Logan Steele
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used for weight loss and to help keep weight off once it has been lost. It is approved for use in obese adults or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems, as well as children aged 12-17 years with obesity and a body weight above 60 kg. The drug is injected under the skin once a day and works by regulating appetite and calorie intake, slowing digestion, and increasing insulin secretion. While Saxenda has been shown to be effective for weight loss, it can also cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and acute pancreatitis. There is also a risk of thyroid cancer and serious allergic reactions. However, it is important to note that side effects may vary between individuals, and not all possible side effects are known.
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What You'll Learn
Saxenda's side effects
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used to help with weight loss. It is injected under the skin once daily and should not be injected into a vein or muscle. While Saxenda has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off, it can also cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These side effects are typically mild and often resolve within a few days to weeks. However, it is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, which can lead to kidney problems. If you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, be sure to inform your healthcare provider.
More severe side effects of Saxenda include acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which was a rare side effect reported in studies. If you experience severe abdominal pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting, stop using Saxenda and seek medical attention immediately.
Saxenda has also been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Symptoms such as stomach fullness, gaseous stomach pain, recurrent fever, or jaundice (yellow eyes or skin) should be reported to your doctor right away.
In addition, there is a potential risk of thyroid cancer with Saxenda use. Although this has not been reported in human studies, animal studies have shown that liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, can cause thyroid C-cell tumors. If you experience any symptoms such as a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, consult your doctor immediately.
Other possible side effects include allergic reactions, high blood sugar, and interactions with other medications. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team and inform them of any other medications you are taking. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while taking Saxenda, always seek medical advice.
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Weight loss and weight management
Saxenda is a prescription drug used to help with weight loss and weight management. It is approved for use in adults and certain children with obesity or those who are overweight and have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure. Doctors prescribe Saxenda alongside a low-calorie diet and increased exercise for long-term weight management.
Saxenda is an injectable prescription medicine used for weight loss and weight management. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by a healthcare provider. It should not be injected into a vein or muscle. The starting dosage is 0.6 mg per day for the first week and should be increased gradually over the following weeks until the recommended dose of 3 mg is reached. It can be taken at any time of day but should be taken at the same time every day for consistency.
Saxenda works by regulating the appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. It addresses one of the body's natural responses to weight loss by producing an appetite hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to help regulate hunger. In a clinical study, 56% of participants achieved significant weight loss in the first year of taking Saxenda, and approximately half of these patients maintained their weight loss over three years when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
While Saxenda has been shown to be effective for weight loss and weight management, it is important to note that it can cause various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. These side effects typically resolve within a few days to weeks. However, more serious side effects have been reported, including acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, Saxenda may also increase the risk of thyroid cancer, although this has not been confirmed in human studies.
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Potential health risks
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used to help with weight loss. It is approved for use in adults and certain children who have obesity or are overweight and have weight-related medical problems. It is typically prescribed alongside a low-calorie diet and increased exercise for long-term weight management.
While Saxenda is effective for weight loss, it does carry some potential health risks and side effects, which can range from mild to severe. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which usually resolve within a few days to weeks. However, more severe and long-term side effects have also been reported.
- Stomach problems: Some people have experienced severe stomach issues, including inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may cause severe abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Dehydration and kidney problems: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may lead to dehydration, which can cause kidney problems. It is important to stay hydrated while taking Saxenda.
- Serious allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, and severe rashes or itching.
- Gallbladder problems: Saxenda has been associated with gallbladder issues, including gallstones. Symptoms such as stomach fullness, gaseous stomach pain, recurrent fever, or yellow eyes or skin may indicate gallbladder problems.
- Thyroid cancer: Animal studies have shown that Saxenda and similar medications can cause thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. While this has not been reported in human studies, there is still a potential risk, especially for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- High blood sugar: Saxenda may affect blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness.
- Pregnancy risks: Saxenda may harm an unborn baby, so it is important to use effective birth control while taking this medication. If pregnancy occurs while taking Saxenda, consult a doctor immediately.
- Drug interactions: Saxenda should not be used with certain other medications, such as Victoza, without medical guidance. It may also interact with non-prescription drugs like aspirin and medicines for asthma, colds, and allergies. Alcohol consumption should also be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it may cause severe low blood sugar.
- Heart rate increase: Saxenda has been reported to increase heart rate while at rest.
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Injection instructions
Saxenda® is a once-daily, self-injectable medicine that comes in a prefilled pen. It should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by your healthcare provider. It is important to note that Saxenda® should not be injected into a vein or muscle.
- Inject your dose of Saxenda® under the skin (subcutaneously) in the recommended areas of the stomach (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm.
- Change (rotate) your injection site within the chosen area for each injection. This helps to reduce the risk of developing lumps under the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis).
- Do not use the same injection site more than once.
- Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent contamination, infection, and leakage.
- Store new, unused Saxenda® pens in the refrigerator between 36 °F and 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C).
- After the first use, store the pen in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 59 °F and 86 °F (15 °C to 30 °C).
- Pens that are in use should be discarded after 30 days, even if they still contain some medicine.
- Do not share your Saxenda® pen with others, even if the needle has been changed. This can lead to serious infections.
- If you are using the Saxenda® pen for the first time, consult your healthcare provider for instructions on how to inject it properly.
- The starting dosage is typically 0.6 mg per day for the first week, with weekly increases of 0.6 mg until the recommended dosage of 3 mg is reached.
- It is preferable to take Saxenda® at the same time every day, as this helps with consistency. Morning injections may also cause fewer gastrointestinal issues.
- To inject into the stomach area, pinch the excess abdominal skin and insert the needle fully into the skin fold at a 90-degree angle.
- After injecting, press and hold the dose button for about 6 seconds before removing the needle.
- Remember to carefully remove the needle from the pen after completing the injection.
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Interactions with other medicines
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used to aid weight loss. It is injected under the skin once daily. It is important to note that Saxenda may interact with other medications and certain conditions, which can impact its effectiveness and side effects.
- Medications for other conditions: Saxenda may interact with medications for conditions other than weight loss. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including non-prescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, coughs, hay fever, or sinus problems.
- Diabetes medications: Saxenda contains liraglutide, which is also an active ingredient in diabetes medications like Victoza. Do not use Saxenda with Victoza or other diabetes medications as they contain the same medicine. Additionally, Saxenda can impact blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients must closely monitor their blood sugar and consult their healthcare provider for dosing changes.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol while taking Saxenda may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider, and carefully follow their instructions regarding alcohol use while on Saxenda.
- Thyroid conditions: In animal studies, liraglutide has been linked to thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. If you have a personal or family history of thyroid problems, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), consult your healthcare provider before starting Saxenda.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The effects of Saxenda on pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are unknown. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Saxenda may potentially harm an unborn baby, so an effective form of birth control is recommended while taking this medication.
- Other conditions and medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including endocrine system conditions, insulin-dependent diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, and allergies. Additionally, disclose any medications you are taking, especially those that may interact with weight loss treatments or affect your blood sugar levels.
Remember, it is crucial to be transparent with your healthcare provider about your medical history, current medications, and any concerns you may have regarding potential interactions with Saxenda. They will provide specific instructions and guidelines based on your individual circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Saxenda is a prescription drug used to help with weight loss. It is FDA-approved and works by regulating the appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.
There is no evidence that Saxenda causes muscle loss. Saxenda is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) and not into a vein or muscle.
Saxenda can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Serious side effects include acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and allergic reactions.
Saxenda should not be used by people with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in the glands) or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
