What is Liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a once-daily injectable medication used for chronic obesity and type 2 diabetes. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics a natural hormone that helps regulate weight, appetite, blood sugar, and digestion.
How it works
Supports weight loss by helping regulate the body’s energy balance and fat storage
Slows the movement of food through the stomach, which reduces overeating and helps the body process calories more effectively
Improves metabolic function, including blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, which can reduce fat accumulation over time
Why It Matters:
Liraglutide works by correcting disrupted signals in the brain and gut that contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. These disruptions are common in people with obesity, and treating them helps restore healthy weight regulation.
FDA-Approved Brand Names:
Saxenda® (for obesity)
Victoza® (for type 2 diabetes)
Generic liraglutide (doses up to 1.8mg)
- Compounding liragluitde available
Dosing
Injected once daily (usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
Dose is gradually increased to reduce side effects like nausea
Who It's For:
Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes)
People who do not mind self injections
People who have craving-dominant or insulin-resistant obesity
People who Struggle with late-night eating, emotional eating, or unstable blood sugar
Prefer a non-stimulant, daily medication that helps you feel physically in control of your eating
People who would like a more moderate weight reduction.
- Want a medication with a long safety track record
Long-Term Benefits:
When combined with lifestyle changes, liraglutide has been shown to:
Support sustained weight loss
Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
Improve cardiometabolic markers (blood pressure, lipids, inflammation)
Not Recommended For:
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome
Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
History of pancreatitis
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache
Fatigue
Side effects are usually temporary and improve as your body adjusts.
Important Notes:
Not a stimulant
Can be used long-term as part of a comprehensive weight management plan
May be helpful for those with craving-dominant obesity, blood sugar dysregulation, or milder appetite issues
Lab work required
May provide your own lab results, request a lab order and use your insurance, request a cash pay lab order
Labs needed are
CBC, CMP, Lipid Panel, Thyroid panel, Vitamin b12, Vitamin D, A1C
Cash Pay Lab order is $99
Legal Disclaimer
Liraglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) found in the FDA-approved medications Saxenda® (for chronic weight management) and Victoza® (for type 2 diabetes), both manufactured and distributed by Novo Nordisk. We do notoffer, sell, or distribute Saxenda® or Victoza®, and we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novo Nordisk.
The liraglutide provided through Optima Vida Healthcare is a compounded formulation prepared by licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies in accordance with Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Compounded liraglutide is not approved or reviewed by the FDA and is intended for use only when a licensed healthcare provider determines it is medically appropriate and when FDA-approved medications are not suitable or accessible for a particular patient.
Compounded medications may differ in strength, formulation, or delivery method from FDA-approved products. They are used to meet individualized patient needs under the direction of a licensed medical provider and can only be dispensed with a valid prescription.
All compounded medications are fulfilled by state-licensed, USP-compliant pharmacies in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Optima Vida Healthcare prescribes compounded medications only when clinically appropriateand in full compliance with legal and professional standards.
By engaging with our services, you acknowledge and understand that:
Compounded liraglutide is not FDA-approved, and its safety and efficacy have not been reviewed by the FDA.
Saxenda® and Victoza® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk, and all rights remain with their respective owner.
Optima Vida Healthcare is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk or any brand-name drug manufacturer.
We encourage all patients to discuss their treatment options thoroughly with their provider and understand the differences between compounded and FDA-approved medications.
Prescription Plan
Our Prescription Plans are designed for patients who:
Have insurance coverage and only need help with medication management
Prefer to use a local or mail-order pharmacy of their choice
Do not need compounded medications or full-service programs
This plan includes:
Prescription evaluation and ongoing management
Refills sent directly to your preferred pharmacy
Follow-up to ensure safety, effectiveness, and adjustments if needed
Note:
Medication cost is not included in the prescription plan. Your pharmacy will bill your insurance or charge you directly, depending on your coverage.
Prescription Plan
Cash based monthly plan with a prescripion sent to the pharmacy of your choice.-
Prescription sent to pharmacy of your choice
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Access to the weight management programs
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Provder/staff support
Compounded Plan – Month 1
This is a titration-based plan designed to safely introduce your body to compounded liraglutide.
What’s Included:
One 3 mL vial of compounded liraglutide
Personalized dose escalation schedule to minimize side effects
Ongoing chat support and medication guidance
Monthly check-in with a licensed provider to review progress and make adjustments
Prescription and supply management through our partner pharmacy
Note:
This plan uses a compounded version of liraglutide, not the FDA-approved brand name. It allows for flexible dosing and individualized care.
Compounded Plan Month 1
Cash based plan for the first month-
First month only
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Access to the weight management programs
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Provder/staff support
Steady Dose Plan – Month 2 and Beyond (Bimonthly)
Once your maintenance dose is established, your plan shifts to a bimonthly schedule with a larger supply.
What’s Included Every 2 Months:
One 12 mL vial of compounded liraglutide (covers 8 weeks)
Maintenance plan with optional adjustments as needed
Chat-based follow-up with a provider for continued care
Convenient auto-renew and shipping of medication
Ongoing prescription management
Compounded Steady Dose Bimonthly Plan
Cash based plan for months 2 and beyond-
For those who have completed month 1
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Renews every 2 months
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Access to the weight management programs
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Provder/staff support