Praktické lekárnictvo 3/2011

Victoza (liraglutid)

The article informs about Victoza (liraglutid) which is a glucagon-like-peptid-1 analogue (GLP1). It is used to treat patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 with insufficient compensation of diabetes during metformin and/or derivates of sulfonylurey or metformin and thiazolidindion therapy. Liraglutid stimulates the insulin secretion depending upon the concentration of glucose in blood and reduces an incorrectly high secretion of glucagon. Liraglutid also reduces body weight and the amount of body fat thanks to the suppression of the feeling of hunger and reduction of energy intake. The treatment with Victoza leads to a significant improvement in the level of glycated hemoglobin, the level of glycaemia on an empty stomach and also in a postprandial way. In clinical studies, the improvement in the function of beta cells of the pancreas, permanent reduction of body weight, and lower blood pressure were noticeable. Victoza is applied only in a subcutaneous way. It can be administered at any time of the day, independent of meals. The most frequent side-affects are gastrointestinal disorders. The side affects disappear after several weeks of treatment. There is a contraindication of Liraglutid in the diabetes mellitus type 1 therapy and the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Victoza should not be administered during pregnancy and when breast-feeding. The medication is distributed in pre-filled pens. The medication is reimbursed by the health insurance company both on the basic or higher level.

Keywords: incretin effect, incretin mimetic, glucagon-like-peptid 1 analogue, diabetes mellitus type 2.