Saxenda Injections - Weight Loss Treatment

Saxenda is an injectable treatment that is available via prescription only and is licensed for use as a weight loss therapy in the UK. It has been shown to be highly effective in aiding weight loss alongside a good healthy diet and increased physical activity. It can be used by patients with a BMI over 27 with certain medical conditions or by any patients with a BMI in excess of 30 for whom it is suitable. Liraglutide, the name of the ingredient within Saxenda, is similar to a hormone produced within the body. It helps to regulate your appetite and causes you to feel more full and less hungry, resulting in lower calorie consumption and ultimately weight loss.

What is Saxenda used for?

Saxenda is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It helps reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.

How should I use Saxenda?

Saxenda is administered once daily via a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. It's important to take the injection at the same time each day. Start with a low dose of 0.6mg and gradually increase the dose weekly until you reach the maintenance dose of 3.0mg.

What are common side effects of Saxenda?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and injection site reactions like bruising or redness. These usually subside after a few days or weeks. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and allergic reactions.

How long does it take for Saxenda to work?

You should begin to notice a reduction in appetite and increased feelings of fullness shortly after starting Saxenda. Significant weight loss is typically observed within 12 weeks if the treatment is combined with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.

Who should not use Saxenda?

Saxenda is not recommended for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), those with severe liver or kidney disease, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Can I travel with Saxenda?

Yes, but you need to keep Saxenda pens refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) until first use. After opening, they can be kept at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) for up to 30 days. Always carry the medication in a cooler with ice packs during travel and keep it in your carry-on luggage.

How do I store Saxenda?

Store unopened Saxenda pens in the fridge. Once in use, they can be kept in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 30 days. Do not freeze the medication, and keep it away from direct heat and sunlight.

Warnings for Saxenda

Do not use if any of the following apply to you:

• - If you have been diagnosed with Heart failure
• - If you suffer with kidney impairment
• - If you suffer with liver impairment
• - Have previously suffered with pancreatitis
• - Have a history of thyroid disease or a thyroid related condition
• - Have a history of a condition that affects your heart rate
• - Use any other liraglutide containing injection such as victoza for diabetes
• - If you or your family have ever suffered from multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• - If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients within saxenda listed below
• - If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Initially inject 0.6mg daily for one week. Then increase to 1.2mg daily for week 2. Continue to increase by a further 0.6mg weekly until you reach 3mg daily, this is the maximum daily dose. Initially the first pen will last 17 days and the first pack of 5 pens will last you 6 weeks. Once you have reached the maximum dose (3mg) daily a pack of 5 pens will last you 30 days. Saxenda must be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) and NOT into the muscle or the vein.

Ingredients contained within Saxenda injections:

• - Liraglutide
• - Disodium phosphate dihydrate
• - Propylene glycol
• - Phenol
• - Hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
• - Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
• - Water for injections

As with any medication Saxenda can cause side effects, the most common likely side effects are listed below:

• - Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation- all of these can occur initially when using Saxenda but generally subside after a few days or a week of use. If they do not subside or continue to worsen then stop using and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
• - Feeling weak or tired
• - Having trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• - Injection site reactions such as bruising
• - Dizziness
• - Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)- only likely to occur in patients who already suffer from type 2 diabetes but symptoms to be aware of can be seen.

Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are two very uncommon side effects that can be experienced with Saxenda but any patients experiencing these should discontinue treatment immediately and seek urgent medical attention. For a complete list of side effects please see the patient information leaflet included with the product.