Liraglutide dosage and protocol
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been extensively studied for glucose regulation and weight management research. It has a longer half-life than natural GLP-1.
- Vial size: 6 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Glucose Regulation
- Weight Management
- Metabolic Research
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water to the 6 mg vial for 2 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 600 mcg daily, increasing weekly to 1800-3000 mcg daily
- Easy measuring: At 2 mg/mL, 1 unit = 20 mcg on a U-100 syringe; 600 mcg = 30 units, 1200 mcg = 60 units, 1800 mcg = 90 units, 3000 mcg = 150 units (two draws)
- Storage: Lyophilized at -20°C; refrigerate after mixing and use within 30 days
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 600 mcg | Daily | 0.30 mL |
| Week 2 | 1200 mcg | Daily | 0.60 mL |
| Week 3+ | 1800-3000 mcg | Daily | 0.90-1.50 mL |
How it works
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that shares about 97% of its amino acid sequence with human GLP-1, with a fatty-acid side chain that lets it bind albumin. This slows its breakdown by DPP-4 and kidney clearance, giving a half-life of roughly 13 hours and allowing once-daily dosing. By activating GLP-1 receptors it increases glucose-dependent insulin release, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and acts on hypothalamic and brainstem appetite centers to increase fullness and reduce food intake. Liraglutide is an approved medicine. As Victoza (up to 1.8 mg daily) it is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 and older, and to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, based on a large cardiovascular outcomes trial. As Saxenda (3.0 mg daily) it is approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents 12 and older with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition. Generic versions are now available in several markets. In phase 3 weight-management trials, the 3.0 mg dose produced meaningfully greater weight loss than placebo, though typically less than newer weekly agents such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. It carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light; use within 30 days
Storage
Store lyophilized at −20°C (−4°F). After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 30 days.
Important notes
- Research only.
- Daily administration required.
- Gradual dose escalation essential.
Supplies
- Liraglutide vial (6mg)
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs