Dr. Benjamin H. Krasne, M.D.
Board-certified physicianBoard-certified in anesthesiology, he reads medications and metabolism with a pharmacologist's eye, which shapes how he doses weight loss and longevity care.
Affordable generic GLP-1, prescribed online
Liraglutide online, the generic daily GLP-1
Liraglutide is the GLP-1 medicine behind Saxenda and Victoza, and generic versions are now available in the U.S. A licensed clinician can assess you in a short phone or video call.
- FDA-approved generic liraglutide
- One injection a day
- From $199/mo
Free to book. You pay only if you go ahead with treatment.
$199starting price, per month
Licensed U.S. clinician review
Type: Generic GLP-1
From $199/motransparent price
5–10 minphone or video
No insuranceneeded
LicensedU.S. clinicians
Why get liraglutide through My IV Doctors
Lower-cost GLP-1 option
Generic liraglutide is FDA-approved as equivalent to the brand, which makes it one of the more affordable GLP-1 medicines, starting at $199 a month.
The right dose plan
Your clinician matches you to the weight management or diabetes dose plan, since the two use different daily doses.
Injection and storage help
You get clear guidance on where to inject, how to store pens and when to throw a pen away after first use.
Progress you can measure
Follow-up visits track how you're doing, including the 16-week check the label uses to decide whether to continue.
How to get liraglutide online
- 1
Pick a time for your free visit
Book a free phone or video consultation. Insurance is not required.
- 2
Talk with a clinician
A licensed U.S. clinician spends 5–10 minutes on your goals, whether you have diabetes, your medicines and the thyroid and pancreas screening questions.
- 3
Get your dose plan
If liraglutide is appropriate, your clinician sets either a weight-management plan that climbs to 3 mg or a diabetes plan at a lower dose.
- 4
Check in and adjust
Follow-up visits check side effects, progress and whether liraglutide is still the right medicine for you.
Who liraglutide is for
Obesity or overweight
Adults with obesity, or with overweight and a weight-related condition, may be candidates for the 3 mg weight-management dose.
Type 2 diabetes
Liraglutide can be added to diet, exercise and other diabetes medicines to lower blood sugar.
Looking for a lower-cost GLP-1
If a weekly brand GLP-1 is out of budget, generic liraglutide is a lower-cost way to try a medicine from the same class.
Comfortable with daily injections
You will inject once a day with a dial pen, so daily consistency matters.
Who shouldn't take liraglutide
Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, people who are pregnant and those already using another GLP-1 medicine.
Generic liraglutide vs. Saxenda vs. compounded GLP-1s
| Feature | Generic liraglutide | Brand Saxenda | Compounded GLP-1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA status | FDA-approved | FDA-approved | Not FDA-approved |
| Active ingredient | Liraglutide | Liraglutide | Varies by product |
| Dosing | Once daily | Once daily | — |
| Price here | From $199/mo | From $349/mo | Not offered on this page |
Liraglutide, explained
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist: a medicine that behaves like the hormone your gut releases after eating. It makes you feel full sooner, slows how fast your stomach empties and helps your body release insulin when blood sugar rises. It is injected under the skin once a day.
It has two FDA-approved uses, sold under different brand names. At doses up to 3 mg daily it is approved for chronic weight management (brand name Saxenda). At lower daily doses it is approved to improve blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease (brand name Victoza). FDA-approved generic liraglutide is now available for both uses, which is why it is one of the more affordable GLP-1 options.
Generic liraglutide is not the same as a compounded product. It is approved by the FDA as equivalent to the brand. A licensed U.S. clinician at My IV Doctors decides whether liraglutide fits your goals and which dose plan applies to you.
Liraglutide dosage for weight loss and diabetes
For weight management, the plan follows Saxenda's label: start at 0.6 mg once a day and increase by 0.6 mg every week until you reach 3 mg daily around week five. After 16 weeks on treatment, your clinician checks whether you have lost at least 4% of your starting weight; if not, the label advises stopping.
For type 2 diabetes, liraglutide is used at lower daily doses, starting at 0.6 mg for a week and then increased as your clinician decides. The diabetes dose is not the same as the weight dose, so never change your own dose to match the other plan.
Generic liraglutide vs. Saxenda and compounded GLP-1s
Brand liraglutide (Saxenda or Victoza) is made by Novo Nordisk. Generic liraglutide is made by other manufacturers and approved by the FDA as having the same active ingredient, strength and dosing as the brand. Compounded GLP-1 products are different again: they are prepared by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved.
We prescribe generic or brand liraglutide, depending on what your clinician recommends and what is available. Brand medication may cost extra.
- Generic: FDA-approved, same active ingredient as the brand, usually lower cost
- Brand: FDA-approved, made by the original manufacturer
- Compounded: not FDA-approved; not what this page offers
How to inject and store liraglutide
Inject once a day, at about the same time, into your belly, thigh or upper arm, with or without food. Use a new needle each time. Keep new pens in the refrigerator and do not freeze them. Once in use, a pen can be kept at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F or in the fridge, and must be thrown away 30 days after first use.
Liraglutide side effects and safety
Liraglutide's side effects are similar to other GLP-1 medicines. They are usually worst in the first weeks and after dose increases.
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache and reduced appetite are common
- Boxed warning: thyroid tumors in rats; do not use with MTC or MEN 2 history
- Seek care for severe upper stomach pain that may spread to the back, or yellowing skin or eyes
- It can increase heart rate; report a pounding or racing heartbeat
- Low blood sugar is more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Report new or worsening low mood or thoughts of self-harm
Physicians who oversee your care
Independently licensed U.S. physicians supervise every treatment we offer.
Dr. Johnathan Chance Miller, M.D.
PhysicianTrained at Columbia and Washington University, he pairs prescriptions with practical habits around food, training and sleep.
Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
OB-GYN, board certifiedAn OB-GYN for more than 40 years and a Fellow of ACOG, she leads women's health care, from perimenopause to PCOS.
Liraglutide FAQs
Still deciding? The first consultation is free and takes about 5–10 minutes.
Book a free consultationIs generic liraglutide as good as Saxenda?
Generic liraglutide approved by the FDA has the same active ingredient, strength and dosing as the brand. It is expected to work the same way.
How much does liraglutide cost without insurance?
Plans start at $199/mo, and the first consultation is free. Your clinician confirms the exact price for your dose before prescribing.
Liraglutide vs. semaglutide: what's the difference?
No. Both are GLP-1 medicines, but semaglutide lasts longer and is taken weekly, while liraglutide is taken daily. Semaglutide has generally shown larger average weight loss in trials.
Can I take liraglutide for weight loss without diabetes?
Yes, if you meet the criteria. The 3 mg daily dose is approved for weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight plus a related condition.
Is generic liraglutide compounded?
No. Generic liraglutide is an FDA-approved product. Compounded medicines are made by compounding pharmacies and are not FDA-approved.
How fast does liraglutide work for weight loss?
Appetite often changes within the first weeks. For weight management, your clinician formally reviews progress at 16 weeks.
How do you inject liraglutide?
Attach a new needle, dial your dose, insert the needle under the skin of your belly, thigh or upper arm and press the button. Your clinician and the pen instructions walk you through it.
What if I miss a dose of liraglutide?
Skip it and take the next dose at your usual time; do not take two. If you miss several days in a row, ask your clinician before restarting, as you may need to begin again at a low dose.
Do I need blood work to get liraglutide?
Not always. If you have diabetes or kidney concerns, your clinician may ask for recent results or order labs.
Can I switch from liraglutide to a weekly GLP-1 later?
Yes. Many people start on liraglutide and move to a weekly medicine if their needs or budget change. Your clinician will plan a safe transition.
Can I take liraglutide with metformin?
Yes, they are often used together in type 2 diabetes. Your clinician will review your full medicine list.
Is liraglutide safe in pregnancy?
It is not used for weight management in pregnancy. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Does liraglutide interact with other medications?
It slows stomach emptying, which can change how some oral medicines are absorbed. Share your full medicine list at your visit.
Start liraglutide with a free consultation
Book a free 5–10 minute phone or video visit with a licensed U.S. clinician. If liraglutide fits your goals, generic treatment starts at $199 a month.
Related treatments
References
- MedlinePlus: Liraglutide injection
- FDA label: Saxenda (liraglutide) injection
- FDA: Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Medically reviewed October 2026. This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our editorial policy.
$199starting price, per month
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