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 for the 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 with them.

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.

Uses

Targeted Treatment

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

Benefits

It may also be prescribed to the following individuals: 

• 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.]

Saxenda Dosage

Forms & Strengths

Form: Multi-dose injectable pen

Strength: 6 mg/ml

Recommended Dosages

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 to Take It?

• 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. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or longer than recommended.
• 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 instructed by your doctor. It may be infected with or without a meal. 
• 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. 
• It is crucial to dispose of the used syringes and needles properly. 
• Discard all syringes and needles in a sharps container and keep the container out of reach of children and pets. 
• If you don’t have a sharps container, you can use a hard plastic container with a tightly-fitting lid. 
• Do not flush the medication or throw it in the trash unless 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

Side Effects

Common side effects of Saxenda may include: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Bloating 
• Fever 
• Headache 

Mild side effects of Saxenda may include:

• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness 
• Mild allergic reaction
• Injection site reaction

Adverse side effects of Saxenda may include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Acute pancreatitis 
• Acute gallbladder disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Rapid heartbeat
• Kidney disease
• Suicidal behavior, thoughts and actions
• Risk of thyroid cancer

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

Warnings 

• Saxenda has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs and symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, swelling or lump in your neck, and hoarse voice. 
• Saxenda is not recommended for use in patients who have an inherited condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN-2.
• Liraglutide, by the brand name of Victoza, is used for diabetes management. It is important to note that you should not use Victoza and Saxenda together. 
• You should discontinue using Saxenda if pancreatitis is suspected. Call your doctor at once and discuss your symptoms with them. Do not restart taking Saxenda if pancreatitis is confirmed. 
• Severe hypoglycemia can occur if Saxenda is used alongside an insulin secretagogue such as sulfonylurea. 
• Do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery or indulge in activities that require your meticulous attention. 
• 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 impulsiveness. If such symptoms develop, discontinue taking Saxenda and talk to your doctor. 
• 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. 

Boxed Warning 

• Saxenda has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. 
• If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or tumor, let your doctor know and discuss any concerns or questions you may have before starting using Saxenda. 
• Suppose you or anyone in your immediate family has ever had a rare kind of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer. 
• In that case, your doctor won’t prescribe Saxenda if you have an inherited condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN-2.

Precautions

• 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. 

Contraindications 

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.

Missed Dose

• 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.]

Overdose

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.]

Storage

• 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 out of sight and within reach of children. 

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

Saxenda Interactions

• Certain antidepressants:
  • Phenelzine (Nardil)
  • Selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Other Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists:
  • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Other forms of liraglutide (Victoza)
• Insulin medications
  • Insulin lispro (Admelog, Humalog, Lyumjev)
  • Insulin glargine (Basaglar, Lantus, Toujeo)
  • Insulin detemir (Levemir)
• Sulfonylureas
  • Glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
  • Glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
  • Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Bismuth Subsalicylate
• Clarithromycin

[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.]

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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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Saxenda, and how does it work for weight loss?

Saxenda is an FDA-approved injectable medication containing liraglutide, used for weight management in overweight or obese adults with weight-related medical conditions. It mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and calorie intake, leading to reduced food consumption and weight loss.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What are the common side effects of Saxenda, and how can they be managed?

Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and injection site reactions. To manage these side effects, it’s essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as directed by your healthcare provider. Staying hydrated and eating small, frequent meals can also help alleviate nausea and digestive issues.

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