Saxenda

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a weight loss injection you take daily. It contains liraglutide, which works by replicating the action of GLP-1, a hormone that helps to regulate your appetite.

Using the injections can help you lose weight by creating a calorie deficit. You usually start on the lowest dose, and then move up through the available strengths.

Who can use Saxenda?

Saxenda is suitable for anyone with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. It can also be used if your BMI is 27 and you have a weight-relation condition like diabetes or sleep apnea.

How well does Saxenda work?

A 56-week double-blind trial showed that when used in combination with increased exercise and an improved diet, Saxenda can effectively promote steady weight loss and improve blood sugar levels.^[1]

What is the active ingredient in Saxenda?

Saxenda pens contain a medication called liraglutide. It mimics the action of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that is released whenever you eat.

Liraglutide reduces the rate at which food empties from your stomach, which can help you feel fuller for longer. By wanting to eat less, you can reduce your calorie intake and steadily start to lose weight.

How often do I need to use Saxenda?

You use the pens daily. The injections are subcutaneous, which means they’re applied under your skin. You apply them to your stomach, upper leg or upper arm.

You usually increase the amount of Saxenda you take by 0.6mg each week.

How do Saxenda doses work?

You’ll start on the lowest dosage, which is 0.6mg. Each week, your Saxenda dose increased by 0.6mg. This usually continues until week five, where you reach the 3mg ‘maintenance’ dose.

You’ll continue to use the 3mg daily dose for the rest of the time you use Saxenda. This amount should help you steadily lose weight.

Why are Saxenda doses increased gradually?

Increasing the amount of Saxenda you take gradually gives your body time to adjust to the medication.

Raising your dose each week in this way is also thought to reduce the gastrointestinal (digestive) side effects Saxenda can sometimes cause.^[2]

How to use Saxenda

Saxenda is self-administered, and you’ll inject yourself once a day. Use a fresh needle each time you use your pen. The first time you use the pen, make sure you can see the ‘flow check’ symbol so you know the pen is working. It appears as a line with two dots.

Before using the pen, wash your hands. To apply each dose:

• remove the cap from the pen;
• select your daily dose from the counter;
• insert the needle into your skin and press the button;
• hold the button until the dose counter reads zero; and
• carefully remove the needle from your skin.

After each dose, take the needle off the end of the pen. Attach a fresh one each time you use your pen. For more specific guidance on how to use the pen, see the patient leaflet that comes with Saxenda. If you’re still unsure, you can ask your physician.