Saxenda (Liraglutide) 6 mg/mL - Prefilled Injection Pen

Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist injection used for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity, or adults with overweight and weight-related health conditions. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda Product Highlights

• Active ingredient: Liraglutide 6 mg/mL
• Medication class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Form: Prefilled injection pen
• Administration: Once-daily subcutaneous injection
• Approved use: Chronic weight management
• Requires: Reduced-calorie diet + increased physical activity

What is Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

Designed for chronic weight management, Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a once-a-day injectable medicine for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) – with at least one of the conditions – type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Saxenda is also approved for adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity and a body weight above 60 kg, when used with lifestyle modifications.

Saxenda Quick Facts

Benefits of Saxenda (Liraglutide) Injections

Saxenda may provide the following benefits when used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan:

• Saxenda may support gradual weight reduction when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• It may help regulate appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This may help reduce hunger sensations and support adherence to a reduced-calorie diet.
• Weight reduction with Saxenda may help improve certain obesity-related health markers, including blood sugar levels and certain cardiovascular risk factors.
• Saxenda may help maintain weight loss when continued as part of a long-term weight management plan.

How Does Saxenda (Liraglutide) Work?

• Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works similarly to a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1.
• GLP-1 helps regulate appetite by sending fullness signals to the brain after eating.
• Saxenda provides longer-lasting GLP-1 activity, which may help reduce hunger and control food intake.
• It also slows stomach emptying, which may help you feel full for a longer period after meals.
• When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Saxenda may support long-term weight management.

Saxenda Dosage & How to Use

Saxenda is administered once daily by subcutaneous injection. The dose is gradually increased over 5 weeks to help the body adjust to treatment.

Dosage schedule table

How to use Saxenda injection pen

• Inject under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Rotate injection sites with each dose.
• Use a new needle for every injection.
• Do not share Saxenda pens with others.
• Take the injection once daily, at any time of day, with or without food.
  Saxenda begins acting after administration, but noticeable changes in appetite and weight may take several weeks. For long-term results, the weight reduction effect is usually seen after 16 weeks – when you are using the maintenance dose.

What to Expect After Starting Saxenda

Note: If adults have not achieved at least 4% BMI reduction after 16 weeks on the maintenance dose of 3 mg daily, healthcare providers may consider discontinuing treatment.

How to Store Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Here is storage guidance for Saxenda (Liraglutide) injections:

• Store the medicine in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Remember not to freeze the pens, and never use them if any pen is frozen accidentally.
• Keep the pen cap attached when not in use and remove the needle after each injection.
• After first use, Saxenda pens may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Discard the pen after 30 days of first use, even if medication remains.

Side Effects of Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Here are common and severe side effects:

Common:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Fatigue

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Severe allergic reactions
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior changes

Drug Interactions of Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Important drug interactions and considerations with Saxenda:

• Medicines to treat diabetes – insulin or sulfonylureas – can lead to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels. Dose adjustment for diabetes medicines is required if taking Saxenda.
• Saxenda may affect the absorption of some oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying. 

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter products you use before starting Saxenda.

Who Should Not Use Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

Saxenda should not be used by individuals who:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide or any ingredients in Saxenda.
• Are pregnant.

Before starting Saxenda, inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or severe gastrointestinal conditions, as additional monitoring or treatment adjustments may be required.

Precautions and Warnings of Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Here are the precautions to keep in mind for the Saxenda weight loss medication:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if pregnancy occurs while using Saxenda.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may cause dehydration and kidney problems. Maintain adequate fluid intake.
• Seek medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain, as it may indicate pancreatitis or gallbladder problems.
• If taking insulin or sulfonylureas, discuss possible dose adjustments with your healthcare provider to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
• Use a new sterile needle for each injection and never share Saxenda pens with another person.

Saxenda vs Other Weight Loss Medications

Note: Weight management medications differ in their ingredients, dosing schedules, and approved uses. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate option based on individual health needs.

Medical References

• Saxenda (Liraglutide) Prescribing Information – FDA / DailyMed
• Treatment for Overweight & Obesity – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH)
• Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs – Mayo Clinic