What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an effective weight loss treatment containing the active ingredient liraglutide. It mimics a hormone your body releases after eating a meal. It’s a subcutaneous injection pen you administer just under the skin (not into a vein). You’ll inject it once a day, starting off on a low dose and gradually increasing it over the first five weeks.

Saxenda is suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea).

How does Saxenda work?

Saxenda basically works by convincing you that you’re full. The active ingredient in Saxenda mimics the naturally occurring substance in the body that’s released after having a large meal called GLP-1. It interacts with receptors in the brain that relate to appetite, controlling hunger and making you feel fuller. This helps you to eat less, and in turn lose weight.

How well does Saxenda work?

Saxenda has performed well in clinical studies, and proven to be an effective weight loss medication. In one analysis, people using it for four or more months lost 6.3% of body weight, and people using it for six or more months lost 7.1%.^[1] A meta-analysis also found that patients using Saxenda in conjunction with diet and physical activity achieved between 5 and 10% weight loss compared with placebo.^[2]

As effective as Saxenda has shown to be, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly for it to work at its best.

How to use Saxenda

You can inject Saxenda at any time of the day, but try to do it at the same time each day. Choose a time that’s easy to remember (for example, with breakfast). It can be taken with or without food.

Preparation:

1. Pull off the pen cap and check that the solution in your pen is clear and colorless.
2. Take a new needle and attach it to the pen (always use a new needle for each injection).
3. Push the needle on straight and turn it until it’s on tight.
4. Remove the outer needle cap and keep it. You will need it later. Throw the inner needle cap away.

Check the flow (first use of each new pen only):

1. You only need to check the flow the first time you use a new pen.
2. Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol.
3. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. A drop of Saxenda should appear at the needle tip. If no drop appears, repeat up to six times. If there is still no drop, do not use the pen.

Using the pen:

1. Turn the dose selector to the correct dose prescribed by your doctor.
2. Insert the needle into your skin (front of your waist, front of your thigh, or upper arm).
3. Press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0. You may hear or feel a click.
4. Keep the dose button pressed and keep the needle in your skin. Count slowly to 6.
5. Remove the needle from your skin.

After injecting:

1. Carefully slip the needle tip into the outer needle cap without touching the needle.
2. Once the needle is covered, carefully push the outer needle cap completely on.
3. Unscrew the needle and dispose of it carefully in a sharps container.
4. Put the pen cap back on.

For more detailed instructions, check the patient medication information leaflet that comes with your prescription.

What dose do I use?

You’ll start with the lowest dose, 0.6 mg, which you’ll use for the first week. Each week, the dose will increase by 0.6 mg, as follows:

• Week 2 – 1.2 mg
• Week 3 – 1.8 mg
• Week 4 – 2.4 mg
• Week 5 – 3.0 mg

Once you reach week 5, you’ll continue to use the 3.0 mg maintenance dose until the end of your treatment. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress.

How long does one pen last?

It depends on which stage of dosing you’re at. One pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide.

• Your first pen will last 17 days.
• Your second pen will last 8 days.
• Once you are on the 3.0 mg maintenance dose, each
• subsequent pen will last 6 days.

What if I take too much Saxenda?

If you take too much Saxenda, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You might experience nausea, vomiting, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

What to do about Saxenda missed doses

If you miss a dose and it’s been less than 12 hours since you usually take it, inject it as soon as you remember. If it’s been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

Never take a double dose of Saxenda to make up for a missed one.