LOSE WEIGHT WITH MEDICAL SUPPORT — BUILT FOR MEN
- Your personalised programme is built around medical care, not willpower.
- No generic diets. No guesswork.
- Just science-backed results and expert support.
Find out if you’re eligible
Understanding how many doses your Victoza pen contains is essential for managing your type 2 diabetes effectively and avoiding treatment interruptions. Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered once daily via a pre-filled pen device. Each pen holds 18mg of liraglutide and delivers doses ranging from 0.6mg to 1.8mg. For patients prescribed the maximum maintenance dose of 1.8mg daily, each Victoza pen provides exactly 10 doses, lasting 10 days. Knowing your pen's capacity helps you plan prescription refills appropriately and maintain consistent glycaemic control. This guide explains dosing calculations, supply planning, and proper pen handling to support your diabetes management.
Quick Answer: Each Victoza pen contains exactly 10 doses of 1.8mg liraglutide, providing 10 days of treatment when used once daily.
Victoza (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycaemic control in adults and children/adolescents aged 10 years and above with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled, multi-dose pen device. Understanding the capacity and dosing of your Victoza pen is essential for ensuring continuity of treatment and avoiding interruptions in your diabetes management.
Each Victoza pen contains 18mg of liraglutide in 3ml of solution, delivering a concentration of 6mg/ml. The pen is designed to administer doses ranging from 0.6mg to 1.8mg per injection, depending on your prescribed regimen. The dose selector on the pen allows you to dial the exact dose your healthcare professional has recommended. Most patients begin treatment at a lower dose (0.6mg daily) and gradually increase to the maintenance dose of 1.2mg or 1.8mg, with each dose increase occurring after at least one week at the previous dose. This titration approach helps minimise gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
The pen device features clear dose markings to confirm dose selection. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet and your healthcare provider's guidance when using the pen. Never share your Victoza pen with another person, even if the needle is changed, as this poses a risk of infection transmission. Understanding how many doses your pen contains at your prescribed strength helps you plan refills appropriately and maintain consistent blood glucose control.
Victoza is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use with caution when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin due to increased risk of hypoglycaemia.
LOSE WEIGHT WITH MEDICAL SUPPORT — BUILT FOR MEN
Find out if you’re eligible
When prescribed the maximum maintenance dose of 1.8mg daily, each Victoza pen contains exactly 10 doses. This calculation is straightforward: the pen holds 18mg of liraglutide in total, and dividing this by the 1.8mg dose gives you 10 individual injections.
It is important to note that the number of doses varies depending on your prescribed strength:
0.6mg dose: 30 doses per pen
1.2mg dose: 15 doses per pen
1.8mg dose: 10 doses per pen
The pen's dose counter shows the dose you set (in mg), not the remaining amount of medicine. When you dial a dose, the counter displays the amount you have selected. You cannot set a dose higher than the amount remaining in the pen. When you are taking 1.8mg daily, you should monitor your supply carefully. If there is not enough medicine left in the pen for your full prescribed dose, use a new pen to deliver the complete dose.
Never attempt to use the pen beyond its capacity or try to extract remaining solution with a syringe, as this compromises sterility and accurate dosing. The pen mechanism is calibrated to deliver precise doses, and attempting to modify or override this system may result in incorrect dosing, potentially affecting your glycaemic control.
Remember to rotate your injection sites between your abdomen, thigh and upper arm to reduce the risk of local skin reactions. If you are unsure about using your pen correctly, consult your community pharmacist or diabetes specialist nurse for guidance.
Accurate calculation of your Victoza pen supply duration is essential for timely prescription refills and uninterrupted diabetes management. For patients on the 1.8mg daily maintenance dose, each pen will last 10 days when used correctly with one injection per day.
To calculate your monthly supply requirements at the 1.8mg dose, you will need three pens per month (approximately 30 days ÷ 10 days per pen = 3 pens). Most NHS prescriptions are issued for 28-day cycles, which would require three pens. However, individual prescribing practices may vary, and your GP may issue prescriptions for different durations based on your treatment stability and local prescribing protocols.
Planning ahead is crucial to avoid running out of medication. Consider these practical tips:
Request your repeat prescription at least one week before your current supply runs out
Keep track of when you start each new pen using a diary or smartphone app
Account for bank holidays and weekends when planning prescription requests
If you travel frequently, calculate your supply needs in advance and discuss extended prescriptions with your GP
For patients on lower doses during the titration phase, the supply duration will differ significantly. Those taking 0.6mg daily will find each pen lasts 30 days, whilst the 1.2mg dose provides 15 days of treatment per pen. As your dose increases during titration, remember to adjust your prescription request timing accordingly.
Importantly, you must discard your Victoza pen 30 days after first use, even if solution remains in the pen. Used needles should be placed in a sharps bin (available from your GP or pharmacy) and returned to your pharmacy when full. Your diabetes specialist nurse or community pharmacist can help you create a personalised medication schedule to ensure you never experience treatment interruption.
Running out of Victoza can disrupt your diabetes management and potentially affect your glycaemic control. If you find yourself without medication, take immediate action rather than waiting until your next scheduled appointment.
Immediate steps to take:
Contact your GP surgery as soon as possible to request an urgent prescription. Many surgeries offer same-day or next-day prescription services for essential diabetes medications
Visit your community pharmacy if you have a repeat prescription on file; pharmacists can often facilitate emergency supplies or contact your GP on your behalf
Use the NHS 111 service outside normal surgery hours if you cannot wait until the next working day
Monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Victoza, take it as soon as you remember within 12 hours of your usual dosing time. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the following day. Do not take an extra dose or increase the dose to make up for a missed dose.
If your treatment is interrupted for several days, you may need to restart at 0.6mg and gradually increase the dose again to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Consult your healthcare professional for guidance in this situation.
Preventing future shortages:
Establish a routine for requesting repeat prescriptions well before your supply depletes. Many GP surgeries offer online prescription ordering systems, making the process more convenient. Consider setting a reminder on your phone when you start your penultimate pen, giving you ample time to arrange a refill.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience persistent very high blood glucose with symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness), persistent severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), or vomiting with dehydration.
Proper storage and handling of your Victoza pen is essential for maintaining the medication's efficacy and ensuring patient safety. Liraglutide is a protein-based medication that can degrade if exposed to inappropriate temperatures or conditions.
Storage requirements:
Unopened pens: Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep the pen cap on to protect from light. Unopened pens can be stored until the expiry date printed on the label
In-use pens: After first use, store below 30°C or in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. The pen must be discarded 30 days after first use, even if solution remains
Never freeze Victoza. If a pen has been frozen, discard it immediately, as freezing destroys the medication's structure
Keep away from direct heat and sunlight
Handling best practices:
Always remove and safely discard the needle after each injection. Never store the pen with a needle attached, as this can cause air bubbles, solution leakage, or needle blockage. Use a new needle for every injection to ensure sterility and optimal medication delivery. Before each injection, inspect the solution through the pen window—it should be clear and colourless. Do not use the pen if the solution appears cloudy, coloured, or contains particles.
Rotate your injection sites between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy (changes in the fatty tissue) and other local reactions. Used needles should be placed in a designated sharps bin (available from your GP or pharmacy) and returned to your pharmacy when full. Never dispose of needles or pens in household waste.
When travelling, you may keep your in-use Victoza pen at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days. For air travel, carry your Victoza pen in your hand luggage with supporting documentation from your healthcare provider. Extreme temperatures in aircraft holds can damage the medication. If you have concerns about storage during travel or have accidentally exposed your pen to inappropriate conditions, consult your community pharmacist before using it.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.
A Victoza pen lasts exactly 10 days when taking the 1.8mg maintenance dose once daily. You will need approximately three pens per month for continuous treatment.
No, you must discard your Victoza pen 30 days after first use, even if solution remains. This is essential for maintaining medication efficacy and sterility.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember if within 12 hours of your usual time. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule the next day without doubling up.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
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.
