Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD · Kim Callender, NP (FNP-BC)
Last medically reviewed: October 15, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.
Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Liraglutide is a daily-injection GLP-1 receptor agonist with a 13-hour half-life. The original FDA-approved GLP-1 for weight management (Saxenda, 2014); now largely superseded by weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide. Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist. Typical route: Subcutaneous injection. FDA status: FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for mo
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonist
Half-life~13 hours (daily dosing)
RouteSubcutaneous injection
Typical maintenance3.0 mg/day (weight)
FDA statusApproved (Saxenda, Victoza)
Compounded availabilityYes (some pharmacies)
Mechanism of action
Liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and improving glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Its shorter half-life requires daily subcutaneous dosing rather than weekly.
Dosing reference
Standard titration: 0.6 mg/day for one week, increased by 0.6 mg/day each week to a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg/day (Saxenda) for weight management or 1.8 mg/day (Victoza) for type 2 diabetes.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
FDA-approved as Victoza (2010, T2D) and Saxenda (2014, weight management). Generic liraglutide became available in 2024. Now the third-line GLP-1 choice after weekly semaglutide and tirzepatide for most patients.
$99 on 6 months · $105 on 3 months · $109 month to month. The same price at every dose and no membership fee (nexlife.us plan page, read November 6, 2026).
Included in the price: the medication, medical guidance from NexLife Medical Group, a GLP-1 nutrition plan, a 1:1 call with a certified wellness coach, 24/7 support and free expedited shipping. Lab work is not listed as included.
Pharmacies named on its plan pages:Absolute Pharmacy (Lutz, FL), Premium Compounding (Decatur, AL) and Boudreaux’s New Drug Store (Lake Charles, LA), described as state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies.
Trade-offs: compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and is not Wegovy or Ozempic. Cash pay only (FSA/HSA cards accepted for eligible portions). Cancellations take effect after 30 days, so one more shipment may be charged. A prescription depends on a licensed clinician’s review.
$119 on 6 months · $125 on 3 months · $129 month to month. The same price at every dose and no membership fee (nexlife.us plan page, read November 6, 2026).
Included in the price: the medication, medical guidance from NexLife Medical Group, a GLP-1 nutrition plan, a 1:1 call with a certified wellness coach, 24/7 support and free expedited shipping. Lab work is not listed as included.
Pharmacies named on its plan pages:Absolute Pharmacy (Lutz, FL), Premium Compounding (Decatur, AL) and Boudreaux’s New Drug Store (Lake Charles, LA), described as state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies.
Trade-offs: compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved and is not Zepbound or Mounjaro. Cash pay only (FSA/HSA cards accepted for eligible portions). Cancellations take effect after 30 days, so one more shipment may be charged. A prescription depends on a licensed clinician’s review.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with Liraglutide
Liraglutide may be preferred when generic pricing makes it cheaper than newer agents, when a patient cannot tolerate side effects of semaglutide or tirzepatide, or when daily dosing flexibility is desired.
How does liraglutide compare to semaglutide for weight loss?
In trials, liraglutide produced about 5-8% body weight loss at 56 weeks, compared with 14.9% for semaglutide at 68 weeks. Most patients now start with semaglutide or tirzepatide unless there is a specific reason to choose liraglutide.
References
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al.A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes).N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22.PMID: 26132939
Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al.Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER).N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311-322.PMID: 27295427
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves weight-management drug Saxenda.FDA Press Release. December 23, 2014.View source
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.