Liraglutide Side Effects: Safety Signals and Warnings
Liraglutide safety concerns are compound-specific. The main listed side effects are Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea. The main warning signals are Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, Pancreatitis risk, and Contraindicated with MTC history.
Direct Answer
Liraglutide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and obesity (Saxenda), with Phase 3 RCT data (SCALE trial) showing 8-9% body weight reduction - meaningful but less than semaglutide or tirzepatide. It is well-characterized with a long safety record. For weight management research where once-daily dosing is acceptable, liraglutide is a solid, established reference compound.
- Evidence grade
- Level A
- Research status
- FDA Approved
- Category
- Weight Loss & Metabolic
- Best for
- Obesity, type 2 diabetes, weight management research, GLP-1 reference compound
Reported Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
Warnings
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents
- Pancreatitis risk
- Contraindicated with MTC history
- Gallbladder events
Known or Plausible Interactions
- Insulin (hypoglycemia risk)
- Sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk)
- Oral medications (delayed absorption)
Regulatory Context
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza, 2010) and chronic weight management (Saxenda, 2014). Prescription required. Widely available globally.
Evidence Snapshot
| Evidence grade | Level A |
|---|---|
| Research status | FDA Approved |
| Best supported outcomes | Weight Loss (Level A), Blood Sugar Control (Level A), and Cardiovascular Protection (Level A) |
| Primary citation count | 2 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-04-04 |
Related Guides
How to Cite This Page
ExaminePeptides. "Liraglutide Side Effects: Safety Signals and Warnings." Last reviewed 2026-04-04. https://examinepeptides.com/answers/liraglutide-side-effects-safety/
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