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.
$ 25 Monthly
  • Prescription sent to pharmacy of your choice
  • Access to the weight management programs
  • Provder/staff support
Popular

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
$ 191 Monthly
  • First month only
  • Access to the weight management programs
  • Provder/staff support
Popular

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
$ 510 every 2 months ($255/month)
  • For those who have completed month 1
  • Renews every 2 months
  • Access to the weight management programs
  • Provder/staff support
Popular