VICTOZA users

Re: VICTOZA

P.s look at me !! unable to tollerate lots of meds for type2 diabetes n victoza came up TRUMPS !!! plus consultants have promised me I can stay with it for as long as I need!!! Now we got to see how I go on with levemir? up to now thumping headaches n nausea but am putting this down to the heavy hot weather that I always struggle with, with my cardiovascular heart condition. I totally get how you must feel with fear of will it suit you, I was exactly the same! Still am with this levemir too. Anna.x

Re: VICTOZA

have been on victoza first week at 0.6 no problems, upped last thursday to 1.2 and felt awful on saturday, really sick and the runs, then again on monday quite poorly like a chill. i'm finding that as its put me off my food, if i don't eat then that makes me ill and have the runs, if i eat like a good bowl of porridge in the am and have a decent lunch then i don't get sickness or the runs.
i think i might go back down to 0.6 as this is keeping my blood sugar down but i'm back to nurse in 2 weeks so will see, also could be on too much metformin as taking 2000mg a day. i'm pretty sure that 1000mg of metformin and 0.6 victoza will be just enough to help me maintain bs around 6.5 - 7.5 as my diet is improving considerably. am loosing weight, lost 7lbs in first week this is now steadying out now and feeling loads better when not poorly. can do more and have more energy. i'm happy to stick with it as i've been misusing food for 20 years and so it will take a while for my digestion to get used to be treated normally. but i'm up for it. will keep you posted.

Re: VICTOZA

WOW!! I was not that aware that VICTOZA was in such widespread use in the UK?? I am living in France and was told this was a relatively new drug to Europe?? Less than 6 months certainly.

Anyway the rubbish BS readings I had and the other problems I had resulting have all but gone!! And I would recommend ANYONE struggling with ANY problems with there BS's to get your GP and have a word in his shell-like!And get it prescribed!! I was going on Insulin even as a Type 2 as I was not getting any better with metformin and the plethora of other drugs I was taking! I went on the Victoza and within certainly two weeks I was getting readings I have NEVER seen!! And I have been Diabetic for around 15 years now? In fact I would go so far as to say the Specialist care I received from Halifax was nothing short of RUBBISH!! That is to say the SPECIALIST as in the TOP (Supposed) man at that time in Halifax (1995>) This the person who told me CATEGORICALLY that mine and 100% of ALL other humans SHOULD have a BS reading of 5 At ALL TIMES!!! Not 4.7 or 5.6 but 5 at ALL times!! I of course told him he was talking out of a part of his body always destined to point down. He took exception to this remark!! But nonetheless I have found not a single person who agrees with him, prince or pauper! So, so much for the SPECIALISTS you have in the UK??!! I just hope you never get that particular specimen!

But yes Victoza is a godsend as far as THIS person is concerned. In fact on being prescribed it I was told by my now Specialist that IF I went on Victoza and it did not work then the only thing they could do was to put me on Insulin? BUT I did ask if It worked a bit?? (Clutching at straws?) could I use it with the Insulin? NO! I was told I could not use the two together! As the Victoza interfered with the Insulin?? So are some Specialists in the UK yet again getting it wrong allowing patients to stay on Insulin and Victoza? Only I suppose time will tell? And the only problem is with that scenario is as we all well know is it will NOT be the fellow prescribing the medicine who gets all the problems!

Re: VICTOZA

I've been on Victoza since November 2010. Had been on Lantus 32units at night and within just over 2 months of starting it went from 68kg to 90... mostly fluid. was specifically listed...' rapid weight gain and fluid retention' as a contraindication but no-one seemed to listen Finally saw consultant privately in desperation and he put me on Victoza. 2 weeks on 0.6 and then to1.2 on which I remain (apparently no value to taking 1.8)

Results.... well I have my life back, down to 69.5kgs which is about normal, can bend over to do may laces up and move normally. Before my feet were so swollen they really hurt and it was affecting work in that by the evening I couldn't go to any meetings..I was so uncomforable.

The good news also is that I'm not taking any insulin...only Metformin for helping control BGs. I cannot tolerate Gicazide and came off roziglicazone just before they banned it. My sugar control is coming in a little higher and I really have to watch carb intake... but apparently there is another tablet which I could take to fine tune.

The really fab upside is how blissful I feel!!!! I think it's because my sugars are stable and I don't get the twitchy lows like I did with the Lantus.

So for me it really works with very few side effects...a month initially of feeling a bit sick ...now I get the odd wave of nausea but very bearable considering the benfits of no fluid congesting all my organs which can't be good for them.

So, advice for anyone just starting...stick with it and give it a chance.

Slight concern re NICE directive to GPs banning Victoza plus other similar drugs from NHS presciption. I know there are some restrictions but.... worrying none the less. has anyone been told they can't have it/have to come off it?

Re: VICTOZA

Many thanks for your replies sorry I haven't replied sooner but for some reason my replies went to an old email address which I had to change to Identity Theft so I will need to look into how to change my email address here as I really value your input.

I still haven't started the Victosa yet (I know I am a coward, I just have so much going on healthwise and feel I can handle what I have but not sure if I could handle anything else going wrong)!! Reading your posts however have made me feel more confident as none of you who have replied have had any real side effects so that is encouraging.

My fasting sugars in the morning average between 12.3 and 14.3. Through the day my blood sugars average between 15.9 to 21.9. I am on Humalog 50 and take 68 units 3 times a day. I don't want to increase my insulin as that is just going to help me put on more weight which is the last thing I need.

My other health issues are Benign Intracranial Hypertension, High Blood Pressure, Angina, Peripheral Neuropathy in both feet (Have no pulse in my right foot), I also have eye damage and I have recently lost my peripheral vision. I also have Irritible Bowel Syndrome and the list goes on. I am on a huge cocktail of drugs and so it is no shock that my diabetes is proving very hard to control. Tomorrow I will start Victosa and I will let you know how things work out.

I feel very alone with this and only have my GP but even she admits that she is not entirely sure how to go with this Victosa along with my insulin. I guess I will need to stock up on Lucozade so that I have it to hand should the hypos come on.

Thanks for your support with this.

Regards,
Amanda

Re: VICTOZA

Hi

I will be starting Victoza on the 27th June, I am on Metformin SR 4x500mg a day and 180mg Gliclazide and have been putting on weight for the last year now around 18st 7lb. I have tried to loose weight but the best I can ever do is stand still not loosing. My Diabetic nurse is taking me off Gliclazide slowly over two weeks and will leave me on the Metformin once I start Victoza does this sound OK?

Ed

Re: VICTOZA

I have been using Victoza for over 1 year now and has helped with both blood sugar level and weight management. It is an easy once a day injection and works well with Metformin.

I would definately recommend it!

Re: VICTOZA

Hello from a true Newby!

Just wanted to say thank you so much to all those who have posted about Victoza - the information and advice has been really helpful and I will be sending hubby out in the morning to buy the cider vinegar and/or probiotic drinks recommended!! I am due to take my first 0.6 dose of Victoza tomorrow and I can't wait. I'm a type 2 diabetic and hugely insulin resistant. The weight (and blood sugars) have crept up and up over the years and it's agreed by the diabetic consultant and nurse that enough is enough! My HbA1c as of 06.06.11 was 9.7 and this needs to improve.

I am currently taking:
Levemir 50u in the evening, and 60u in the morning
Novorapid 40u at breakfast, 40u at lunch and 50u at dinner
Fenofibrate 267mg with dinner
Metformin SR 500mg x 4 per day
Ramipril in the morning
Simvastatin 40mg in evening

I haven't been advised to omit/reduce any of my meds, only to keep testing by sugars. I'm not due to see the DN until early September, so am feeling a little bit lost, but then again I've always been fed conflicting information from the G.P, DN and Consultant and have played with my insulin intake for a long time! Wish me luck - I think I may need it - Sharon (Newby127)

Re: VICTOZA

http://www.drugs.com/fda/victoza-liragl ... 12979.html

now im worried.I have had stomach pains aches the past 2 weeks but not severe.every day i seem to get a stomach ache and bloated.with some diarrhoea every couple of days I do suffer with I.B.S (irritable bowel syndrome) but this pain seems different I hope my doctor investigates it and doesnt put it down to my I.B.S im going to see my doctor over it as trying to see my diabetic specialist doctor is difficult he gets fully booked so they suggest if a cancellation comes up you get that next available appointment sigh. I dont seem to have much faith in these new meds these days I feel we are all guinea pigs for testing new stuff.and they are not trialled for longer.

Re: VICTOZA

Sorry to hear you are experiencing problems. I am only on my 3rd day with Victosa so early days for side effects. I am hoping that luck will be on my side and that I will escape side effects as I suffered terribly with Byetta. I am not 100% happy taking the Victosa with my insulin as it hasn't been trialled with insulin so I too feel a bit like a guinea pig. I hope your symptoms settle down and that you feel better soon. My GP told me that Victosa is more user friendly Ie less side effects than Byetta so I am really praying that she is right about that. Let me know how you get on.

Re: VICTOZA

hi Amansco
I tried the byetta for over a yr and it didn't work for me.

been on the victoza for afew months now and although my bms are lower I am concerned about these side effects and the rash I still get on every injection site regardless were I inject.I havent gone to my gp yet but I will have to inform him of that too and get antihistamines ,I was told insulin shouldn't be taken with this injection but always follow your specialists advice.
I hope this victoza works out for you though.and let us know how you get on.

Re: VICTOZA

Day 3 of using 0.6 of Victoza and I've had my first BS reading of 5.2 - I don't recall my readings ever having been this low so I am chuffed to bits. Appetite has gone and I'm having to force myself to eat which is so unlike me. Hopefully the weight will start coming off - certainly needs to as I've got a lot to get rid of!!! The only side effects I've had so far is an on and off headache and desperate need for the loo - thankfully no nausea or sickness. Keep posting, as it's great to hear how everyone is doing xx

Re: VICTOZA

Pleased to hear you are experiencing lower blood sugars. I am not noticing any changes In my blood sugars yet but I guess it's early days (day 4). Slight nausea and appetite not great but I am happy about that as I would really like to lose some weight.

This diabetes really is a hellish condition. Last Friday my friend from America emailed as she does every day. On the email she was telling me that life was good and that she was enjoying the good weather. Approx 5 hours later she was rushed into hospital as the results of recent bloodwork had came back indicating that there was problems with her kidneys. It turns out that her kidneys are only functioning around 18%. Today I got news that things are so bad that she will be going on to dialysis 4 times a week. I am stunned as although Chris was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of 15 (now 50), Chris was very conscientious about her diet and her diabetes was always well controlled. It really has given me a shake!!!

Re: VICTOZA

Well, I had my appointment with the nurse. All good! I was struggling a bit with nausea but that's gone away since I started injecting in the evenings. I've lost just under 2kilos in about 5weeks without trying. Nurse is really pleased with me 'cos I need to have lost 3% bodyweight in 6 months to carry on with Victoza. So I'm on line for that! Apparently one of the things that swung it for me to go on Victoza was having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Maybe that will get better too! Suddenly feel so much more opimistic!!

Re: VICTOZA

week 3 of victoza just upped the dose to 1.2mg went for my weigh in with the DN and lost 5kgs really pleased and shocked BS is good hoovering between 5 and 6. Still uneasy at the injection itself. Please let it continue please

Re: VICTOZA

Hiya everyone, just an update on how I am doing on victoza, weight loss going fantastic lost 1.5stone n still going down... so thats brilliant progress [ after gliclazide drug piled 2stone on me ] frustratingly n sadly it hasnt got my BS levels down much, have been told am insulin deficient n if my BS levels fail to come down after adding insulin too I will be tested for LADA by the cpeptide / GAD tests. Am mostly fed up with continuous blurry visison n daily errattic BS readings up n down [ never get down to safe level either ] n feeling fuzzy n foggy headed. Anna.x :?

Re: VICTOZA

Hi

Just had my first shot 0.6 of Victoza with the nurse, I must say the injection was really easy didnt feel it at all. She said she had 100% weight loss with her patients on Victoza with one loosing 7kg in 3 months I will keep you informed how I go on. May I ask people to say how many weeks or months they have been on Victoza and how much weight they have lost.

Ed

Re: VICTOZA

hi, well after six days OFF victoza i am now feeling much better, and more like my old self. the energy is returning. i still have the rash on both my legs, but am now on antihistamines and antihistamine cream. my dr. increased my metformin and i am due to see the diabetes specialist in august when he thinks i will be put on insulin. iam so pleased i have stopped both byetta and then victoza. would i recommend them .. no, definately not!!

Re: VICTOZA

Hi, everyone. well done on starting out on victoza and your injections, it is a new hurdle to jump isnt it? soon you will be doing it without even thinking or flinching... victoza does have an appetite suppressant in the mechanics of the GLP1 peptide enzyme that it functions as, over time and gradually you will with smaller portion meal needs, lose some weight, I have been on it coming up to 6 months now and am seeing an almost 2stone weight loss. I suppose as we are all individuals it can and will vary in person to person the weight loss. Do you wish to lose a bit? a lot? it has the bonus of not causing a hypo [consultant's advice] please keep in touch and let us know how you go on. Anna.x

Re: VICTOZA

Hi

Well one week gone now and start my 1.2mg shots in the morning. So far side effects have been very few just slight nausea the first couple of days only lasting a few minutes, one headache for an hour and that's it. Injection completely pain free and very easy. Weight loss 3lb in first week just by eating slightly less, lets see what week two brings.

Ed