Prescription Required
Saxenda is a medication for weight loss. It's given to people with weight-related health issues or those at risk due to obesity, as determined by their Body Mass Index (BMI). The active ingredient, Liraglutide, helps you feel full faster during meals, reducing your food intake. Like most appetite-suppressing drugs, it's recommended to use Saxenda alongside a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. A common requirement for Saxenda is having a BMI of 27 or higher.
Before you buy Saxenda, it is important that you talk to your healthcare provider about its effectiveness and potential side effects.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C172H265N43O51 |
| License | US FDA, EU EMA |
| Bioavailability | 55% |
| Legal status | Rx-Only |
| Chemical Name | Liraglutide |
| Elimination half-life | 13 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 6mg/ml (3ml pens) |
| Pregnancy | Consult a doctor |
| Brands | Saxenda |
| Protein binding | More than 98% |
| PubChem CID | 16134956 |
| MedlinePlus | a611003 |
| ChEBI | 71193 |
| ATC code | A10BJ02 |
| DrugBank | DB06655 |
| KEGG | D06404 |
| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Always take your medication exactly as indicated in your prescription.
The standard Saxenda dosage schedule increases weekly: 0.6mg for week 1, 1.2mg for week 2, 1.8mg for week 3, 2.4mg for week 4, and 3.0mg, the full dose, for week 5.
Saxenda is injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, upper leg, or upper arm. Your doctor will advise you on the most suitable injection site during your consultation about this medication. Do not inject this medication into a vein or muscle. Never share your Saxenda pen with others.
The active ingredient in Saxenda is Liraglutide.
Follow the prescribed dosage instructions carefully. If the medication doesn't help with weight loss, stop using it and consult your doctor to review your weight loss plan. Misusing prescription drugs can pose serious health risks.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of any disease.
Saxenda may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
A total of 254 drug interactions are identified with Saxenda (liraglutide), including 5 interactions related to diseases and 2 interactions with alcohol or food. Among these drug interactions, 2 are classified as major, 246 as moderate, and 6 as minor.
Saxenda can cause side effects. If you observe any side effects while using Saxenda, consider discontinuing its use and consult your doctor for alternative weight loss medication options.
Can I split my Saxenda dose?
No, splitting your Saxenda dose is not recommended. The medication is designed for a gradual release, and splitting it could disrupt its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
Both Saxenda and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient (liraglutide) but differ in dosing and delivery method. Deciding to switch between them should be a decision made in consultation with your doctor, considering your individual needs and response to therapy.
Does taking Saxenda at night help with nausea?
Some studies suggest taking Saxenda at night may help with nausea, but individual experiences vary. Discuss this option with your doctor to determine if it might be suitable for you.
How long does Saxenda stay in your system?
Saxenda's half-life is about 11 hours, meaning it takes 11 hours for half of the dose to be eliminated from your body. The full effects typically wear off within 24-48 hours.
Can you take Wegovy and Saxenda together?
No, taking Wegovy and Saxenda together is not recommended. Doing so could lead to an overdose of liraglutide and increase the risk of side effects.
How to inject Saxenda?
Your doctor should provide you with proper instructions on how to inject Saxenda. These instructions include specific areas on the stomach for injection, needle disposal, and other safety measures. Do not attempt to inject Saxenda without proper training.
Why am I not losing weight on Saxenda?
There are various reasons why you might not be losing weight on Saxenda. These could include underlying medical conditions, diet and exercise factors, or insufficient dosage. Consult your doctor to discuss the reasons and potential adjustments to your weight management plan.
Where to inject Saxenda in stomach?
Your doctor will guide you on the specific areas of your stomach suitable for Saxenda injection. Injecting in the wrong area can be ineffective and potentially harmful.
How long does it take Saxenda to work?
Saxenda's weight-loss effects usually become noticeable within a few weeks, though it can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to manifest. Be patient and consistent with your dosage and lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Does Saxenda cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not listed as a common side effect of Saxenda. However, rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies can sometimes contribute to hair loss. If you experience hair loss while taking Saxenda, consult your doctor to rule out other potential causes.
