Saxenda for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Dosage, Cost, & More

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an FDA-approved injectable medication for adults with obesity or weight-related medical problems and for adolescents aged 12 to 17 with obesity. It helps in weight loss and maintenance.¹

“FDA-approved” signifies it’s been rigorously tested and deemed safe and effective. Saxenda doesn’t have any off-label uses. This means it’s meant to be used exactly as approved by the FDA for weight-related concerns in adults and adolescents. “Off-label” use refers to using a medication for purposes not officially approved, but Saxenda’s use is strictly in line with its FDA approval for safe and effective weight management.

How Does Saxenda Work for Weight Loss?

Saxenda works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that regulates appetite and food intake. When you inject Saxenda, it signals your brain to feel less hungry and more satisfied, making it easier to control your food intake.¹

This helps reduce overall calorie consumption and, combined with a healthier diet and increased physical activity, contributes to weight loss. Essentially, Saxenda gives your body a nudge to support better eating habits and manage weight more effectively.

Who Might Benefit From Taking Saxenda for Weight Loss?

Saxenda can be helpful for people struggling with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or excess weight (BMI of 27 or higher) along with related health issues like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 with obesity can also benefit.¹

If you have type 2 diabetes and want to manage both your diabetes and lose weight, Saxenda might be a good option. It offers a dual benefit by addressing weight concerns and potentially improving blood sugar control. Always consult with your healthcare provider to see if Saxenda is the right fit for your health goals.

Side Effects of Saxenda for Weight Loss

Saxenda may lead to serious side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and an increased risk of low blood sugar, especially in adults with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it could elevate heart rate, potentially cause kidney problems, and pose a risk of serious allergic reactions.¹

Common side effects, often as the body adjusts, include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and injection site reactions. Common but generally less severe side effects include headache, upset stomach, tiredness, dizziness, and stomach pain. It’s crucial to monitor and report any persistent or bothersome side effects to your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Saxenda

Common side effects of Saxenda in adults may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and injection site reactions. While these effects are generally temporary and part of the body’s adjustment, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if they persist or become bothersome.

Common side effects of Saxenda include:¹

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Headache
• Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain

*All medications, including Saxenda, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Saxenda

Saxenda may have serious side effects requiring prompt medical attention. These include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and an increased risk of low blood sugar, especially in those with type 2 diabetes. Severe abdominal pain, fever, and heart rate changes should be reported immediately. If you notice mental changes or thoughts of suicide, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Serious side effects of Saxenda include:¹

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Increased risk of low blood sugar (especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes)
• Increased heart rate
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions
• Mental changes or thoughts of suicide

*All medications, including Saxenda, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Saxenda for Weight Loss Warnings & Precautions

When considering Saxenda for weight loss, be aware of important warnings and precautions. These include the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, acute pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues, which may require stopping the medication. Keep your healthcare provider informed about any symptoms or changes, ensuring a careful assessment of Saxenda’s risks and benefits for your situation.

Warnings and precautions for taking Saxenda include:

• Thyroid cancer risk: Saxenda may pose a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, especially for certain individuals. Before starting Saxenda, discuss your health history and concerns with your healthcare provider.
• Allergic reactions: Be aware of possible allergic reactions. If you notice swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash, stop taking Saxenda and seek immediate medical help.
• Pancreatitis and gallbladder issues: Saxenda use could lead to pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. If you have persistent belly pain, stop Saxenda and talk to your healthcare provider.
• Hypoglycemia risk: When used with certain diabetes medications, Saxenda might lower blood sugar. Learn about low blood sugar symptoms, like shakiness, and report any concerns.
• Heart rate monitoring: Keep an eye on your heart rate regularly while using Saxenda, as it may increase your heart rate.
• Renal impairment: Use Saxenda cautiously if you have kidney issues. Report symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or dehydration promptly.
• Suicidal behavior and ideation: Watch for mood changes, and if you experience any suicidal thoughts, stop Saxenda and contact your healthcare provider. Discuss these warnings with your healthcare provider to understand Saxenda’s suitability for you.

Interactions With Saxenda

Saxenda may affect the absorption of oral medications due to its impact on gastric emptying. While clinical trials suggest minimal impact, it’s important to monitor for potential issues. Discuss any other medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider to ensure they remain effective, and be alert to any changes in how your body absorbs these medications when using Saxenda.

1 substance you should avoid while taking Saxenda include:¹

• Oral medication: Saxenda might affect how your body absorbs oral medications when taken together, thanks to its impact on stomach emptying. Though studies indicate minimal impact, it’s important to keep an eye out for any issues with the absorption of oral medications while using Saxenda

Saxenda Dosages for Weight Loss

Saxenda comes in a pre-filled pen injection, offering doses ranging from 0.6 mg to 3 mg. The standard daily dose of Saxenda is 3 mg, initiated at 0.6 mg per day for the first week and gradually increased. Dosages may be adjusted based on individual tolerance, especially for pediatric patients.¹

If needed, the dose escalation period can be extended or the dose reduced. For adults with type 2 diabetes, monitoring blood glucose is recommended before and during Saxenda treatment. Dosages are personalized to individual responses, ensuring effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

How Do I Take Saxenda for Weight Loss?

To take Saxenda for weight loss, use the pre-filled pen to inject it into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Start with 0.6 mg for the first week, then gradually increase to the recommended 3 mg daily dose.¹

Consistency in taking Saxenda as directed is vital for its effectiveness. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them promptly with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance, ensuring the best integration of Saxenda into your weight loss plan.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Saxenda?

If you miss a dose of Saxenda, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Importantly, do not take extra doses to catch up, and never abruptly stop taking Saxenda without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, it’s advisable to discuss them promptly with your healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.

How to Get Saxenda for Weight Loss

Saxenda is prescribed by healthcare providers, including doctors or nurse practitioners. If you’re considering Saxenda for weight loss, initiate a conversation with your prescriber about your weight management goals and overall health. Share any relevant medical history and discuss your previous experiences with weight loss efforts.

If Saxenda is deemed appropriate, your prescriber will determine the starting dosage and provide instructions on how to integrate it into your weight loss plan.

Saxenda Vs. Other Weight Loss Methods

Saxenda, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus are FDA-approved medications designed for specific purposes, including weight management or blood sugar control. Ozempic is FDA-approved for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with an off-label use for weight management.²

Rybelsus, similarly a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes but may be considered off-label for weight management.³ Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most suitable option based on individual health needs and goals.

Saxenda in Combination With Lifestyle Changes

Combining Saxenda with lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and increased physical activity, can enhance its weight loss effects. Saxenda’s appetite-regulating properties complement lifestyle modifications, aiding adherence to healthier habits. While Saxenda contributes to weight loss, sustained results rely on consistent lifestyle changes.

Individual responses vary, emphasizing the importance of a personalized, comprehensive approach guided by healthcare providers. Regular communication ensures tailored strategies, optimizing Saxenda’s benefits alongside positive lifestyle interventions for effective weight management.

FAQs About Saxenda

Explore common questions and answers about using Saxenda for weight management below.

Are Saxenda & Ozempic the Same?

Saxenda and Ozempic are related medications as both are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, they are used for different purposes and have distinct FDA approvals.

Saxenda is specifically approved for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is indicated for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.²

Is Ozempic or Saxenda Better for Weight Loss?

Choosing between Ozempic and Saxenda hinges on individual health goals. Saxenda is designed for chronic weight management, while Ozempic primarily addresses blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with an off-label use as a weight loss medication. The decision should be guided by a healthcare provider, considering factors such as overall health, existing conditions, and treatment objectives.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With Saxenda?

Saxenda, which contains liraglutide, has shown effectiveness in weight loss. In a recent case study, a 35-year-old male experienced a significant weight reduction of 13.55% over a five-week period. This was achieved through a gradual increase in Saxenda dosage, a restricted-calorie diet, and mild exercise.⁴

This example highlights the potential impact of Saxenda on weight loss, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans that include lifestyle changes for the best results. It’s important to note that individual responses may vary, and consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to tailor the approach based on specific health needs and goals.

Can I Use Saxenda if I’m Pregnant?

Saxenda is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus, and its use offers no benefit to pregnant individuals. There is limited data on the effects of liraglutide in pregnant women, and animal studies have indicated adverse outcomes, including embryonic deaths and fetal abnormalities.¹

Is Saxenda Suitable for Everyone With Obesity or Excess Weight?

Saxenda is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Additionally, it is approved for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with a body weight above 60 kg and an initial BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m² for adults (obese).

Can Saxenda Be Taken With Other Weight Loss Medications?

Saxenda contains liraglutide and should not be coadministered with other liraglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist. The safety and effectiveness of combining Saxenda with other products intended for weight loss have not been established.

Is Saxenda Available as a Generic Medication?

As of the latest available information, Saxenda is not available as a generic medication. It is essential to check with pharmacies or healthcare providers for the most up-to-date information on medication availability and generics.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Saxenda for Weight Loss

When considering Saxenda for weight loss, it’s vital to discuss key aspects with your healthcare provider. Ask about potential benefits, risks, recommended dosage, and treatment duration. Inquire about side effects, necessary lifestyle adjustments, and alternatives for weight management.

Questions to ask your care team about Saxenda include:

• How safe is Saxenda?
• What potential side effects should I be aware of?
• How long does it typically take to adjust to taking Saxenda?
• Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make while on Saxenda?
• Can I continue taking other medications while on Saxenda, and are there potential interactions?
• Will Saxenda help me lose weight, and what kind of results can I expect?
• How long is the recommended treatment duration with Saxenda?
• Are there any specific dietary guidelines I should follow while using Saxenda?
• What should I do if I experience side effects or have concerns during treatment?
• Are there any contraindications or specific conditions that might prevent me from using Saxenda?
• Can I exercise while taking Saxenda, and will it affect the medication’s effectiveness?
• How often should I follow up with my care team while on Saxenda?
• Could Saxenda be considered as an alternative to Wegovy or phentermine for weight loss?
• How do side effects of Trulicity compare to those of Saxenda?

How to Know if Saxenda Is Right for You

To determine if Saxenda is right for you, engage in a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. Assess factors such as weight loss goals, medical history, and commitment to lifestyle changes.

Discuss potential benefits, and risks, and inquire about alternatives. Your care team will tailor a plan that aligns with your health profile, helping you decide if Saxenda is a suitable option for your weight management journey. Open communication is key to making an informed decision.