Victozia and redness and swelling at injections

[roriegm]

I started Victozia last month and have been happy with the results so far, having lost about 7 lbs. so far and only having had 2 episodes of nausea and diarhea.  My blood sugar numbers have also improved pretty significantly.  This morning I noticed a large red area around the injection site with some swelling.  Is this common or should I be worried that I may be having a bad reaction to the medicine?

[WaveRider]

Garnered from the Novo Nordisk [mfg of Victoza] web site.
Important Safety Information

In animal studies, Victoza® caused thyroid tumors—including thyroid cancer—in some rats and mice. It is not known whether Victoza® causes thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in people which may be fatal if not detected and treated early. Do not use Victoza® if you or any of your family members have a history of MTC or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). While taking Victoza, tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.

[roriegm]

Thanks for responding, I have been rotating my injection but probably use the area that was initially swollen more than other areas as it seems to be less painful.  The Victoza I am using has only been at room temp since I started using it, however, I was concerned that this came from my mail order provider (required by insurance) in a pack that had 3 ice packs that were still frozen when they arrived cross country in a foam container.  I have no way of knowing how that may have affected the pens I received.  I would suspect they were colder than 86 degrees.  

Later yesterday though I noticed several welts on my arms in another site of injection and red splotches were on my arms and legs.  I ended up taking a antihistamine because I was concerned that this was an allergic reaction and they have since lessened considerably.  I have not injected since this began and will contact my doctor in the morning to find out how they want me to proceed.  It may well be the medication was compromised but since they won't fill it locally, I am at a lose if that is the case.  I am more concerned though that this is a possible new response to the medicine.

[WaveRider]

First off, congrats on reducing your glucose levels and also the weight loss.

"should I be worried that I may be having a bad reaction to the medicine?"
You would have noticed a reaction before now unless you are improperly storing your Victoza; fridge is between 36°F to 46°F; pen in use and thrown away after 30 days between 59°F and 86°F, or kept in fridge at previously mentioned temps. If Victoza has been exposed to temps above 86°F it should be tossed and not used. If in doubt, toss it.

As far as your 'swelling', are you rotating your injection site? Do you have pain in that area? Any itch? One of the most common types of 'swelling' is called Fatty Lumps [lipohypertrophy]. They occur because insulin stimulates the production of fatty tissue, and are produced by injecting too much insulin in one place. This is where injection site rotation is essential. When skin irritation occurs it is important to completely stop injecting in that area.

If pain, swelling, and redness continue, or if you are concerned that there may be an infection, you should call your doctor immediately. HTH

[butthatsjustme]

I had been on Victoza for 3 weeks with no problems when I left for a week long camping trip. I took my Victoza carefully wrapped in an ice chest to keep it refrigerated. Towards the end of the last week I noticed itchy raised red swelling around each injection site. I thought it might be the alcohol swabs but then realized that it could be the Victoza having spoiled from uneven refrigeration. I decided to dispose that pen and got a new dose. That made all the difference and I no longer get the red swelling. Even though the medicine didn't appear spoiled (no cloudiness or graininess) in the pen, I'm glad I disposed of it and started a new pen.