Saxenda

Saxenda is a prescription weight loss treatment that comes in the form of a pre-filled injection pen. It belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, these medicines regulate your appetite.

It is used to aid weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It also helps to control your blood sugar levels.

Saxenda was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the 23rd March 2015. You can purchase Saxenda weight loss injections online at euroClinix after completing an online consultation for weight loss.

Saxenda works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced by the body and helps regulate your appetite.

How Saxenda works

Active ingredient

Saxenda contains the active ingredient Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Regulates appetite

Saxenda acts on appetite receptors in the brain to regulate appetite. This may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight.

Slows digestion

It slows down digestion, and delays stomach emptying. This makes you feel fuller and less hungry.

Blood sugar control

Saxenda increases insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose) levels.

This supports weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

There are many benefits of using this weight loss injection, including:

Suppresses appetite and reduces BMI

Saxenda helps to reduce hunger cravings, leading to eating less food. This helps patients to follow a low-calorie diet and achieve weight loss results.

Convenient dosing schedule

Saxenda is only injected once a day, making it easy to incorporate in your daily routine. It can also be injected in the morning or evening, depending on your schedule.

Pre-filled pen

Saxenda comes in a pre-filled injection pen with an adjustable dose. This means that you don’t need to mix or prepare the medicine before use.

Blood sugar control

Although Saxenda is not a diabetes treatment, it can improve blood sugar levels, which may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Helps maintain weight loss

Studies have shown that Saxenda helps maintain weight loss over the long term when used consistently.

Supports a healthy lifestyle

This medicine should be used together with a healthy diet and physical activity, which encourages a healthier lifestyle.

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that Saxenda is effective for people looking to lose weight.

In one clinical trial, 3,731 adults with a BMI of 30 or at least 27 with other health conditions, were assigned to either using Liraglutide (Saxenda) or a placebo for 56 weeks, alongside diet changes and exercise. The following results were observed:

• 85% of patients lost some weight
• 3 out of 5 patients (62%) lost around 5% of their body weight, compared to only 34% of patients taking the placebo
• 1 out of 3 patients (34%) lost more than 10% of their body weight, compared to 15% taking the placebo
• 6% of patients lost around 20% or more of their body weight, compared to 3% on the placebo

Saxenda was also useful in helping patients keep the weight off. In a study of people taking Saxenda for 3 years, the following was observed:

When combined with long-term lifestyle changes, Saxenda can be part of a sustainable weight loss plan.

Saxenda is suitable for adults looking to lose weight. To find out if this medicine is right for you, you must complete an online consultation with one of our registered doctors.

Who can use this medicine?

The Saxenda eligibility criteria includes people with:

• a BMI of 30kg/m² or above
• a BMI of 27kg/m² or above with at least one weight-related condition, such as pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnoea

Who should not take Saxenda?

You should not use Saxenda if you:

• are allergic to Liraglutide or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• have a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
• are pregnant or trying to conceive
• have severe heart failure
• are over 75 years old

You must consult a doctor first if you:

• experience heart palpitations
• have kidney disease, or are on dialysis
• have liver or pancreas problems
• have severe stomach or gut problems (e.g. delayed stomach emptying)
• have inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease)
• have diabetes (Saxenda should not be used as a replacement for insulin)
• have thyroid problems
• have a history of gallbladder problems or gallstones
• have a history of mental health problems
• are due to have surgery where you will be under anaesthesia
• are taking other treatments for weight management

If you have any other medical conditions not mentioned above, speak to your healthcare provider before using this medication.

Talk to your doctor if you have palpitations (you are aware of your heartbeat) or if you experience a racing heartbeat while at rest when using Saxenda.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Dosage

A Saxenda pen can deliver doses of 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg or 3mg. The starting dose is 0.6mg.

It is a daily injection, and the dose of Saxenda will increase each week until you reach the recommended daily maintenance dose of 3mg.

• Week 1 - inject 0.6mg once daily
• Week 2 - inject 1.2mg once daily
• Week 3 - inject 1.8mg once daily
• Week 4 - inject 2.4mg once daily
• Week 5 and onwards - inject 3mg once daily

There is a table in the patient information leaflet that will make these instructions easier to follow. Or, you can follow our guide below.

What does a Saxenda pen look like?

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the pen before injecting it, as there are several components.

See below for a diagram of a Saxenda pen:

How to use it

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure of how to use it, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you also read the patient information leaflet carefully before starting this medication as it contains more detailed information on how to administer it.

Saxenda must be injected daily at around the same time each day. You can inject it with or without food and drink.

Preparing your pen

Before injecting, you should prepare the pen by doing the following:

	1. Wash your hands and pull off the pen cap
	2. Check that the solution in your pen is clear, and not cloudy.
	3. Take a new needle and remove the paper tab.
	4. Push the needle onto the pen and turn it to tighten.
	5. Remove the outer needle cap and keep it aside for later. Then, remove the inner needle cap and throw it away.
	6. If you’re using a new pen, check the dose counter and turn it to the flow check symbol (past 0). Hold the pen with the needle facing upwards. Then press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. A drop of solution should appear at the needle tip. This ensures that the solution flows.
	7. Select your dose by turning the dose selector until the dose counter shows your dose. You are now ready to inject your dose.

Injecting your dose

To inject the medicine:

	1. Inject the needle into the upper arm, abdomen or the front of your thigh. You should rotate the injection site each time to prevent injection site reactions and lumps. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
	2. Make sure the dose counter is visible, then press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0.
	3. Once it shows 0, slowly count to 6 to ensure that you administer the entire dose.
	4. Remove the needle from your skin and release the dose button.
	5. On a flat surface, lead the needle tip into the outer needle cap without touching the needle. Then, unscrew the needle and discard it in your sharps bin.
	6. Put the pen cap on your pen after each use to protect this medicine from light.

When to use it

You can inject Saxenda at any time of the day however, it's best to choose a time that fits your routine and stick to it. This will also help you remember to inject the medicine.

How long do I use it for?

The duration of Saxenda use depends on your weight loss progress and your doctor’s advice.

You will start by gradually increasing your dose over four weeks to reduce the risk of side effects. However, if you don’t tolerate it well, your doctor may adjust your dose or stop the treatment.

By 12 weeks on the maintenance dose (3mg), you should have lost at least 5% of your initial body weight. If this is not the case, your doctor may discontinue treatment and talk to you about alternatives.

You should not inject more than 3mg of Saxenda each day. If you use more than you should, you may experience side effects.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to inject your daily dose of Saxenda, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if more than 12 hours have passed since your usual time, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual on the next day.

Do not take an extra dose of Saxenda or increase the dose on the following day to make up for the missed dose.

If you have not injected Saxenda for 3 days or more, get in contact with your doctor to talk about how to restart treatment.

Saxenda starts working in the body straight away and you may notice changes to your appetite within a few days. Some patients start to see weight loss results within the first 2 weeks of treatment; however, this varies from person to person. Weight loss results also depend on your exercise and adherence to diet.

Most patients notice weight loss once they reach the 3mg dose from week 5 onwards. By week 12, you should have lost at least 5% of your starting weight.

You must exercise and follow a healthy, reduced-calorie diet while on Saxenda to ensure you get the best results. Some lifestyle changes you can make include:

Eating a well-balanced diet

Make sure you practice portion control and mindful eating while taking this medicine. In your diet try to incorporate more:

• high-fibre grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta and bread
• foods high in lean protein like lentils, legumes, fish, and poultry
• leafy and starchy vegetables like spinach, rocket, carrots, and parsnips
• a wide variety of fruit, such as apples, berries, bananas, and oranges
• healthy oils and fats, such as those from nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils

Be more physically active

Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, this includes walking, cycling, or swimming.

Alternatively, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like jogging or skipping rope) each week.

Try to also incorporate some strength training at least 2 to 3 times per week to preserve muscle while losing weight.

Stay hydrated

When you first start treatment, you may experience side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Some foods to avoid while on Saxenda are those that are high in calories and don’t have a lot of nutritional benefits. This includes simple carbohydrates (e.g. white bread), greasy foods, pastries and cakes, fizzy drinks and fruit juices.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Side effects are possible with all prescription medications, including Saxenda. See below for possible side effects:

Common side effects

These adverse effects usually go away after a few days or weeks. This medicine may cause low blood sugar levels. Symptoms of this may include:

• a cold sweat
• cool pale skin
• a fast heartbeat
• feeling very hungry
• changes in vision
• feeling sleepy
• being nervous or anxious
• confusion
• difficulty concentrating and shaking

Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs.

Uncommon side effects

Rare side effects

If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention:

• reduced kidney function
• acute kidney failure (signs may include reduction in urine volume, a metallic taste in the mouth and easily bruising)
• a life-threatening allergic reaction (symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat, wheezing or coughing, trouble swallowing, pale or blue skin, lips, or tongue)

This is not a complete list of adverse effects of Saxenda, for the full list please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Some common side effects of this medicine can be managed at home. Find some helpful management tips below:

Nausea or vomiting

Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing this should help reduce the chances of nausea. You can also try to eat smaller meals instead of large ones, avoiding greasy, spicy, or rich foods and staying hydrated.

Heartburn and indigestion

To reduce heartburn, eat smaller portions and chew your food well. Avoid eating spicy, acidic, or fatty foods. Try to avoid lying down immediately after eating. If the changes don’t work, try antacids if approved by your doctor.

Bloating, wind and burping

Some things you can do to prevent these side effects include avoiding fizzy drinks, eating slowly, avoiding gulping air when drinking, and limiting gas-producing foods like beans and cabbage. Consider simethicone if recommended by your doctor.

Injection site reactions

Rotate your injection sites regularly to prevent irritation. Make sure to clean the site properly and use ice packs to reduce swelling or bruising.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, supplements, or natural health products as these may alter the effectiveness of Saxenda or vice versa. Avoid using Saxenda with other weight loss medicines, e.g. Ozempic, Rybelsus, Orlistat, Xenical or Mysimba.

Some interactions with Saxenda may include:

• sulfonylurea medicines for diabetes (taking this with Saxenda could cause your blood sugar level drops too low)
• insulin
• medications to reduce blood clots (e.g. warfarin)

Please note that this medicine may slow stomach emptying, which could affect the absorption of other oral medications. Speak to a healthcare professional if you are concerned about this.

This is not a complete list of interactions. For a full list, please refer to the BNF interaction checker.

For more information, refer to the safety information table below:

How to store

A new and unused Saxenda pen should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Once opened, you can keep it in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C. Do not freeze Saxenda pens and keep it away from the freezer compartment.

When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on to protect it from light. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the pen label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. You should discard opened pens after 30 days even if there is leftover medicine in the pen.

Dispose of needles in your sharps bin. Do not throw needles out in your household trash or recycling bin. Make sure to follow your local medical waste disposal regulations.

No, Saxenda is a prescription-only medication. It is only available to purchase if you have a valid prescription from a doctor or an online clinic. This is because this medicine can cause potentially dangerous side effects, so a doctor must ensure that the medication is safe and appropriate for you.

To order Saxenda online from euroClinix, follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK’s medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Saxenda at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

If this medicine is not right for you, we have other options available to treat high cholesterol. You can find these alternatives in the table below: