Saxenda, with FDA approval for weight control, is an injectable prescription medicine that helps reduce and maintain body weight.
What is Saxenda and How it Works
SAXENDA is a medication used for chronic weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. It contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1. It regulates appetite and food intake by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which leads to increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger.
What is Differences of Saxenda from Other Weight Loss Drugs
SAXENDA is different from other weight loss drugs because it is specifically approved for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity. It targets multiple aspects of weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and slowing down gastric emptying. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Who are the Suitable Candidates for Saxenda?
SAXENDA is suitable for adults with overweight or obesity who have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia. It is not recommended for use in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or those with a history of pancreatitis.
What is the Dosage and Administration of Saxenda?
SAXENDA is administered subcutaneously once daily in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm at any time of day without regard to the timing of meals. The recommended starting dose is 0.6 mg per day for one week, followed by an increase to 1.2 mg per day, and then to 1.8 mg per day. The maintenance dose is 3 mg per day, which is achieved after 5 weeks. It’s important to follow the dosing instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended dose.
What are the Side Effects with Saxenda?
Common side effects of SAXENDA include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, low blood sugar, headache, and decreased appetite. Long-term use may increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rats but this has not been established in humans yet. Serious side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and thyroid tumors. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about using SAXENDA and its potential side effects.
Is it safe to use SAXENDA for long-term weight management?
SAXENDA has been approved for long-term use by the FDA and is specifically designed for adults with overweight or obesity who have struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. However, as with any medication, there may be risks associated with long-term use. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using SAXENDA for long-term weight management.
Taking Saxenda with Other Medications
SAXENDA should not be coadministered with other liraglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist. It’s important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal preparations, before starting treatment with SAXENDA. Your doctor can help determine if SAXENDA is safe and appropriate for you to use in combination with other medications.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA in pregnant women have not been established. It is also not known whether liraglutide, the active ingredient in SAXENDA, is excreted in human milk. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using SAXENDA.
How often should I take SAXENDA?
SAXENDA should be taken once daily at any time of the day, with or without food. It is important to take SAXENDA as directed by your doctor and not to exceed the recommended dose.
Is SAXENDA a prescription-only medicine?
According to Cap. 138 Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, it is a prescription medication that is only available through a doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking SAXENDA?
Alcohol consumption should be limited while taking SAXENDA. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and may also decrease the effectiveness of SAXENDA for weight loss. It is important to talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and any potential risks before starting treatment with SAXENDA.
Can I stop taking SAXENDA if I don’t see results?
It is important to continue taking SAXENDA as directed by your doctor, even if you do not see immediate results. It may take several weeks to see significant weight loss, and stopping treatment prematurely may affect the effectiveness of the medication. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of SAXENDA, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Can I reuse needles or pens for SAXENDA injections?
No, needles and pens should not be reused for SAXENDA injections. It is important to use a new needle and a new pen for each injection to prevent infection or contamination. Used needles and pens should be disposed of in a sharps container and not placed in regular household trash.
Can I use SAXENDA for weight loss if I do not have a BMI of 30 or greater?
SAXENDA is approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia. It is not recommended for use in individuals with a lower BMI, and there may be other weight loss options that are more appropriate. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals and any potential treatment options.
Please consult with your doctor before taking Saxenda.