Nevolat

About Nevolat

Nevolat is a once-daily GLP-1 weight management injection manufactured by Zentiva. It is a generic version of Saxenda: the same active ingredient, liraglutide, at the same 6mg/ml strength, in an equivalent pre-filled pen.

What "generic" actually means

When the patent on an original medicine expires, other manufacturers can produce their own version. To be licensed, a generic must demonstrate bioequivalence: proof that it delivers the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream at the same rate as the original. Regulators hold generics to the same manufacturing and quality standards as branded medicines.

The lower price reflects the absence of original development and trial costs, not any difference in quality or effect.

Expected weight loss

Because liraglutide is the same molecule, the clinical evidence carries across. Trial data supports an average weight loss of around 8% of body weight over 56 weeks at the 3mg maintenance dose.

Who is Nevolat for?

Nevolat may be prescribed for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition. It is a particularly sensible choice if you want a GLP-1 treatment and cost is a significant factor.

How Nevolat works

Nevolat contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that closely mimics the natural hormone your gut releases after eating.

Three simultaneous effects

• Reduced hunger: liraglutide acts on appetite centres in the hypothalamus, lowering the drive to eat and making smaller portions satisfying
• Slower stomach emptying: food stays in the stomach longer, so fullness lasts well past the meal
• Steadier blood sugar: insulin release is prompted when glucose is high and glucagon is suppressed, reducing the dips that drive cravings

Identical to Saxenda in action

There is no pharmacological difference between Nevolat and Saxenda. Both deliver liraglutide 6mg/ml, follow the same titration schedule and produce the same effects. The differences are the pen's exterior design, the manufacturer and the price.

How to use Nevolat

When

Once a day, at any time, with or without food. Consistency matters more than the specific time, pick one and stick with it.

Where

Into the fatty tissue under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm. Rotate sites daily to avoid lumps or irritation.

Step by step

• Attach a new needle and prime the pen before your first use of it
• Dial the dose you need
• Insert the needle and press the button fully
• Hold for six seconds before withdrawing to ensure the full dose is delivered
• Remove and safely dispose of the needle in a sharps bin

Dose schedule

Week 1: 0.6mg. Week 2: 1.2mg. Week 3: 1.8mg. Week 4: 2.4mg. Week 5 onwards: 3mg maintenance. Step-ups can be delayed by a week if you are struggling with nausea.

Missed dose

Skip it and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not double up. If you miss three or more days in a row, speak to your prescriber before restarting.

Side effects

Nevolat has the same side effect profile as any liraglutide product.

Very common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Headache

Common (up to 1 in 10 people)

• Indigestion, bloating and reflux
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Injection site reactions
• Gallstones
• Raised heart rate

Seek medical advice urgently

• Severe, persistent stomach pain spreading to the back, possible pancreatitis
• Signs of an allergic reaction including facial or throat swelling
• Severe right-sided abdominal pain, fever or jaundice
• Symptoms of low blood sugar if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea

Ingredients

Active ingredient: liraglutide, 6mg per ml.

Other ingredients: disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol and water for injections.

Each pre-filled pen contains 3ml (18mg of liraglutide) and delivers doses of 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg or 3mg. Manufactured by Zentiva. Needles are supplied separately.

Important safety information

Do not use Nevolat if you:

• Are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
• Have had pancreatitis
• Have severe heart failure
• Are allergic to liraglutide or any other ingredient

Speak to your prescriber first if you have thyroid disease, kidney or liver impairment, gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease, a history of eating disorders, or take insulin or a sulfonylurea.

Do not combine with any other GLP-1 medicine, including Saxenda. They contain the same active ingredient.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.