Where taste change appears
Taste change is the one reaction in this group that all three major sources name for Victoza®, but none gives it a trial rate against placebo. The US label lists dysgeusia, together with dizziness and abnormal skin sensations, under neurological reactions reported after approval. [1] The European summary of product characteristics places dysgeusia in its uncommon class, and the package leaflet translates it as a change in how things taste. [2] Canada’s monograph lists it among postmarketing reactions, and its patient information also calls it uncommon. [3] None of the individual Canadian trial tables, which list events seen in at least 1% of people, includes it. [3]
| Source | How it is recorded | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| US label, section 6.2 [1] | Dysgeusia, postmarketing report | Not estimable |
| US label, Table 1 [1] | Not listed (5% threshold) | — |
| EU SmPC Table 1 and leaflet [2] | Dysgeusia; “change in how things taste” | Uncommon (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100) |
| Canada, section 8.5 and patient information [3] | Dysgeusia, postmarketing; listed as uncommon for patients | No trial rate |
| Canada, trial tables in section 8.2 [3] | Not listed (1% threshold) | — |
What safety-report studies add
Two analyses of the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System looked at GLP-1 medicines as a group and drug by drug. A 2025 study of ear, nose and throat events found that liraglutide had significant signals for dysgeusia, as well as for dysphonia (voice change), tinnitus and Bell’s palsy; semaglutide and exenatide also showed dysgeusia signals. [5] A second 2025 study of nervous system events across six GLP-1 medicines identified dysgeusia, taste disorder and parosmia (distorted smell) among its signals. [6]
These are disproportionality studies: they compare how often a symptom is reported for one medicine relative to others in the database. They depend on who chooses to report and cannot give a rate or show that the medicine caused the symptom. [5][6] They support the label listing rather than adding a Victoza®-specific number.
Why it might happen
No source explains how liraglutide might alter taste, so any mechanism is a hypothesis. Two observations sit nearby. First, a small randomised trial of liraglutide at the higher 3 mg dose found that, over 16 weeks, it reduced the desire to eat sweet, salty, savoury or fatty foods compared with placebo. [7] That describes food preference and appetite rather than a distorted sense of taste, but people can experience the two as similar. Second, the Saxenda® label says that taste change, together with tiredness and dizziness, was reported mostly in the first 12 weeks and often alongside nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. [4] That is a different product and dose, so it hints at timing rather than proving it for Victoza®.
Reduced appetite is a well-documented Victoza® reaction, reported by 10% on 1.2 mg and 9% on 1.8 mg against 1% on placebo, and food can seem less appealing during nausea. [1]
Other causes of a changed taste
MedlinePlus explains that much of what we call taste is actually smell, so a blocked nose can make food seem bland. [8] Its list of causes includes colds, flu and other viral infections, sinus problems, a sore throat, salivary gland infections, a dry mouth, gum inflammation, heavy smoking, vitamin B12 or zinc deficiency, and head or mouth injuries. [8] Taste also tends to fade after age 60, salty and sweet first. [8] Several medicines are named, including thyroid medicines, captopril, lithium, clarithromycin and some cancer treatments. [8]
NIDCD adds poor oral hygiene and dental problems, wisdom tooth extraction, some antibiotics and antihistamines, and ear, nose and throat surgery, and describes the most common taste disorder as a lingering unpleasant taste with nothing in the mouth. [9]
Why it matters with diabetes
NIDCD points out that a distorted sense of taste can make it harder to stick to a diet needed for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. [9] Some people eat less and lose weight, others eat more, and some add extra sugar or salt to bring flavour back. [9] For someone using Victoza® with insulin or a sulfonylurea, eating much less than usual also matters for low blood sugar, which the label flags for those combinations. [1]
What the sources suggest
MedlinePlus says taste usually returns after a cold or flu passes, suggests stopping smoking, and asks you to follow your provider’s advice, which may include diet changes. [8] NIDCD stresses good oral hygiene and suggests making food more appealing with varied colours and textures and with aromatic herbs and spices rather than extra sugar or salt. [9] It also warns not to stop a medicine you suspect is causing the problem without your doctor’s direction. [9]
When taste change comes with mouth sores, a dry mouth or dental pain, the cause may lie in the mouth itself, which both sources list. If it persists, NIDCD says taste and smell disorders are diagnosed by an ear, nose and throat specialist, whose assessment includes a dental check. [8][9]
Victoza® and Saxenda® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. PepLabo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.
When to get help
The signs and contact information below come from this article’s sourced guidance.
Emergency
- Taste change with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
Contact: Stop Victoza® and get emergency help (possible allergic reaction)
Medication Guide [1]
Today
- Eating much less because food tastes wrong, while also using insulin or a sulfonylurea
Contact: Your prescriber, soon (low blood sugar risk)
Victoza® label [1]