What Is Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

Saxenda (liraglutide) injection 3 mg is an injectable prescription medicine that may help some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30) lose weight and keep the weight off. Saxenda should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

Is Saxenda suitable for me?

The following limitations should be considered before beginning treatment with Saxenda:

• It is not intended for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes
• Saxenda should not be used in combination with insulin
• Saxenda and Victoza have the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and should not be used together
• Saxenda should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines
• Saxenda and insulin should not be used together
• It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products
• It is not known if Saxenda changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.
• There is minimal experience with this medication in patients with liver problems or heart failure, so it is not recommended in patients with liver disease or severe heart failure.
• If you have thyroid disease, such as enlargement of the thyroid gland or thyroid nodules, you should consult your doctor before beginning treatment with this medicine
• Saxenda is not recommended if you suffer from severe stomach or gut problems which result in delayed stomach emptying, known as gastoparesis, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Patients with severe kidney disease or on dialysis are not recommended to use Saxenda
• It is not known if Saxenda can be used safely in people who have had pancreatitis
• It is not known if Saxenda is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Saxenda is not recommended for use in children.

How Does Saxenda (Liraglutide) Work?

The liraglutide in Saxenda mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which is released by our intestines after a meal to let the brain know that the body is full. By replicating this process, Saxenda tells the brain not to eat anymore, allowing the person taking it to feel satisfied after eating less food and so reduce their body weight.

How to use Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

• Inject your dose of Saxenda under the skin (subcutaneous injection) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by your health care provider. Do not inject into a vein or muscle
• Never share your Saxenda pen or needles with another person. You may give an infection to them, or get an infection from them

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Dosage Instructions

• Week 1 – Inject 0.6mg daily
• Week 2 – Inject 1.2mg daily
• Week 3 – Inject 1.8mg daily
• Week 4 – Inject 2.4mg daily
• Week 5 – Inject 3mg daily (this is a maintenance dose up to 12 weeks).

Common side effects of Saxenda

• Nausea
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Gastritis or inflamed stomach – the symptoms of this include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
• Gastro-oesophagael reflux disease (GORD) which causes heartburn
• Swollen, painful stomach and abdominal discomfort
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Decreased appetite
• Common cold or bronchitis
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Toothache
• Bruising, irritation, rashes or pain at the site of the injection

Other Side Effects of Saxenda

• possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Saxenda and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
• gallbladder problems. Saxenda may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems need surgery. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-colored stools
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes who also take medicines to treat type 2 diabetes.Saxenda can cause low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes who also take medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes (such as sulfonylureas). In some people, the blood sugar may get so low that they need another person to help them. If you take a sulfonylurea medicine, the dose may need to be lowered while you use Saxenda. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: shakiness, sweating, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. You should check your blood sugar before you start taking Saxenda and while you take Saxenda
• increased heart rate. Saxenda can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Your health care provider should check your heart rate while you take Saxenda. Tell your health care professional if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes when taking Saxenda
• kidney problems (kidney failure). Saxenda may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea leading to loss of fluids (dehydration). Dehydration may cause kidney failure, which can lead to the need for dialysis. This can happen in people who have never had kidney problems before. Drinking plenty of fluids may reduce your chance of dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away, or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth
• serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions can happen with Saxenda. Stop using Saxenda and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction
• depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes, in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your health care provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you

Can You Order Saxenda (Liraglutide) Online?

Yes! you can order saxenda from our regulated online pharmacy and doctor service, we have been approved to sell medicines online and regulated by the MHRA.

Before you begin taking Saxenda, inform your health care provider about any medicines you’re currently taking, including prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, as these may affect how effective Saxenda is.

If you experience any side effects that are bothering you while taking Saxenda, consult your health care provider for assistance.