The National Authority of Medicines (Infarmed) announced on Monday, July 14, that Novo Nordisk will permanently cease the commercialization of the diabetes medication Victoza in Portugal.
“Novo Nordisk, A/S has announced that it will definitively discontinue the commercialization of Victoza, liraglutide, 6 mg/ml, injectable solution in a pre-filled pen, due to commercial reasons, effective December 31, 2025,” stated the informative circular from Infarmed published on its website.
The medication is indicated for the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children aged 10 or older with type 2 diabetes mellitus that is insufficiently controlled, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
To ensure a timely transition of existing treatment regimens, Infarmed issued recommendations targeted at doctors, pharmacists, and patients.
For doctors, the authority notes that “new treatments with this medication should not be initiated” and emphasizes the “timely substitution of liraglutide for patients currently undergoing treatment with this medication.”
Pharmacists should “advise patients undergoing treatment with liraglutide to consult their doctor” and “reassure patients who cannot immediately reach their doctor,” since the medication “will still be available for several months.”
Patients are urged to “consult their doctor as soon as possible so that, if necessary, an alternative therapy can be prescribed and all necessary instructions provided to facilitate the transition.”
In an exceptional measure aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to alternative therapies, Infarmed has authorized the use of Victoza 6 mg/ml in a pre-filled pen labeled in Finnish.
