hospital back to GP.

So far so good!

Re: VICTOZA

nailchewer said:

...Prior to commencement of Victoza my blood sugars were very high and now they are within the "normal range". I have lost some weight, but only about 10 lbs and mostly i think through exercise.

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This is good news for you and you have done well to loose some weight. Victoza does not produce instant results, but for most it does lower those BG readings. You did not say how long you have been injecting it so I would hazard a guess of not very long. Give it another month or so and I'm convinced you will find your BG going lower still as time marches on.
It should also make smaller meal portions have you freeling fuller for longer which means the urge to snack could end up being a distant memory.

For many of us Victoza has turned out to be the 'missing-link' in T2 antidiabetes treatment and for me it has kept me away from insulin as a last resort.

Re: VICTOZA

Hobs said:

For many of us Victoza has turned out to be the 'missing-link' in T2 antidiabetes treatment and for me it has kept me away from insulin as a last resort.

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I've been on Victoza since July 2010. Prior to commencement - my HbA1c level was 9.7.

At my most recent appointment - my HbA1c is now 6.7 *normal range* which in my eyes is amazing! Definately the 'missing link' - as I have struggled with certain dosages of oral meds (including Metformin SR and adding that third tablet).

My regime now is
(AM) 1 x 500mg Metformin, 1 x 80mg Gliclazide

(LUNCHTIME) 1.2mg Liraglutide [VICTOZA] sc injection

(PM) 1 x 500mg Metformin, 1 x 80mg Gliclazide

This is working for me; and I have to monitor closely my pre-evening meal bG's to decide if I need to do half dose gliclazide, or eventually none at all - as my control gets better. I don't want a HYPO thanks.

Since July 2010, I have lost 4" off my waist - and about 8KG in weight - which I know is a contributing factor to my improving levels - and a side effect of the 'injectable gastric band' that is Victoza.

Side effects, I've had the usual suspects - the loss of appetite, stomach discomforts, injection side bruising and soreness, the feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea etc. All of these will eventually ease or go away - so STICK WITH IT people - it's worth it in the long run!

Around 1 month into the new regime, I did notice that I was experiencing what I would call an "Emergency evacuation" - every 8 days. You could almost set your watch by it - around 01:00am I would wake and would have a hurried bout of S+D with stomach discomfort. This would happen for about 4-5 weeks, and then it happened no further episodes.

I would recommend taking one of those Pro-biotic drinks like Yakult Lite; I'm pretty sure that helped me. I continue to have these on a daily basis.... keeps my tummy in good working order.

Today I feel FAB ! It is working wonders for me (personally); It is worth sticking at it if you are new to Victoza; the results are truly wonderful !

..if you are wondering why I take my Victoza in the middle of the day, it is because I fly all over the world with my job. So, no matter what TimeZone I end up, my injection time is still within normal daytime hours. Is there any other benefit to injecting midday? Aside from the fact that you take ORAL meds (AM) and (PM) - so why not dose in the middle of the day? This works for my own personal circumstance.

Thanks for reading ! I'm always happy to discuss my own experiences, so don't be afraid to come and say Hi !

Mark aka "The Human Pin Cushion"

Re: VICTOZA

Is Victoza something you have to take if you cant get good control over your blood sugar?

Re: VICTOZA

DazG said:

Is Victoza something you have to take if you cant get good control over your blood sugar?

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It would depend if you are carrying extra weight and if your present multi drug regime is not giving you the desired good control.

Re: VICTOZA

Why do people also take the one beginning with G, cant think what its called, but my dad takes it along with the metformin?

Re: VICTOZA

DazG said:

Why do people also take the one beginning with G, cant think what its called, but my dad takes it along with the metformin?

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For the same reason that anybody takes Metformin........to lower your BG levels. I think you are probably talking about Gliclazide....an anti-Diabetic drug usually used as a second stage in drug therapy.

Re: VICTOZA

Thats the one, ok thanks for that, I had wondered for a while.

Re: VICTOZA

hi vivkaroo here not been on for while had few probs but i am on victoza have been for 10 months great but wanted to ask if anyone knows if you can take erythromycin antibiotic when on victoza i know i could on byetta sure ken might know this had some teeth out and given some antibiotics be nice if someone could let me know i think they are ok
yes hope my friend jude is ok sorry not been on for a while got neuropathy in my feet and legs now and lost about stone and half but dont seem to lose much weight now but bloods are good so thats great just want to get started on antibiotics and they are 500mg x twice a day and i also take nortryptaline 25 mg one on a night for the neuropathy but think that s okand analopril 20mg for bp and 4x 500 glucoghage (metformin) any help appreciated vivkaroo x

Re: VICTOZA

Hi all,

I was having a good time in London last week with my big sister That is why I didn't post anything.

But there was no change any way. This week however I noticed the numbers creeping up again so I upped the Victoza to 1.2. as advised.

Acidity back so took cider vinegar again and it worked a treat.

Lost 1lb in weight so I am now 13st. 1lb. Here's hoping it's the start of a new downward trend.

Keep fighting the good fight. YOU WILL WIN.

Re: VICTOZA

Hello,
Well I took my first 1.2mg dose today and while I have experienced no discomfort inserting the needle, or while administering the dose, about 5 seconds after I have removed the needle, i got quite a bad pain in that area. Has anyone else experienced a similar thing with the increase in dose, or just with the injecting in general?

Thanks

Ash

Re: VICTOZA

mofofunk said:

Hello,
Well I took my first 1.2mg dose today and while I have experienced no discomfort inserting the needle, or while administering the dose, about 5 seconds after I have removed the needle, i got quite a bad pain in that area. Has anyone else experienced a similar thing with the increase in dose, or just with the injecting in general?

Thanks

Ash

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If you keep moving the needle site around your midriff than any discomfort is kept to a minimum... and a shorter needle helps too.

Re: VICTOZA

Hobs said:

mofofunk said:

Hello,
Well I took my first 1.2mg dose today and while I have experienced no discomfort inserting the needle, or while administering the dose, about 5 seconds after I have removed the needle, i got quite a bad pain in that area. Has anyone else experienced a similar thing with the increase in dose, or just with the injecting in general?

Thanks

Ash

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If you keep moving the needle site around your midriff than any discomfort is kept to a minimum... and a shorter needle helps too.

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Hi Hobs,

I swap eitherside of my belly button each day and I am using 6mm needle, is there a shorter one available?

Thanks

Re: VICTOZA

mofofunk said:

Hi Hobs,

I swap eitherside of my belly button each day and I am using 6mm needle, is there a shorter one available?

Thanks

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I've recently swapped over to the BD Microfine + 5mm job and it is noticeably less intrusive. As for stabbing each side of B-B do you also move up and down? I have found I can go at least 5" high and approx 2&1/2" below.
Apparently there is a 4mm one too, but neither my GP or Boots could find it in their lists.

Re: VICTOZA

Hi Hobs,

Thanks for the info. I have an appointment with my DB nurse in about a week so I will see if she can get me a prescription for the needle you mention. Admittedly though, when I injected this morning, I didn't get the same pain? Might have just hit a sore spot; I'll be honest I dont really check to see if I have injected in the area before, as I have such bad fear of needles I can't bare to look at the things, so dont always see the exact spot it goes. I'll give the up and down of the belly button a try also.

Cheers

Ash

Re: VICTOZA

Hello everyone!
I was diagnosed type 2 in Nov. 2007. I did a great job of controlling with diet for about a year. I'm probably 100pds overweight and I lost about 30 during that year. After that, I kinda gave up...I didn't gain much weight back, but my BS wasn't doing well, so I ended up on metformin. My last A1C was 6.8 (down from my highest of 8) so I was pleased but my doctor offered me Victoza to help with weight loss and get my numbers down a bit more. Had my first injection this morning. Haven't felt much today, sometimes a few stomach pangs...but fleeting and minor. I guess I have had a suppressed appetite because it is taking me longer to eat since I don't really want it. We shall see how it goes and I will report back as the journey continues.

I'm like most of you, worried about the long-term side effects and figuring I might be one of those "civil suit" cases you see advertised someday, ha ha. But, the immediate benefit long outweighs any worries.

Good luck to everyone!