The FDA has approved a new indication for Victoza (liraglutide) to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, heart attack, stroke, and CV death, in adults with type 2 diabetes and established CV disease.

Indications: Victoza is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicted:

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• To reduce the risk of major adverse CV events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established CV disease.

Dosage/administration: Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Administer once daily at any time of day, independently of meals. Initiate at 0.6 mg per day for 1 week then increase to 1.2 mg. Dose can be increased to 1.8 mg for additional glycemic control.

Adverse reactions: The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with Victoza, include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, and constipation.