Indications for Saxenda

Any adult who has one of the following without any contra-indications can be a potential candidate for Saxenda
  • a BMI of 30 or more or
  • a BMI of 27 or more and you have weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

Tips for taking this medication

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Buy your medication from a reputed pharmacy.
  • Take weight-loss medication together with  low calorie healthy eating and physical activity program.
  • Know the side effects and warnings.
  • Ask your doctor about stopping if you are not losing weight after 12 weeks.
  • Discuss other medications, including supplements and vitamins, you are taking with your doctor.
  • Avoid taking weight-loss medications during pregnancy or if you are planning to get pregnant.

W8MD weight lossLiraglutide (Saxenda) is an FDA approved weight loss injection approved for adults who are overweight or obese.

How supplied?

It is available as a pen injection similar to insulin pen injections or victoza pen injections

Who manufactures it?

Novonordisk

How does Saxenda work?

While the exact mechanism of action of Saxenda is not known, it makes you feel less hungry or full sooner.

Brand names

  • Saxenda
  • Xultophy® (as a combination product containing Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide)
  • Victoza – At a lower dose under a different name, Victoza, FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

What you should know about Saxenda

FDA warnings

Liraglutide injection may increase the likelyhood of certain thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer). If you have family history of thyroid cancers called MEN 2, (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2), tell your doctor about it.

Who should consider Saxenda?

Saxenda is used with a low calorie diet and exercise plan

Is Saxenda used to treat diabetes?

Liraglutide injection (Saxenda) is not used to treat type 2 diabetes.

What class of medicine is Saxenda?

  • Saxenda is one of the incretin mimetics.
  • It works by helping the pancreas to release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
  • Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy.
  • Liraglutide injection also slows the emptying of the stomach and may decrease appetite and cause weight loss.

How should this medicine be used?

  • Liraglutide injection comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled dosing pen to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
  • It is usually injected once a day with or without food.
  • Use liraglutide injection at around the same time every day.
  • Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
  • Use liraglutide injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

How is Saxenda dose titrated?

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of liraglutide injection and increase your dose after 1 week.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

  • Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
  • Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

  • Keep away from children.
  • Store it in a refrigirator.

Side effects

What are the common side effects of Saxenda

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • raised pulse

Rare side effects, cautions and contraindications

Rare but more serious side effects include increased chance of developing pancreatitis. Has been found to cause a rare type of thyroid tumor in animals.

Cost and coupons

According to GoodRx, the lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Saxenda is around $1,238.68, 16% off the average retail price of $1,491.59.

Coupons for Saxenda

The manufacturer offers discount coupons from time to time available via your weight loss doctor or directly on the manufacturers website saving about $200.00 or more.

Saxenda savingscard

Locations for getting Saxenda

W8MD weight loss centers locations for getting Saxenda 

W8MD weight loss physicians are very familiar with Saxenda and can prescribe to suitable patients after a consultation.

Resources for Saxenda

Check if your insurance covers Saxenda 

Manufacturer offers the following

Coverage Options

Success stories

Saxenda blogs

W8MD’s Saxenda blogs

FAQs

  • Can I just stop taking Saxenda?
  • Is Saxenda dangerous?
  • How much weight can you lose with Saxenda?
  • How long can you stay on Saxenda?
  • Can Saxenda cause heart problems?
  • Has anyone got cancer Saxenda?
  • Can you drink alcohol on Saxenda?
  • How long does it take Saxenda to work?
  • Does Saxenda come in a pill form?
  • What are the strongest appetite suppressants?
  • Can I take Saxenda every other day?
  • How can I stop feeling hungry all the time?
  • How do I stop hunger without eating?
  • How can I decrease my appetite?
  • Who is a potential candidate for this medication?