How many pens of liraglutide (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) are typically needed for a 1-month supply?

How Many Liraglutide Pens Are Needed for One Month

For a one-month supply of liraglutide, patients typically need 2-3 pens depending on the prescribed dose, with each pen containing 3 mL (18 mg) of medication and lasting 15-30 days depending on dosage.

Liraglutide Pen Supply Calculation

Liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that comes in pre-filled pens containing 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) 1, 2. The number of pens needed per month depends on the prescribed dose:

Dosing and Supply Requirements

• Starting dose: 0.6 mg once daily for at least 1 week
• Maintenance dose: 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg once daily
• For obesity treatment: May be titrated up to 3.0 mg daily

Pen Duration by Dose:

• At 0.6 mg daily: 1 pen lasts approximately 30 days (30 doses)
• At 1.2 mg daily: 1 pen lasts approximately 15 days (15 doses)
• At 1.8 mg daily: 1 pen lasts approximately 10 days (10 doses)
• At 3.0 mg daily: 1 pen lasts approximately 6 days (6 doses)

Therefore:

• Patients on 1.2 mg daily need 2 pens per month
• Patients on 1.8 mg daily need 3 pens per month
• Patients on 3.0 mg daily need 5 pens per month

Titration Schedule and Impact on Initial Supply

The FDA-approved titration schedule for liraglutide affects the initial month's supply 1:

• Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
• Week 2: 1.2 mg daily
• Week 3: 1.8 mg daily (if needed)
• Week 4: 2.4 mg daily (for obesity treatment)
• Week 5+: 3.0 mg daily (for obesity treatment)

During the first month of treatment with titration, patients may need fewer pens than in subsequent months when they reach their maintenance dose.

Important Considerations

• Each pen should be discarded 30 days after first use, even if medication remains 2
• Unused pens should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F)
• Pens in use can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 30 days 2
• Liraglutide is administered once daily, independent of meals, at any time of day 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Confusion with weekly GLP-1 RAs: Unlike semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) which is administered weekly, liraglutide requires daily administration 4

2. Inadequate supply planning: Patients should be prescribed enough pens to cover their entire month at their maintenance dose

3. Improper storage: Patients should be educated on proper storage requirements to maintain medication efficacy

4. Premature dose escalation: Titration should follow the recommended schedule to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1

By ensuring patients have the appropriate number of pens based on their prescribed dose, healthcare providers can help maintain treatment continuity and optimize outcomes.