Written principally for Healthcare Professionals, the Datasheets provide prescribing information for each of our products. If you are not a Healthcare Professional, the Datasheets should be read/discussed in consultation with a Healthcare Professional.

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The recent and ongoing supply challenges of an alternative GLP-1 treatment have led to a rapid increase in VICTOZA® (liraglutide) demand beyond levels that can be supplied in the long term. This is due to the global supply challenges affecting all GLP-1 agonists.

To ensure equitable distribution of VICTOZA® (liraglutide), Novo Nordisk® in agreement with PHARMAC, has moved to a fixed, allocated monthly release of VICTOZA® (liraglutide) stock from 1 October 2023.  This fixed monthly stock allocation ensures Novo Nordisk® is able to support current patients prescribed VICTOZA® (liraglutide).

Novo Nordisk® continues to work closely with PHARMAC to support continuity of care and treatment for patients currently prescribed VICTOZA® (liraglutide).

It is important to continue to follow the joint guidance provided by PHARMAC and their  Clinical Advisors to ensure people currently using VICTOZA® (liraglutide) can continue to access their medicine.

To help ensure VICTOZA® (liraglutide) is available for people with type 2 diabetes, we are asking prescribers to continue to prescribe appropriately, to minimise the risk of further interruptions to supply.

Victoza® is a prescription medicine that is funded – Restrictions apply. Please review Data Sheet before prescribing. The Data Sheet can be accessed at www.medsafe.govt.nz or www.novonordisk.co.nz/content/dam/nncorp/ nz/en/pdfs/datasheets/Victoza_ds.pdf VICTOZA® (liraglutide (rys) 6 mg/mL). Indications: Glycaemic control: Adjunct to diet and exercise for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to achieve glycaemic control: (i) as monotherapy when metformin is contraindicated or is not tolerated; (ii) in combination with other glucose lowering medicines. Prevention of cardiovascular events: In patients where Victoza® is indicated to improve glycaemic control, Victoza® is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in those at high cardiovascular risk, as an adjunct to standard of care therapy. Dosage and Administration: Administered subcutaneously once-daily at any time, independent of meals. Victoza® must not be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Starting dose is 0.6 mg/ day for at least one week, increasing to 1.2 mg/day for at least one week up to a maximum daily dose of 1.8 mg. To reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia when used in combination with SU, SU plus metformin, or insulin, consider reducing the dose of SU or insulin. Not for use in combination with other GLP-1RAs. Not recommended for use in children (< 18 years). Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipients. Precautions: Do not use for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Not a substitute for insulin. Insulin should not be discontinued in patients dependent on insulin. Not recommended in patients with: NYHA class IV congestive heart failure; inflammatory bowel disease and diabetic gastroparesis. Patients experiencing gastrointestinal side effects should take precautions to avoid fluid depletion. Not recommended in patients with end-stage renal impairment. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue Victoza®; if acute pancreatitis is confirmed, Victoza® should not be restarted. Possible increased risk of hypoglycaemia in combination with SUs or insulin. Pregnancy Category B3. Discontinue use during pregnancy. Must not be used during breastfeeding. Adverse Effects: Very common: Nausea and diarrhoea. Common: vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain upper, gastritis, flatulence, abdominal distension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, eructation, hypoglycaemia (frequency is very common when combined with insulin), increased heart rate, anorexia, decreased appetite, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, rash, fatigue, increased lipase, increased amylase. (Aug 2022). Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd., G.S.T. 53 960 898. PO Box 51268 Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center (NZ) 0800 733 737 www.novonordisk.co.nz. ® Registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Date of preparation: October 2023