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What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a weight loss injection containing the active ingredient liraglutide. This brand of liraglutide is specifically licensed for weight management in adults who meet the BMI (body mass index) criteria. To work effectively, Saxenda must be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Developed by Novo Nordisk, the FDA approved Saxenda for use in 2014. Europe followed suit in 2015 with the treatment approved for use by the MHRA in 2017.
How Saxenda helps with weight management
The science behind Saxenda
Saxenda works by mimicking the actions of a hormone the body naturally produces, glucagon like peptide-1 or GLP-1. By activating GLP-1, it takes longer for your body to digest food which also stays in the stomach area for longer, making you feel fuller for longer.
This early feeling of fullness can help in eating fewer calories by reducing appetite and in doing so, help to build healthier eating habits and avoid overeating. Many of us have been socially conditioned to eat 3 square meals a day which are generally highly processed and high in calories.
The treatment helps take eating back to basics by relying on your body's food noise and only eating if you really need to (i.e. in response to hunger). This practice avoids overeating and can help you maintain a healthier body weight when you decide to come off the treatment.
Additionally, GLP-1 can help control blood sugar levels which play a role in weight loss, weight regulation and management of diabetes. In fact, liraglutide is available as another brand, Victoza, which is licensed specifically for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.
The benefits shown in clinical studies
Clinical studies highlight the effectiveness of Saxenda as an weight loss treatment as shown in a clinical trial conducted over 56 weeks in over 3,700 adults. Patients with an eligible body mass index (BMI) of over 30 or, over 27 with weight related medical problems were given a 3mg dose of Saxenda once daily or placebo. Both groups were counselled on diet and exercise changes.
Patients in the Saxenda group achieved clinically meaningful weight loss compared to those in the placebo group. Additionally, the study noted over half of patients lost over 5% of their body weight and over a third lost more than 10% of their body weight.
Importantly, individual results can vary. How much weight loss a patient experiences depends on their weight when they started, and how well they stick to the treatment and adherence to diet and exercise changes - the bottom line is consistency.
Who is Saxenda suitable for
Eligibility criteria
Saxenda weight loss injections are indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 (obesity) or between 27 and 30 (overweight) and have a weight related condition. This could be diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia or sleep apnoea.
When Saxenda might not be suitable
Whilst Saxenda can be prescribed safely to most individuals, it may not be appropriate for everyone. People with pre-existing medical conditions should be reviewed by a prescriber before starting treatment, as there are circumstances where Saxenda is contraindicated and should be avoided.
Saxenda should not be used in individuals with severe kidney or liver disease, as clinical experience in these groups is limited. In cases of mild to moderate kidney disease, treatment may be considered, but maintaining adequate hydration is essential to minimise the risk of complications.
For those with thyroid disease, treatment may be possible but should first be carefully assessed by a healthcare professional. Clinical studies in rodents have shown a risk of thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) - a type of thyroid cancer. Although the relevance to humans remains unproven, Saxenda should be avoided in patients with a history of MTC or MEN2.
Like other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, Saxenda has been associated with cases of acute pancreatitis - a medical emergency. Patients with a history of pancreatitis should be treated with caution, and therapy should be discontinued immediately if pancreatitis is suspected.
As rapid or significant weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone formation, patients who develop abdominal pain suggestive of gallstones whilst on Saxenda treatment should stop and seek medical advice.
Saxenda is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant, as it may harm an unborn baby. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether the medication is excreted in breast milk.
Before considering Saxenda treatment, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you take other medications or have a history of other medical conditions. When completing a prescription request online, before issuing a prescribed treatment, your provider will assess your medical history to determine eligibility.
How to use Saxenda injections
Getting started
The Saxenda pen is administered as a once-daily injection under the skin, usually into the stomach, upper thigh or upper arm. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, though it is recommended to inject Saxenda around the same time each day. The injection site should be rotated to reduce the risk of injection site reactions.
Treatment begins at a low dose of 0.6mg once daily for the first week, increasing every week to reduce side effects.
1.2mg once daily in week 2
1.8mg once daily in week 3
2.4mg once daily in week 4, reaching the maintenance dose of 3mg once daily from week 5 onwards. You should not inject Saxenda at any dose higher than 3mg once daily.
Saxenda comes in a pre-filled pen designed for easy self-injection. To use, follow the below steps:
Wash your hands thoroughly
Attach a new needle to the pen
Check the solution - it should be clear and colourless. Do not use if cloudy or contains particles
Select your injection site and gently clean with an alcohol wipe
Prepare the Saxenda pen by rotating the dose selector to the correct dose
Inject under the skin at a 90-degree angle
Hold the Saxenda pen in place for a few seconds to ensure the full dose has been delivered
Safely remove the used needle and dispose in a sharps container
Replace the cap and store appropriately
How to build it into your routine
Consistency is crucial for ongoing success and you should inject everyday, roughly at the same time each day.
If you forget to take a dose and remember within 12 hours, inject a dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you should have used Saxenda, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose the following day at the usual time - do not double dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for a missed dose.
Alongside the medication, it is important to stick to lifestyle modifications which will ultimately determine how much weight loss your will experience.
Realistic expectations: When will I see results?
Most people begin to notice appetite changes and weight loss within the first few weeks though individual results can vary. After 12 weeks on the maintenance dose, if you have not lost at least 5% of your initial body, your provider may reassess the treatment and offer further advice as ultimately it is the commitment to a healthy diet and exercise plan that will help you lose weight in a sustainable way.
Alternatively, if you experience undesired effects, or have not experienced significant weight loss in this time, an alternative medication may be suggested to help you continue to lose weight.
What to expect while using Saxenda
When to seek medical help
Although generally well tolerated, some patients may experience more severe side effects.
Side effects affecting the digestive system may include severe stomach pain (especially if it spreads to your back), which could be a sign of pancreatitis, and persistent vomiting. You should also be aware of signs of dehydration, such as feeling very thirsty, light-headed, or dizzy.
Seek help immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the face or throat, rash, or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms such as severe dizziness, sweating, or confusion may suggest low blood sugar, particularly if you take diabetes medication.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or anything else that worries you, contact your pharmacist or NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, call 999.
Monitoring and follow-up
Regular check-ins with your prescriber are an important part of your treatment plan. These reviews can help ensure the medication prescribed is working as intended and not causing any side effects. It is an opportunity to assess your lifestyle choices and for your provider to offer tailored advice to maximise treatment options.
If you experience any side effects, it’s important to report them early. This allows your healthcare team to manage symptoms promptly, prevent them from worsening, and ensure the medication remains safe and effective for you.
Do not stop using Saxenda suddenly, as this can cause a rapid return of appetite and possible weight regain, undoing the progress you’ve made. Most side effects are short-lived and can often be managed with support, so continuing treatment (with guidance) usually leads to better overall outcomes.
Common effects as your body adjusts
It is normal to experience some mild side effects when you first start using Saxenda weight loss injections as this is when your body is adjusting to the new treatment. These are usually temporary and improve after the first one or two weeks.
The most common are nausea, bloating, tiredness, dizziness or mild headaches. You may also notice changes in appetite, like reduced hunger or you may feel fuller quicker after eating.
To manage these, eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions can help. Eat slowly and stop when you feel full whilst avoiding spicy or greasy foods. Staying hydrated can also help.
Living well with Saxenda
Saxenda works best when combined with healthy lifestyle adjustments - a reduced calorie intake and increased exercise. The medication can manage appetite but successful weight loss will come from building simple, sustainable changes into your daily routine.
Focus on eating balanced meals incorporating lean proteins and whole foods compared to processed, calorie-dense foods. When combined with increased physical activity, this can help manage your calorie expenditure, reducing the likelihood of developing obesity.
Alongside this, getting enough sleep can help you lose and even maintain a healthier weight by positively affecting appetite hormone levels. Whilst the medication is a powerful tool in your weight loss journey, it is ultimately the lifestyle changes you incorporate that will help you lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.
Safety, storage and handling
Saxenda should be stored in a fridge before first opening, between 2–8°C. Once opened, the pen can usually be stored at room temperature up to 30°C though it is still recommended to keep it in the fridge. Do not freeze the pens or leave in direct sunlight. If your pen is frozen, you should not defrost and keep using the device.
Keep the pen and needles out of the reach of children and ensure to dispose of all needles safely in a used sharps container.
Buying Saxenda online safely
You can buy Saxenda online though exercise caution. As a treatment that must be prescribed, it is important to obtain your supply from A GPhC-registered pharmacy.
Here at Quick Meds, we are GPhC-registered and all supplies of medication are obtained from MHRA-approved suppliers. You can be sure any advice you receive from our clinicians is backed on clinical evidence and any prescriptions approved have undergone a clinical review for safety.
With the rise in popularity in weight loss injections, counterfeit/unregulated sellers are on the rise. Ensure to check their registration status on the GPhC website before committing to a purchase. As the treatment has to be prescribed, be wary of suppliers who are supplying the treatment without first completing a clinical consultation.
Saxenda vs Nevolat: what’s the difference?
Both Saxenda and Nevolat contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and work in the same way to help you lose weight. The original branded product developed by Novo Nordisk is Saxenda. Following the expiry of the patent, Zentiva produced a non-branded (generic) version called Nevolat.
When compared, differences are non-clinical. Nevolat is typically more affordable as it is non-branded . Whilst the device and packaging may be slightly different there is no difference in how they work.
Prescribers may suggest one product over another based on product availability and cost, taking into account patient preference.
Patient resources and support
You can find information regarding NHS weight management programmes here. For patients who do not meet the criteria under the NHS and wish to obtain the treatment privately, you can do so, here with us at Quick Meds by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
What is Saxenda used for?+−
Saxenda is used to help obese patients with an eligible BMI lose weight, when used alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
How does Saxenda help with weight loss?+−
Saxenda works by activating hormonal pathways in the body which can make you feel fuller for longer, reducing food intake, helping to lose weight.
Is Saxenda the same as other liraglutide injections?+−
Yes, Saxenda is the same as other liraglutide injections such as Nevolat - a non branded form, both are approved for weight loss.
When should I expect to see results?+−
In clinical trials, patients started noticing weight loss as soon as the first few weeks on treatment. How much weight loss you experience is determined by your adherence to the treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Can I drink alcohol while using Saxenda?+−
Yes you can drink alcohol but this should be within moderation. Excess alcohol intake can increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is also a potential side effect of Saxenda. Additionally, most alcoholic drinks contain significant calories, which can impact your ability to lose weight.
Can I use Saxenda if I have diabetes or thyroid problems?+−
Saxenda can be used in patients with type-2 diabetes and can help with both blood sugar control and weight loss. However, it is not recommended for type-1 diabetes.
It can generally be safely used in thyroid conditions such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism but not for people with a personal or family history of thyroid MTC cancers.
What should I do if I feel sick after an injection?+−
Mild nausea is common after injecting Saxenda and usually improves on its own over the first few weeks of treatment. If it persists, speak to your provider who can help offer advice on dose adjustments or lifestyle modifications to reduce symptoms.
Can Saxenda be taken long term?+−
Yes, it is safe to take long term so long as the benefits of weight loss outweigh any risks such as side effects, but this must be under medical supervision.
Is Saxenda safe to buy online?+−
Yes it is safe to buy Saxenda online but only from a registered provider. As a prescription treatment, the pharmacy should provide access to the treatment after completing an online form, which asks about your BMI and medical history. If it does not, be wary as this may not be a regulated online pharmacy.
You can easily verify an online pharmacy's registration status on the GPhC website. You can also check the status of the prescribers, ensuring they are able to safely issue a prescription.
Where can I read the official patient information leaflet?+−
You can read the patient information leaflet here.
