Liraglutide

Saxenda

Saxenda is an FDA-approved injectable medication that is used for weight loss and weight management in overweight or obese adults with a weight-related medical condition. It contains liraglutide as its main ingredient, which reduces your appetite. It promotes weight loss and helps you keep the lost weight off long-term. When Saxenda is combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise program, it aims to help people lose weight. It is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. It is not recommended for people who have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2. You should consult your doctor and discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Saxenda weight loss injections.

Product Overview

Saxenda is a prescription injectable medication containing liraglutide, approved for weight loss and weight management in overweight or obese adults with related medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension. It is also approved for overweight or obese children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kilograms). With a strength of 6 mg/ml, the medication is administered through injectable pens, with an initial adult dose of 0.6 mg per day, gradually increasing to a maximum maintenance dose of 3 mg per day.

Saxenda works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, regulating appetite and calorie intake, leading to weight loss. It should be injected subcutaneously, rotating injection sites to avoid irritation. The dosage should be carefully managed, with regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, especially under stress or experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and injection site reactions. Saxenda carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer and is not recommended for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before starting Saxenda to ensure its suitability and receive proper guidance on its use and storage.

What Can Saxenda Be Used For?

This medication is used for the following purposes:

• It is used for weight loss and weight management in overweight or obese adults with a weight-related medical condition.

• Those with a body mass index of 27 or higher and medical problems caused by weight, such as diabetes type 2, high cholesterol, or hypertension.
• Those with a  Body Mass Index of 30 or higher who are obese 
• Overweight or obese children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kilograms).

[Note: Do not take Saxenda without consulting your doctor. They will determine whether you need this medication based on your conditions.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Saxenda?

Saxenda is a multi-dose injectable pen that comes in one strength. This pre-filled pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide in 3 ml solutions, i.e., 18 mg/3 ml. However, you can inject the following doses from your pen. 

• 1.2 mg
• 1.8 mg
• 0.6 mg
• 3 mg
• 2.4 mg

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Saxenda?

The dose of Saxenda can be different for every patient. These doses are based on age, weight, and existing medical conditions. So, your doctor initially prescribes a starting dose of Saxenda and then adjusts it based on your response to the treatment. If you are considering treatment with this medication, consult with a medical professional for detailed Saxenda prescribing information. We have given dosage recommendations in the section below, but note that these are only the average doses. If your doctor has prescribed a different dose to you, consult them before changing it.

Dosage for Weight Loss and Weight Management

• Initial dose for adults: 0.6 mg per day.
• Maximum maintenance dose for adults: 3 mg per day.
• Initial dose for children: 0.6 mg per day.
• Maximum maintenance dose for children: 3 mg per day. However, if the child cannot tolerate the maintenance dose, it may be decreased to 2.4 mg daily. 
• The typical recommended dosage is as follows: 
  • Week 1: 0.6 mg once daily
  • Week 2: 1.2 mg once daily
  • Week 3: 1.8 mg once daily
  • Week 4: 2.4 mg once daily
  • After week 5: 3 milligrams once daily

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How Do You Use Saxenda for Best Results?

To completely understand how and when to use this medication, refer to the Saxenda prescribing information or follow the below administration steps:

• Carefully read the directions for use given on your prescription label. Do not use this medication for longer or in larger or smaller quantities than recommended. 
• If you have any questions regarding the administration, storage and handling of the medication, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. 
• Before using Saxenda for the first time, your doctor will show you how to inject Saxenda and the best places to inject it. Do not self-administer if you have problems understanding how to inject this medication. 
• Saxenda is usually given once per day. 
• Drink lots of fluids while you are taking this medicine. Excess loss of fluids during an attack of diarrhea, nausea and dehydration may cause severe conditions. 
• Constantly rotate the injection site each time you inject the medication to avoid lumps and pits forming under your skin. Do not inject into the same spot simultaneously. 
• Do not inject into skin that is torn, damaged, red, itching, or if it has stretch marks and scars. 
• Before injecting, check the Saxenda for any visual change in appearance. Do not use it if it is discolored, cloudy, or has particles. Throw it away and ask your pharmacist for a new Saxenda 6 ml pen.
• Inject Saxenda subcutaneously as your doctor instructed. 

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda, a medication used for weight loss, operates through several mechanisms to regulate your calorie intake and appetite. As a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, it reduces hunger stimulation in various brain regions, ultimately decreasing food intake. It also slows down the digestion process in the stomach, leading to feelings of fullness. Furthermore, Saxenda increases insulin secretion, aiding cells in absorbing glucose for energy. Simultaneously, it suppresses glucagon secretion, reducing the release of stored glucose from the liver. These dual effects contribute to lower blood glucose levels.

Important Safety Information for Using Saxenda

What Are the Side Effects of Saxenda?

Common Side Effects: This medication can cause various side effects, generally temporary and manageable, without special medical assistance. These effects last a few days to weeks and can vary from mild to moderate. However, if they persist for a long time and worsen, take notice of them and contact a medical expert. Some of the common side effects of Saxenda may include: 

• Nausea: Many patients have experienced nausea after taking this medication. The intensity & duration of this side effect can vary from person to person. It can be avoided by eating small and frequent meals. If the effect becomes severe, contact your doctor.
• Diarrhea: Saxenda can react to your digestive system, leading to increased bowel movements/loose stools. If you go to the washroom several times a day, you experience dehydration. So, it is essential to always stay hydrated, especially during this time. 
• Constipation: It is indicated by hard bowel movements. This can be avoided by consuming a lot of fluids, eating a fiber-rich diet, and exercising regularly.
• Stomach Pain: Saxenda users have reported abdominal pain during their treatment. This pain can be mild to moderate, accompanied by bloating. If the condition becomes severe, talk to your doctor.
• Fever: You may experience a fever after taking this medication. While this side effect does not require special medical assistance, it should not be overlooked. If the condition worsens, contact a healthcare practitioner.
• Headache: Saxenda can cause headaches in certain patients. If these headaches are mild or moderate, they can be treated with any nonprescription medicine. However, consistent headaches should be checked by a medical professional.

Mild Side Effects: Other than the common reactions, mild side effects do not occur in every patient. It can become serious if not treated timely. So, if you are noticing any of the following side effects, seek medical assistance. Some of the mild side effects of Saxenda may include:

• Unusual Fatigue: Saxenda users have reported low energy or unusual weakness during treatment. Eating a balanced diet and sleeping properly can treat this side effect.
• Dizziness: Saxenda can affect your blood sugar levels and blood pressure, leading to dizziness. When these levels fluctuate rapidly, you may feel lightheaded.  
• Mild Allergic Reaction: Patients can experience allergic reactions, such as Saxenda, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, and rash. If these reactions worsen or do not go away, seek immediate medical attention.
• Injection Site Reaction: Continuously injecting the dose at the same spot can irritate your skin. This can lead to redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. 

Serious Side Effects: Saxenda can cause severe adverse reactions in patients with existing medical conditions or those who do not follow appropriate Saxenda prescribing information. This can result in life-threatening situations, in rare cases, death or coma. If you suspect any unwanted signs during your treatment with this medication, consult a medical professional. Some of these side effects may include:

• Acute Pancreatitis: It is indicated by ]inflammation of the pancreas, which is associated with stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical assistance.     
• Acute Gallbladder Disease: Patients using Saxenda are at high risk of developing gallbladder diseases accompanied by nausea, jaundice, vomiting & pain in the upper right abdomen. If not treated timely, this side effect can cause serious complications.  
• Hypoglycemia: Patients may develop low blood sugar after taking too much Saxenda or do not eat enough food. Its symptoms may include hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, and shakiness. 
• Rapid Heartbeat: You may experience a fast or irregular heartbeat due to hypoglycemia. Report to a medical expert if you suspect any symptoms, such as breath shortness, palpitations, dizziness, or chest pain.   
• Kidney Disease: Saxenda users are highly likely to develop kidney diseases. This condition is manifested as swelling in the feet or ankles, changes in urine output, fatigue, or nausea. So, before you use this medication, consult a medical practitioner.
• Suicidal Behavior: Using Saxenda injections for a long period can trigger mood disorders in certain patients. This can lead to suicidal thoughts/behaviors. If you have any such thoughts, seek medical help.
• Thyroid Cancer: This medication increases the risk of thyroid cancer due to impaired thyroid cells. While rare, this side effect is very dangerous and requires frequent monitoring from a medical professional. 

[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

What Are the Saxenda Warnings? 

While Saxenda is effective for managing weight, it can cause several risks if not taken properly. Therefore, patients are advised to consult a healthcare practitioner before considering treatment with this medication. Here are some of the warnings associated with the use of Saxenda weight loss injections: 

• • MEN-2: Saxenda is not recommended for use in patients who have an inherited condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN-2.
  • Co-administration of Victoza & Saxenda: Liraglutide, sold under the brand name Victoza, is used for diabetes management. However, it is important to note that Victoza and Saxenda should not be used together. 

• Acute Pancreatitis: Patients using liraglutide are at high risk of developing severe pancreatitis. This condition can become life-threatening if overlooked or not treated on time. So, if you suspect symptoms, such as vomiting and stomach pain that spreads to the back, discontinue using this medication and call your doctor immediately. Do not restart taking Saxenda if pancreatitis is confirmed. 

• Risk of Hypoglycemia: Severe hypoglycemia can occur if Saxenda is used in combination with diabetes medications that increase insulin levels. This co-administration can result in severe low blood sugar levels. When using diabetes drugs, talk to your doctor. They will suggest alternate options that suit your body’s needs.

• Suicidal Thoughts: Patients should be carefully monitored for symptoms of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Also, watch out for sudden mood changes and feelings like anxious, irritable, panicky, aggressive, overly excited, and impulsive. If such symptoms develop, discontinue taking Saxenda and talk to your doctor. 

• Acute Gallbladder Disease: Weight loss injections, especially liraglutide, can lead to various gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation. This can sometimes require gallbladder removal surgery, especially when weight loss is drastic.   
• Increased Heart Rate: Patients taking Saxenda may experience an increased heart rate. If you suspect your heart rate goes up by a few beats per minute, stop using this medication right away and get medical help.
• Kidney Problems: Saxenda users are at high risk of kidney problems, and some may develop severe issues needing dialysis. These problems are likely to occur when patients are dehydrated or have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: If you notice any allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or swelling, reach out to a medical professional right away.

What Is the Black Box Warning on Saxenda?

FDA-boxed warnings are among the strictest warnings issued by the authority about a particular drug. These guidelines alert both patients and doctors of the adverse side effects of a medicine. Saxenda also received FDA-boxed warnings about the risk of thyroid cancer. Refer to the below section for more details:

Animal studies have reported thyroid tumors caused by liraglutide, an active ingredient in Saxenda. While the results are from animal studies, it may threaten humans using this medication. So, your medical practitioner won’t prescribe Saxenda if:

• You or anyone in your immediate family ever had a rare kind of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer.
• You have an inherited condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN-2. This condition increases the risk of thyroid cancer.

Contact your doctor right away if you suspect any signs/symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a hoarse voice, lumps or swelling in the neck, breath shortness, or trouble swallowing.

What Are the Saxenda Precautions?

When considering Saxenda weight loss injections, you must know the basic preventive measures to avoid potential risks. These precautions include:

• Before using Saxenda, let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:
  • Slow digestion 
  • Problems related to kidney, heart, or liver
  • High triglycerides
  • History of depression or suicidal thoughts. 
• If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know about all the medications that you are using. This includes all the prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you take. 
• You should not consume alcohol while you are taking Saxenda as it may cause specific side effects such as nausea, headache, diarrhea, and low blood sugar levels. 
• This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant women as losing weight during pregnancy is not advised and may cause fetal harm and death, so tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting to take Saxenda. 
• Consult your doctor before breastfeeding a baby while you are taking Saxenda. They are most likely to pause this medication while breastfeeding and resume when they finish breastfeeding. 
• Do not stop taking Saxenda without consulting your doctor. 
• Do not give the medication to someone else, even if they have the same condition. Saxenda can only be bought through a valid doctor’s prescription. 

• When your body faces stress, your blood sugar levels may be affected. Watch out for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as blurred vision, headache, fatigue, and increased thirst or urination. 
• Do not reuse or share your Saxenda injections, cartridge, or syringe with others, even if the needle is changed, as it may cause infection to spread from one person to another. 
• Do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or indulge in activities that require your meticulous attention. 
• You should not expect to lose weight instantly. It will take around four months to start losing weight using Saxenda. By this time, adults are expected to lose 4% of their total body weight typically. If you don’t experience a satisfactory amount of weight loss, it probably means the medication is not working correctly. Let your doctor know; they may suggest you take an alternative medication. 

What Are the Contraindications of Saxenda?

Saxenda is not recommended for use:

• In children with type 2 diabetes
• In children less than 12 years of age
• In individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis
• With other weight loss medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or tumor
• If you have an inherited condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN-2.
• If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Saxenda, liraglutide, or any of its ingredients. 
• Personal or family history of MTC.
• If you are a pregnant women.

What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Saxenda?  

• If you missed your daily Saxenda dosage, take it as soon as you remember. 
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, you may skip the missed dose and take only the next dose. 
• Do not take a double or extra dose of the same medication to compensate for the missed dose. Doing this can increase your risk of unwanted side effects. 
• If you miss your dosage for three consecutive days or more, call your doctor to learn how to restart or resume taking this medication. 
• If you are still uncertain when to take your missed dose, call your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist. 
• To get the most out of your medication, you must take it around the same time every day. You can set a time at your convenience and continue as per your dosing schedule to maintain consistency.  

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much Saxenda?

You should not take Saxenda more than recommended as it may lead to severe side effects. If someone has overdosed and has severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, passing out, or if they can’t be woken up, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Low blood sugar
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Lack of coordination

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How Do You Store Saxenda?

• Unopened Saxenda pens can be kept in the refrigerator, but do not allow them to freeze. Do not use it if it is frozen. 
• Opened Saxenda pens may be kept in the refrigerator or at controlled room temperature, away from direct light, excess heat, or moisture. 
• Use Saxenda within 30 days and discard it after 30 days, even if there is medication left in it. 
• Do not store the Saxenda 6 ml pen with a needle still attached. Remove the needle and replace the cap before storing it. 
• Do not keep medicines that are no longer needed or outdated. 
• Do not throw away the medication in wastewater or your household garbage bin. 
• Do not flush the medication unless instructed to do so. 
• Follow the state or local laws regarding the disposal of used needles and syringes. 
• Use a sharps disposal container to discard the needles and syringes. 
• If you don’t have a sharps container, you can use a container made of hard plastic and a tightly fitting lid. 
• Keep Saxenda in a safe place that is out of sight and reach of children. 

• It is crucial to dispose of the used syringes and needles properly. 
• If you don’t have a sharps container, you can use a hard plastic container with a tightly-fitting lid. 

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with Saxenda?

Before using Saxenda weight loss injections, you must tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medications and herbal products. This step is necessary, as co-administering two or more drugs can result in adverse reactions. They can affect the functioning of a medication or increase the risk of developing serious side effects. Therefore, sharing this information would prevent many interactions, and some of the drugs that may interact with Saxenda include:

• Antidepressants: This group of medications is used to treat mental conditions like depression and anxiety. Co-administering Saxenda with this class of drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia as a side effect of liraglutide. Some of the examples of antidepressants are as follows:
  • Phenelzine (Nardil)
  • Selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists: Saxenda belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class of drugs. Taking this medication with other drugs of the same group can increase the chances of experiencing side effects from either medication. So, avoid taking the below medications with Saxenda:
  • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Other forms of liraglutide (Victoza)
• Bismuth Subsalicylate: Pepto Bismol helps reduce digestive symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. Concomitant use of this medication with Saxenda weight loss injections puts people at high risk of experiencing low blood sugar. 
• Insulin Medications & Sulfonylureas: Similar to Pepto Bismol, co-administration of insulin medication and sulfonylureas with Saxenda can raise the chances of developing hypoglycemia. To avoid this side effect, talk to a medical professional. They will adjust the dose accordingly. Some of the examples of these medications are:
  • Insulin lispro (Admelog, Humalog, Lyumjev)
  • Insulin glargine (Basaglar, Lantus, Toujeo)
  • Insulin detemir (Levemir)
  • Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
  • Glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
  • Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Clarithromycin: Using Saxenda and clarithromycin simultaneously can affect Saxenda’s functioning or the drug’s metabolization process.

What Are the Other Saxenda Interactions?

This medication may also interact with certain supplements, food, herbs, vaccines, or medical problems. These interactions are as follows:

• Supplements: Using your medication with supplements like green tea, DHEA, or garlic can increase the risk of side effects, especially hypoglycemia.
• Herbs: Saxenda and herbs do not interact. However, patients must consult a healthcare practitioner before combining these two substances to avoid potential risks.
• Vitamins or Minerals: This medication does not interact with any vitamins, but minerals like chromium can sometimes drastically reduce blood glucose levels, causing serious complications. 
• Food: Similar to chromium, taking Saxenda injections with green tea may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. This interaction happens when you take too much green tea. Limited consumption does not have any adverse impact on your body. 
• Medical Problems: Patients with the diseases or conditions mentioned below should consult a doctor before using Saxenda.
  • Pancreatitis
  • Thyroid carcinoma
  • Depression
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Cardiovascular disease

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Saxenda. Tell your doctor about prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.]

What Are the Saxenda Alternatives? 

• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Adipex-P (phentermine)
• Qsymia (phentermine–topiramate)
• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Xenical (orlistat)
• Alli (orlistat)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide)
• Contrave (naltrexone–bupropion)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Quick Facts

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Saxenda Cost & Coupons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Saxenda be used with other weight loss medications?

Saxenda is not recommended for use with other weight loss medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before combining Saxenda with any other weight management treatments.

How fast does Saxenda suppress appetite?

The effect of Saxenda may vary from person to person, but most patients start feeling less hungry within an hour of using the injection. So, it can be said that the medication can work quite fast when taken according to the Saxenda prescribing information. 

What happens if I eat sugar on Saxenda?

Doctors do not usually recommend eating sugar on Saxenda. Doing so may cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or bloating. Moreover, it can also impact the drug’s appetite-suppressing effects. To avoid such risks, you can talk to your doctor. They will suggest how much sugar you can take and provide you with a diet chart.

Does Saxenda affect my sleep?

If you take Saxenda too late in the day, it can lead to restlessness or insomnia in certain patients. To avoid any effect on your sleep pattern, try to take the medication in the morning. If you are unsure, talk to a healthcare practitioner. They will suggest the best time to take the medication.

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Saxenda?

While taking Saxenda, following a balanced, low-calorie diet and maintaining regular physical activity for optimal weight loss results is advised. Your healthcare provider may also recommend specific dietary guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of Saxenda.

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