Nevolat
Weight Loss
Images for illustrative purposes only
Nevolat
Weight Loss
Medication features
Nevolat is a once daily self-injectable pen used for weight loss. It contains liraglutide which works by regulating blood sugar, helping to reduce appetite and prevent cravings.
- Cheaper generic version of Saxenda
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Nevolat is a prescription weight management medication that contains liraglutide. Liraglutide closely mimics the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released by the intestines after a meal and plays a crucial role in regulating appetite. By targeting specific receptors in the brain responsible for hunger signals, Nevolat helps increase feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall food intake and contributing to weight loss.
FAQ
What is Nevolat?
Nevolat is the generic version of the weight loss medicine liraglutide. It comes in a prefilled injectable pen.
What is Nevolat used for?
Nevolat is a treatment used alongside healthy eating and lifestyle changes to help you lose weight. You inject Nevolat under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day using an injection pen.
How does Nevolat work?
The active ingredient in Nevolat is liraglutide which is similar to a naturally occurring hormone released from the intestine after a meal called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Nevolat works by acting on receptors in the brain that control appetite, causing a sensation of fullness and reduced hunger, which could contribute to a reduction in body weight.
How to use Nevolat?
Nevolat is a once a day injection you inject under the skin (subcutaneously). The best places to inject are the front of your tummy (ensure you inject more than 5 cm from your belly button), the front of your thighs or your upper arm. It’s important to rotate your injection sites frequently. You can inject in the same area (e.g. thighs) but choose a different spot in that area each time.
We recommend injecting yourself around the same time each day that suits your schedule.
The pens have been designed to make injecting yourself as easy as possible. Once you’ve been prescribed Nevolat, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to use the pens from your healthcare provider.
Nevolat dosage
When first taking Nevolat, you start at 0.6 mg for one week and then slowly increase the dosage every week. This allows your body to adapt to the treatment and to reduce any side effects you might experience. You must follow the dosage plan as advised by the healthcare provider who prescribed this treatment.
The starting dose is 0.6 mg once a day for one week. Each following week the dose is increased by 0.6 mg until you reach the maximum 3.0 mg dose. However, if you experience any side effects, the dose should not be increased until the side effects have settled.
The dosage over the first four weeks is as follows:
Nevolat Dosage Week Dose injected Week 1 0.6 mg once a day Week 2 1.2 mg once a day Week 3 1.8 mg once a day Week 5 onwards 3.0 mg once a day The dose should not increase above 3.0 mg per day. If in error you inject more Nevolat than expected please contact your GP.
Is Nevolat effective?
Nevolat works best when used alongside healthy eating and lifestyle choices. When used correctly along with a change in diet and increase in exercise, most people can expect to lose around 11% of their starting body weight after 1 year of treatment, although individual results may vary.
What else should I know about Nevolat?
You should not use Nevolat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as there’s not enough safety data available on the use of liraglutide in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Pregnant women who are already overweight or obese still need to gain a minimum amount of weight during pregnancy. This is due to the necessary weight gain caused by an increase in maternal tissues and from the baby’s growth during pregnancy.
You should also stop using Nevolat at least one month before you start trying to become pregnant.
What are alternative weight loss treatments?
There are some alternative treatments available, if you find that Nevolat is not for you. Some of these such as Wegovy and Mounjaro work in a similar way to Nevolat while others such as orlistat (Xenical) work by blocking the body’s absorption of fat from food.
What should I eat when taking Nevolat?
It’s important to make sure that your food choices support a healthy weight loss alongside taking Nevolat. Sugary foods and foods that are high in unhealthy fats should be avoided as they can make the treatment less effective. The following diet plans, alongside an increase in daily movement, will help you get the best out of your treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while using Nevolat?
We advise you to limit alcohol intake while using Nevolat. This is because the side effects of using alcohol such as nausea, vomiting or headache, are similar to the side effects of using Nevolat. Taking Nevolat and alcohol at the same time can increase the severity of these side effects.
Decreasing or limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while using Nevolat will also help with your weight loss since alcohol is often an underestimated source of calories.
What is the difference between the different weight loss injections
All of the weight loss injections (Nevolat, Mounjaro, Wegovy) work in a similar way by imitating a hormone released by the body when you eat called a glucagon-like peptide (GLP).
The active ingredient in Nevolat, Mounajro and Wegovy all act on one of the body’s hormonal receptors (GLP-1) which regulates blood sugar levels and, in turn, talks to the brain to make you feel less hungry and prevent cravings. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
In addition, the active ingredient in Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works on an additional hormone receptor called a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIP regulates energy balance in brain and fat cells, enhancing the GLP-1 effect of suppressing your appetite and improving sugar control.
Can I switch from a different weight loss injection to Nevolat?
If you’re using a different weight loss injection, you’ll need to wait at least 1 week before switching to Nevolat. This will allow time for your body to ‘flush’ out your old weight loss medication. All patients should start on 0.6 mg.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to inject and remember it within 12 hours from when you usually use the dose, inject it as soon as you remember. However, over 12 hours since you last used Nevolat, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose the following day at the usual time. Do not double dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for the missed dose.
Important: If you have a 3 day (or more) break in using Nevolat, you should restart at the lowest dose (0.6 mg) and work up again. This is to avoid severe side effects.
Is Nevolat the same as Saxenda?
Saxenda is the brand name injection and contains the same active medication as Nevolat, liraglutide.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not
everybody gets them.
Serious side effects
Some severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported rarely in
patients using Nevolat. You should see your doctor straight away if you
get symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face and throat
and a fast heartbeat.
Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported
uncommonly in patients using Nevolat. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially
life-threatening medical condition.
Stop taking Nevolat and contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of
the following serious side effects:
- Severe and persistent pain in the abdomen (stomach area) which might
reach through to your back, as well as nausea and vomiting, as it could
be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).
Other side effects
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, constipation,
headache – these usually go away after a few days or weeks.
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Problems affecting the stomach and intestines, such as indigestion
(dyspepsia), inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis), stomach
discomfort, upper stomach pain, heartburn, feeling bloated, wind
(flatulence), belching and dry mouth - Feeling weak or tired
- Changed sense of taste
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs during the first 3
months of treatment - Gallstones
- Rash
- Injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). The warning signs of low blood sugar
may come on suddenly and can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin,
headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick, feeling very hungry, changes in vision,
feeling sleepy, feeling weak, being nervous, being anxious, confusion,
difficulty concentrating and shaking (tremor). Your doctor will tell you how to
treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs - increase of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and amylase.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Loss of fluids (dehydration). This is more likely to occur at the start of
treatment and may be due to being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea)
and diarrhoea - Delay in the emptying of the stomach
- Inflamed gall bladder
- Allergic reactions including skin rash
- Feeling generally unwell
- Faster pulse.
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Reduced kidney function
- Acute kidney failure. Signs may include reduction in urine volume,
metallic taste in mouth and easily bruising
Not Known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Bowel obstruction. A severe form of constipation with additional
symptoms such as stomach ache, bloating, vomiting etc
Other
Ingredients
Sodium Citrate Dihydrate
Propylene glycol
Phenol
Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
Water for injections
Warnings
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients treated with GLP‑1 receptor agonists. It is essential that patients are educated about the classic symptoms—such as severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back—so that they can seek immediate medical attention. If pancreatitis is suspected, liraglutide should be discontinued promptly. Once a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is confirmed, re‑initiation of liraglutide is contraindicated.
References:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Label Information [1]
European Medicines Agency (EMA) Product Information [2]
Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis
Clinical trials for weight management have shown a higher incidence of gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) in patients treated with liraglutide compared to placebo. Although rapid weight loss itself can increase the risk of gallstone formation, this factor only partially explains the elevated incidence seen with liraglutide. These complications can lead to hospitalisation and may require cholecystectomy. Patients should be informed about symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting.
References:
Peer‑reviewed clinical studies in Gastroenterology [3]
EMA safety communications [2]
Thyroid Disease
In clinical trials involving type 2 diabetes patients, thyroid-related adverse events, including goitre, have been reported—particularly in those with pre‑existing thyroid conditions. Liraglutide should therefore be used with caution in patients who have a history of thyroid disease.
References:
FDA Drug Safety Communication [1]
Endocrinology guidelines from the American Thyroid Association [4]
Heart Rate
An increase in heart rate has been consistently observed in clinical trials with liraglutide. Regular monitoring of heart rate is recommended as part of routine clinical practice. Patients should be advised to watch for signs such as palpitations or an abnormally fast heartbeat at rest. If a sustained and clinically significant increase in resting heart rate occurs, discontinuation of liraglutide should be considered.
References:
Cardiovascular outcome trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine [5]
FDA and EMA safety updates [1][2]
Risk of Aspiration with General Anaesthesia or Deep Sedation
Due to delayed gastric emptying associated with GLP‑1 receptor agonists, there is an increased risk of residual gastric content. This delay can heighten the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Healthcare providers should evaluate this risk before scheduling procedures requiring such sedation.
References:
Anesthesia safety guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists [6]
Clinical pharmacology studies on gastric motility [7]
Dehydration
Gastrointestinal side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) from GLP‑1 receptor agonists can predispose patients to dehydration, which in turn may lead to renal impairment or acute renal failure. Patients should be advised to maintain adequate fluid intake, especially if they experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
References:
Renal safety assessments in diabetes management literature [8]
FDA and EMA product information [1][2]
Hypoglycaemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
When liraglutide is used in combination with insulin and/or sulfonylureas, there is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. To mitigate this risk, clinicians should consider reducing the dose of insulin and/or sulfonylureas. Patients must be informed about the signs of low blood sugar—such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion—and instructed on appropriate corrective actions.
References:
American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes [9]
Clinical trial data from diabetes management studies [10]
Paediatric Population
Adolescents (aged ≥ 12 years) treated with liraglutide have experienced episodes of clinically significant hypoglycaemia. It is important that both patients and caregivers are educated about recognizing hypoglycaemic symptoms and are aware of the necessary steps to take should an episode occur.
References:
Pediatric endocrinology guidelines and clinical trial reports [11]
ADA recommendations [9]
Hyperglycaemia in Insulin‑Treated Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Liraglutide (marketed as Nevolat in some regions) should not be used as a replacement for insulin in patients with diabetes mellitus. There have been reports of diabetic ketoacidosis following the rapid discontinuation or dose reduction of insulin. Thus, careful monitoring and appropriate insulin management remain critical.
References:
ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes [9]
FDA prescribing information [1]
References
FDA Drug Label Information: FDA Official Website
European Medicines Agency (EMA) Product Information: EMA Official Website
Relevant clinical trial data published in Gastroenterology (for example, DOI: 10.1053/gastro.2015.03.020)
American Thyroid Association Guidelines: ATA Official Website
Cardiovascular outcome trials in the New England Journal of Medicine (for example, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1403992)
American Society of Anesthesiologists – Anesthesia Safety Guidelines: ASA Official Website
Clinical studies on gastric emptying and GLP‑1 receptor agonists (for example, DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-0222)
Renal safety assessments in diabetes literature (for example, DOI: 10.2337/dc13-1593)
American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes: ADA Official Website
Clinical trial publications in diabetes management (for example, DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.15854)
Pediatric endocrinology clinical guidelines (for example, DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12517)
