Click continue to see content specific to your region or location.

Lose Weight With Saxenda

Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication used in combination with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss.

Saxenda is effective for weight loss in adult patients who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or high cholesterol).

What is Saxenda ?

Saxenda is a GLP-1 medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of obesity in adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 27, with comorbidities such as hypertension or dyslipidemia, or individuals who have obesity (BMI of over 30).

Saxenda is a potent selective GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been shown to reduce hunger and increase the feeling of fullness in subjects with high BMI. Saxenda is one of the weight loss medications that may be prescribed by an Alfie healthcare provider for weight loss or a weight-related medical condition. It is produced by Novo Nordisk.

Saxenda should not be taken by individuals with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Saxenda, or in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Generic Name and Class

The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide. Liraglutide is a synthetic peptide that mimics GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body. Liraglutide works by slowing stomach emptying and acting as an appetite suppressant, allowing you to feel satisfied after eating. It also decreases the pace at which sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, which aids in blood sugar regulation.

How does saxenda work?

Saxenda is a synthetic peptide that imitates the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that acts on your brain to manage your appetite and food intake.

GLP-1s stimulate the pancreas to create insulin after meals, which lowers blood sugar levels. They suppress hunger by binding to receptors in the brain that release chemicals which suppress your appetite by stimulating brain locations that regulate food intake.

GLP-1s are naturally occurring compounds with a short half-life in humans, and as a result, even though your body produces GLP-1s, taking them can help you lose weight.

Saxenda makes you feel less hungry and eat less food to help you lose weight.

Is Saxenda effective for weight loss?

Saxenda is effective for quick and sustainable weight loss. It is usually recommended for those with a BMI of 27 or above and other comorbidities.
It has been shown in clinical trials to help individuals lose an average of 10% of their initial body weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity when compared to placebo participants.

How much does Saxenda cost?

Saxenda may be an expensive medication, costing over $1000.

How do injection pens work?

Saxenda is available as an injectable solution in a prefilled dosage pen that is injected beneath the skin surface in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It is typically administered at the same time once a day, with or without food.

Saxenda injections are simple to administer and do not require the assistance of a healthcare practitioner or physician.

Saxenda should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures ranging from 36°F to 46°F, or at room temperature for shorter periods of time.

At Qilo, if your doctor prescribes Saxenda, he or she will walk you through the injection process into your belly or upper thigh. If you are unable to inject yourself, someone else can assist you.

Understanding your Saxenda dosage

GLP-1 injectable drugs are provided in a step-up fashion, which means that as you advance through the program, your Qilo healthcare providers will prescribe a greater dose until you reach the complete amount. This reduces the chance of any medication-related negative effects.

Saxenda is available in five distinct dosage strengths. You begin with 0.6 mg of Saxenda once a day and gradually raise the amount every week until you reach the full dose of 3 mg.

Warnings

Side Effects of Saxenda

Saxenda has a very favorable side effect profile and is generally well-tolerated in adults. Some of the common adverse effects go away within the first month of treatment.

The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, tiredness (fatigue), dizziness, stomach pain, and change in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood.

Taking GLP-1 medications may also put you at serious risk of hypoglycemia or acute kidney injury if you are taking another similar medication at the same time.