Saxenda (Liraglutide)

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and is also used to promote weight loss. '.

If you think Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Saxenda Weight Loss Injection

Saxenda is a once daily injectable medication that is used to help people lose weight. The active ingredient in Saxenda injections is Liraglutide (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Studies have shown that Saxenda can help people lose more weight than if they were dieting alone and it is most effective when following a reduced calorie, low fat diet as part of a proper weight management plan. This weight loss drug is intended for adults over the age of 18 with excess weight (BMI ≥27) and obesity (body mass index ≥30) or weight related problems.

Saxenda treatment is not indicated for high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It is also not a treatment for diabetes (Drugs.com, 2023)

Video: A Guide to Saxenda

UK Meds have created a video guide to explain what Saxenda is. You can watch it on TikTok.

Is Saxenda effective?

Saxenda has been tested for promotion of a patient's weight loss journey and showed that 3,731 participants lost an average of 8% of their body weight over a 56-week clinical trial, demonstrating it's effectiveness as a significant weight loss drug (Trenson et al, 2021). Saxenda patients lose weight more effectively when Saxenda is used in conjunction with diet and exercise (Wharton et al, 2019).

A Guide To How to Lose Weight

Learn more about forming healthy lifestyle and diet habits that can help you to lose weight more effectively when using this treatment.

Saxenda and Your Diet

Saxenda is effective for weight loss only when combined with healthy eating and lifestyle choices.

To boost your weight loss with the treatment, avoid foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes.

How much weight can you lose by using Saxenda weight loss injection pens?

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of Saxenda weight loss pen, claim that 3 out of 5 users had considerable weight loss of at least 5% (meaning an average of 12lb).

How does Saxenda work?

Saxenda is a GLP 1 medication that contains the active ingredient Liraglutide, this works in the same way as a natural substance found in the body called GLP-1, which helps to regulate blood sugar after eating (ScienceDirect, 2024). By mimicking this hormone, Saxenda helps the brain to acknowledge that the body is full after we've eaten less food (consuming less calories) than we normally would (Novomedlink, 2024). Essentially, Saxenda can help you to reduce the number of calories you eat which reduces your initial body weight as a result.

Each weight loss patient has a unique individual experience when taking Saxenda injections as a treatment prescribed by their doctor for their weight loss journey.

Saxenda Reviews

Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Saxenda and it's impact on patients weight loss journeys on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Saxenda reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Saxenda. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Saxenda weight loss injections are the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. The importance of user reviews should not be understated. Reading reviews and patient experiences can provide you with important advice and information that you may not have known, and can inform you on whether or not to start using Saxenda. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

Check out some independent Saxenda user reviews and Saxenda user experiences below:

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Saxenda patient information leaflet.

How are Saxenda weight loss injections used?

A pen will last approximately six days, once the 3 mg maintenance dose is started.

Saxenda comes in a 3ml pre-filled weight loss injection pen, containing 18mg of the medication. Each pen is supplied with the right number of needles needed for injecting.

It is administered through a simple injection once a day and is designed for self-injection.

Saxenda can be injected with or without food but it is important that you take it at the same time each day; you may find it easier to remember to do this if you take it alongside a meal, such as breakfast. The needle can be injected into the abdomen, thigh and upper arm, however, you can change the site of the injection if you feel uncomfortable; do not inject it into a vein or into muscle.

Understanding The Saxenda Weight Loss Cycle & Stages Of Saxenda Usage

If you're interested in learning more about the stages of Saxenda usage including initiation, through to maintenance and discontinuation, take a look at our guide to understanding the Saxenda weight loss cycle.

How do I inject Saxenda?

Saxenda is an injection pen which is taken under the skin, referred to medically as a subcutaneous injection.

Where should I inject Saxenda?

Typically the best place on your body to take a Saxenda injection is an area with more fat, such as on your upper leg (thigh), stomach abdomen) or on your upper arm.

Video: Saxenda Pen Instructions

You can view the video on how to administer a Saxenda weight loss injection in the video below:

How long should I use Saxenda for?

Your doctor or healthcare provider should periodically check the course of the treatment. Treatment in adult patients should be stopped after 12 weeks if at least 5% of initial body-weight has not been lost (EMA, 2024).

How long does one pen last?

Your starter pack of three pens will last 30 days, allowing you to gradually increase your dosage to the 3mg maximum dose.

The duration each pen will last during the first month, following the recommended dosage increase, should be:

• Pen 1: 17 days
• Pen 2: 7 days
• Pen 3: 6 days

Once you reach the 3mg daily dose, each pen will last 6 days. So, five Saxenda pens will cover 30 days (about one month).

How is Saxenda stored?

Between uses, store your new, unused pens in the fridge at 2°C to 8°C and ensure they are used before the expiry date shown on the pack; do not store Saxenda in the freezer. When you aren't using the pen, keep the cap on to avoid light from damaging the solution.

What dosage of Saxenda should I take?

When you first use Saxenda, you will start on a low dose and slowly increase this over the first five weeks to the maximum effective dose. A typical dosing regimen can follow the below:

Source: saxenda.com

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Saxenda and remember within 12 hours of your usual time, inject it as soon as you remember.

If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and inject your next one at the usual time.

Never use a double dose or increase the dose the next day to make up for the missed dose.

Can I use Saxenda if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Stop Saxenda usage one month before trying to conceive. Ideally, aim to reach a weight you're happy with before trying. A BMI of 30 or less can increase your chances of becoming pregnant and having a successful outcome.

Do not use Saxenda during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Weight loss during pregnancy is not beneficial. A minimum weight gain, with no weight loss, is recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, due to the necessary weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy.

Can I use Saxenda after having a baby?

Wait at least 3 months after delivery or a C-section before starting Saxenda, as your body goes through many physical and psychological changes. To fully benefit from Saxenda, it's better to start when your body is more stable and you have time to implement lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight and maintain it long-term.

Can you take Saxenda abroad?

When travelling abroad with Saxenda:

• Keep the pens in your hand-held carry-on bag.
• Do not place them in the hold luggage due to temperature variations.
• Check with your airline about travelling with medicines.
• Transport the pens in a cooling sleeve, bag, or wallet.
• While abroad, store the pens in the fridge at your hotel or apartment, or in your cooling bag.
• Continue with a healthy eating plan on holiday, and be mindful of your food choices.

UK Meds spoke with Dr. Ocha Onazi to get answers to the common questions you’ve asked us about the weight loss treatment, Saxenda (Liraglutide).

Below we've answered some of the most common question weight loss patients ask us about Saxenda:

Saxenda FAQs - Google Web Story

UK Meds have created a Google Web Story to answer the frequently asked questions about the weight loss treatment injection, Saxenda (Liraglutide), which you can view below:

Does Saxenda cause hair loss?

No. Clinical trials of Saxenda use havent shown that Saxenda causes hair loss, although the overall process of weight loss may contribute to hair loss. Always contact your doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible if you notice hair loss whilst using the treatment as they will be able to identify the most likley cause and provide a suitable means for how to manage it (Medical News Today, 2023).

Does Saxenda make you tired?

Yes. Saxenda has the potential to make you feel tired and fatigued.

If you stop using Saxenda Injections, do you regain weight?

Yes you could experience weight gain. If you stop using Saxenda, it is possible that you could regain weight that was lost during treatment with the medication (Drugs.com, 2022). A good diet and exercise routine is key to long term healthy weight management, your doctor or healthcare provider will be able to create a suitable plan for you to achieve sustainable weight loss or weight management with a healthier lifestyle change.

Is Saxenda the same as Ozempic?

No, Saxenda and Ozempic are not the same. Saxenda is a licensed weight loss treatment in the UK, whereas Ozempic is a licensed treatment for Type 2 Diabetes mellitus in the UK (GOV.UK, 2023). Furthermore, the active ingredients in the two medications are different; Saxenda contains Liraglutide, whereas, Ozempic contains Semaglutide.

Can you take Orlistat and Saxenda together?

Orlistat and Saxenda are both weight loss medications that can interact with each other, therefore consultation with your doctor should always take place prior to starting treatment.

How long will a Saxenda pen last for?

How long a Saxenda pen lasts is dependant on which stage of treatment you're currently at. Your first Saxenda pen typically lasts around 2 weeks. When your dosage increases a Saxenda injection pen will last around 6 days typically.

Why am I gaining weight on Saxenda?

Taking Saxenda on its own, without eating fewer calories or doing more exercise, might cause someone to gain weight, even though they are using it to lose weight. Saxenda works best when it’s part of a proper plan that includes eating healthier and being more active.

Before starting Saxenda, it’s really important to talk to your doctor. If you're worried about any health problems, speak to them as soon as possible to make sure it's the right choice for you.

Why am I still hungry on Saxenda?

Your diet can play a key role in how hungry you feel whilst using Saxenda; a well-balanced diet including fibre, healthy fats and lean protein can help to reduce cravings.

What happens if you use expired Saxenda?

If used past it's expiry date, Saxenda may lose its potency and could potentially be harmful, as the integrity of the medication cannot be guaranteed once it is past its expiry date.

Can Saxenda cause low blood sugar?

Saxenda has the potential to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in type 2 diabetics taking medication to treat their condition, therefore, it is vital to ensure that you have consulted with your doctor prior to starting treatment with Saxenda to ensure that it is safe for your individual needs.

Can you drink alcohol on Saxenda?

No, drinking alcohol should be avoided when you are using Saxenda as a treatment. For diabetic patients, alcohol can affect blood glucose levels. You should always consult your doctor and refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication, prior to starting treatment with Saxenda to be aware of it's potential interactions.

Where to buy Saxenda in the UK?

You can find Saxenda for sale in various quantities from UK Meds (the nation's trusted online clinic and one of the cheapest places to buy Saxenda in the UK). Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a GMC registered doctor.

Do I need a prescription to buy Saxenda?

Yes, you need a prescription to buy Saxenda. You can obtain this from your doctor and provide it to us, or alternatively, you can complete our quick and convenient online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a GMC registered doctor.

Where is the cheapest place to buy Saxenda?

The cheapest place to buy Saxenda medication will vary. However, cheap prices don't always mean the best quality. You should also be wary of buying Saxenda without a prescription online. At UK Meds you can be sure that you are receiving the authentic Saxenda liraglutide injection pen at a great price. You can also get your prescription online from UK Meds quickly and conveniently by completing our free online consultation. Once approved by a registered independent prescriber, you will be given a free private prescription that allows you to complete your purchase. This guarantees its safety, as well as great value.

Where can I purchase Saxenda for the lowest price?

Buy Saxenda Online

We continuously compare costs with all UK Saxenda providers online. We consistently rank among the most affordable Saxenda pen suppliers in the UK, and we aim to match any lower-priced service we come across where we can.

Are there any alternatives to Saxenda?

Perhaps the best alternatives to Saxenda are the prescription medicines for weight loss called 'Wegovy' and 'Mounjaro'. Similarly to Saxenda, Wegovy and Mounjaro are injectable and can help people to lose weight if used correctly, alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet. Wegovy should not be confused with Ozempic, which has the same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide) but is only licensed in the UK to treat people in managing their blood sugar levels / blood glucose levels due to suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Saxenda, Ozempic and Wegovy are all manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly.

Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?

Yes, you can switch from Saxenda to Wegovy with the support and regular monitoring by your doctor or regular healthcare provider.

• Saxenda - About Saxenda
• Drugs.com - Saxenda
• WebMD - Saxenda Subcutaneous
• Medicines.org.uk - Saxenda SMPC
• EMA - Saxenda
• NICE - Liraglutide for managing overweight and obesity
• BNF - Liraglutide
• ScienceDirect - Liraglutide
• NHS - Obesity Treatment
• GOV.UK - November 2023-DSU
• Mayo Clinic - Liraglutide

• Saxenda FAQs - Google Web Story
• Saxenda Shortage UK: Why Is There a Shortage of Saxenda?
• Your Questions About Saxenda Answered By A Doctor
• How Much Does Saxenda Cost in the UK?
• How to Lose Weight
• Am I Fat? Quiz