Understanding how long a Victoza pen lasts is essential for maintaining consistent diabetes management and avoiding treatment gaps. Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each pre-filled pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide, and the duration depends on your prescribed daily dose. Patients on 1.2 mg daily can expect approximately 15 days per pen, whilst those on the maximum 1.8 mg dose will use one pen in around 10 days. Proper planning ensures you never run out unexpectedly, supporting optimal blood glucose control.
Quick Answer: One Victoza pen lasts approximately 15 days at the standard 1.2 mg daily dose, 10 days at 1.8 mg daily, or up to 30 days at the initial 0.6 mg dose.
The duration a single Victoza pen lasts depends primarily on your prescribed daily dose. Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each pre-filled pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide in 3 ml of solution, delivering doses ranging from 0.6 mg to 1.8 mg per injection.
For patients on the maintenance dose of 1.2 mg daily, one pen typically lasts approximately 15 days. Those prescribed the maximum dose of 1.8 mg daily will find their pen lasts around 10 days. Patients starting treatment on the initial dose of 0.6 mg daily (used during the first week of therapy) can expect one pen to last up to 30 days, though this lower dose is only temporary.
It is important to note that Victoza is administered once daily at any time of day, with or without meals, though consistency in timing is recommended. The pen is designed for subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The actual number of days may be slightly fewer than calculated due to the initial flow check and small residual volume in the pen.
Understanding how long your pen lasts is essential for ensuring continuity of treatment and maintaining optimal blood glucose control. Running out of medication unexpectedly can lead to gaps in therapy, potentially affecting your diabetes management. You should start a new pen if you cannot dial your full prescribed dose, as this indicates insufficient medication remains in the current pen.
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Start HereVictoza is available in the UK as a single pen size containing 18 mg of liraglutide in 3 ml of solution. Unlike some other injectable diabetes medications, there is only one pen format, which simplifies prescribing and reduces confusion. The pen is designed as a multi-dose, pre-filled injection device that allows for dose adjustment using the built-in dose selector.
The standard dosing schedule follows a gradual titration approach to minimise gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with GLP-1 receptor agonists:
Week 1: Start with 0.6 mg once daily
Week 2 onwards: Increase to 1.2 mg once daily
Optional increase: If additional glycaemic control is needed after at least one week on 1.2 mg, the dose may be increased to 1.8 mg once daily
This titration schedule is defined in the Victoza Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and the British National Formulary (BNF). The gradual dose escalation helps the body adapt to liraglutide's effects on gastric emptying and reduces the likelihood of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Each pen delivers doses in 0.6 mg increments, allowing precise adjustment. The dose selector clicks into place at each increment, and the dose counter window shows the selected dose in mg (0.6, 1.2, or 1.8). After injection, the counter returns to 0. This design feature helps prevent dosing errors and ensures patients can easily verify they have selected the correct dose before each injection. Healthcare professionals should provide thorough training on pen use during initiation to ensure proper technique and dosing accuracy.
Several factors influence the longevity of your Victoza pen beyond the prescribed dose. Understanding these variables helps ensure you use your medication efficiently and maintain consistent diabetes management.
Prescribed dose is the primary determinant. As mentioned, a 0.6 mg daily dose provides 30 days of treatment, 1.2 mg provides 15 days, and 1.8 mg provides 10 days from a single 18 mg pen. If your healthcare provider adjusts your dose, the duration will change accordingly.
Injection technique and flow check can affect pen longevity. Before using a new pen for the first time, you must perform a flow check as described in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). This involves turning the dose selector to the flow check symbol (a droplet) and pressing the injection button until a drop appears at the needle tip. This ensures proper flow and removes air bubbles. While this is necessary for safe administration, it uses a small amount of medication.
Missed doses will extend how long a pen lasts, but this is not advisable. Skipping injections compromises glycaemic control and defeats the therapeutic purpose of Victoza. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 12 hours since your usual injection time, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule the following day. Do not double up to compensate.
Storage conditions also matter. Improper storage can lead to medication degradation, potentially requiring early disposal. Additionally, if you accidentally dial a dose but do not inject it, that medication cannot be returned to the pen and represents wastage. Always ensure you are ready to inject before dialling your dose.
For safety, always use a new needle for each injection and never share your pen with others, even if the needle is changed.
Proper storage of Victoza pens is essential to maintain medication efficacy and safety. Liraglutide is a peptide that can degrade if exposed to inappropriate temperatures or conditions, potentially reducing its blood glucose-lowering effects.
Before first use, unopened Victoza pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep the pen in its original packaging to protect it from light. Do not freeze Victoza, and if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded—freezing can denature the protein structure of liraglutide, rendering it ineffective or potentially harmful. Store pens away from the freezer compartment and cooling elements.
After first use, the pen may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature not exceeding 30°C for up to one month (30 days). Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient and comfortable for injections, as cold medication can cause injection site discomfort. However, the pen must still be protected from light and heat sources. Never leave your pen in direct sunlight, near radiators, or in hot environments such as cars during summer.
The pen cap must be kept on when not in use to protect the medication from light. Remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container—never store the pen with a needle attached, as this can lead to contamination, air bubbles, or medication leakage.
Expiry considerations: Even if medication remains in the pen, it must be discarded 30 days after first use, regardless of storage method. Mark the date of first use on your pen or keep a record to track this. Additionally, check the expiry date printed on the pen label before first use—never use a pen past its printed expiry date, even if unopened.
Only use the solution if it is clear and colourless. Do not use Victoza if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured or contains particles.
Planning ahead for when your Victoza pen runs out is crucial to avoid treatment interruptions that could compromise your diabetes control. Gaps in GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, increased HbA1c, and potential complications.
Monitor your supply proactively. You can estimate when your pen will run out based on your daily dose and the pen's total content (18 mg). If you cannot dial your full prescribed dose, this indicates you need to start a new pen. When you have approximately one week's supply left, contact your GP surgery or diabetes clinic to request a repeat prescription. This timing allows for prescription processing, pharmacy dispensing, and any potential delays without risking a gap in treatment.
Order repeat prescriptions through your usual method, whether that is online via the NHS App, by telephone, or in person at your surgery. Many surgeries offer electronic repeat dispensing (eRD), where your pharmacy automatically receives your prescription at regular intervals. If you are on this system, confirm with your pharmacy that they have your next supply ready when needed.
If you run out unexpectedly, contact your GP surgery immediately. Explain the situation—many practices can issue emergency prescriptions or provide advice on interim management. Do not simply stop taking Victoza without medical guidance, as this may affect your glycaemic control. Your healthcare team may need to adjust your other diabetes medications temporarily if there is a delay in obtaining your Victoza.
When travelling, calculate how many pens you will need for the entire trip plus a few extra days as a buffer. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your need for injectable medication and pen needles, particularly for air travel. A copy of your repeat prescription may also be helpful. Keep pens in hand luggage with cooling packs if necessary, but ensure they do not freeze.
Disposal of empty pens: Once your pen is empty, remove and safely discard the needle in a sharps bin, then dispose of the empty pen according to local guidelines for medical waste. Never throw needles in household rubbish, and check with your pharmacy about pen disposal services.
If you experience any suspected side effects from Victoza, report them to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which helps monitor medication safety.
On the standard maintenance dose of 1.2 mg daily, one Victoza pen containing 18 mg of liraglutide lasts approximately 15 days.
Yes, after first use, Victoza pens may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C for up to 30 days, or kept refrigerated at 2–8°C. Always protect the pen from light and never freeze it.
If you cannot dial your full prescribed dose, this indicates insufficient medication remains in the pen and you should start a new pen immediately to maintain consistent treatment.
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DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
