How does Liraglutide compare to similar peptides?

Liraglutide has 2 head-to-head comparisons available: Semaglutide, Semaglutide. See the full comparison pages for dosing differences, mechanisms, and which one fits your goals.

What is the recommended liraglutide dosage for weight loss?

The Saxenda label starts at 0.6 mg daily subcutaneous for one week, then titrates by 0.6 mg each week until reaching 3.0 mg daily. For diabetes (Victoza), the max dose is 1.8 mg daily. Skipping titration steps significantly increases nausea and vomiting rates.

Not medical advice. Talk to your provider before using any peptide.

Full disclaimer

Peptide Schedule Research TeamReviewed Apr 20267 Citations

Liraglutide Dosage Calculator

Beginner, moderate, and aggressive dosing amounts with timing. Free, no signup.

Weight LossFDA ApprovedGrade A·13 h half-life·Injection

9 refsVerified 2026-04-07

No syringe calculation for this route

Subcutaneous

Liraglutide has no standard bacteriostatic water volume on file, so there are no syringe units to calculate here. Dosing runs 600mcg to 3000mcg per administration, daily. A 18mg supply covers about 30 doses at the beginner tier.

If your product does arrive as a powder, use the universal reconstitution calculator and enter your own vial size and water volume.

How to take Liraglutide→Calculators for injectable peptides →

Open Liraglutide details

Side effects, protocols by goal, storage, and the sources behind these dosing numbers.

About Liraglutide

Liraglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with 15+ years of market data and proven cardiovascular protection from the LEADER trial (n=9,340). Less potent than semaglutide for weight loss, but side effects clear in a day thanks to its 13-hour half-life.

GLP-1 AgonistWeight ManagementAppetite Regulation

Popular5,585High

Subcutaneous. Typical beginner frequency: daily.

After reconstituting, store at 2-8°C (36-46°F) before first use; up to 30°C (86°F) after first use (in-use pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°c) or refrigerated for 30 days).

View side effects and safety warnings →

Quick-Start: How to Use Liraglutide

1Remove the pen from the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting. Room-temperature solution reduces injection discomfort.
2Inspect the solution. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use if cloudy or if you see particles.
3Attach a new pen needle (32-gauge is standard for Saxenda). Remove both the outer and inner needle caps.

Full usage guide→

Liraglutide Dosing Protocol

FDA LabelVictoza FDA Prescribing Information (2023) (n=3,731 (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes))

Level	Dose / Injection	Frequency
Beginner	600mcg	Daily
Moderate	1.8mg	Daily
Aggressive	3mg	Daily

Note:

Liraglutide comes as a pre-filled pen, so there's no reconstitution math to worry about. Saxenda pens hold 18 mg total and deliver doses from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg via a dial selector. At the 3 mg maintenance dose, one pen lasts 6 days. For compounded liraglutide from 503A pharmacies, the common concentration is 6 mg/mL. With that concentration in a standard insulin syringe: 10 units equals 0.6 mg, 20 units equals 1.2 mg, 30 units equals 1.8 mg, 40 units equals 2.4 mg, and 50 units equals 3.0 mg. The thing most beginners miss: if you skip more than 3 consecutive days, you need to restart at 0.6 mg and re-titrate. Jumping back to your prior dose after a gap causes disproportionate GI distress. Keep your pens on schedule or plan for the ramp back up. Store unused pens in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees Celsius). Once you start using a pen, it can stay at room temperature (up to 30 degrees Celsius) for 30 days.

Dosing based on Victoza FDA Prescribing Information (2023) — 9 published references.View all sources →

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Liraglutide Cost

Brand Price

Brand Saxenda: ~$1,300–$1,800/month retail (5 pre-filled pens). GoodRx coupon: as low as ~$372/month. Novo Nordisk savings card: eligible commercially-insured patients may pay $25/month. Victoza (diabetes): similar pricing range.

Generic / Research

Teva generic liraglutide injection: ~$1,165/month (WAC, launched August 2025, FDA-approved, bioequivalent). Additional generics expected post-February 2026 exclusivity expiry: expect prices to decline.

Compounded

Compounded liraglutide (503A pharmacies): ~$150–$249/month. Liraglutide remains on FDA drug shortage list as of April 2026: 503A compounding is legally permitted while shortage persists. PCAB-accredited providers (e.g., MediVera Compounding Pharmacy, Zappy Health) offer prescription access. Quality varies: always request COA.

Pricing updated 2026-04-09

Prices are estimates and vary by source, location, and prescription status.Full pricing breakdown →

Liraglutide Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics — Active Dose Over Time

t½ = ~13 hours

After 1 half-life (13h): 50% remainsAfter 2 half-lives (26h): 25% remainsAfter 3 half-lives (39h): 12.5% remains

At a 1.8mg dose: 50% = 900mcg remaining after 13h. Recommended frequency: Daily.

Disclaimer: This curve is a simplified first-order exponential decay model. Actual pharmacokinetics vary based on injection site, individual metabolism, body composition, and other factors. Half-life values are approximate and based on available preclinical and clinical literature. Many research peptides lack formal human pharmacokinetic studies. This is for educational purposes only — not medical advice.

Read the full Liraglutide guide →