Saxenda
Weight Loss
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Saxenda
Weight Loss
Medication features
Saxenda is an effective treatment that can result in long-term weight loss. Each weight loss injection pen suppresses your appetite and reduces food cravings, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
- Once a day injectable weight loss medicine
- Suppresses appetite and reduces cravings
- Needles & sharps bins can be purchased through Pharmacy Online
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Buy Saxenda Injection Pen Online
Saxenda weight loss injections can be prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30. It can also be used for people with a BMI over 27 who have also been diagnosed with weight-related health problems. These include:
- Pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
When to Use Saxenda?
Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a prescription medication for chronic weight management. It can be used to ensure weight loss for people with a BMI of 30 or over, but adults with a BMI over 27 are eligible for treatment if they have a weight-related medical condition.
As any doctor will tell you, Saxenda isn't a miracle weight loss product and won't magically support weight loss. Instead, you'll need to cut calories and get plenty of exercise.
Age Restrictions
While Saxenda is mostly suitable for adults, doctors might prescribe it when a child is struggling with obesity. Children between 12-17 with obesity can lose weight with Saxenda and approach adulthood with a healthier lifestyle.
People over 75 should also avoid Saxenda, as it has not been tested to ensure its safety for older individuals.
How to Use Saxenda?
Saxenda comes as an injectable pen. The Saxenda weight loss pen is injected once daily subcutaneously. The usual injection sites are the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen.
The starting dose is a daily injection of 0.6mg. This dose is increased at intervals of usually 1 week until a maintenance dose of 3.0mg once daily is reached. An example schedule is shown below:
- Week 1 - 0.6mg dose once daily
- Week 2 - 1.2mg dose once daily
- Week 3 - 1.8mg dose once daily
- Week 4 - 2.4mg dose once daily
- Week 5 - 3.0mg dose once daily, continuing
The dose of Saxenda is gradually increased in 1-week intervals to reduce the chances of stomach discomfort and side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you increase the dose and find the side effects problematic for two weeks or more, you should discuss this medical treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.
When to Avoid Using Saxenda?
Do not use Saxenda for weight loss if you or anyone in your family has a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Also, do not take this medicine if you've ever had any serious allergic reactions to medicine before.
Some medicines can interact badly with Saxenda, so consult a health professional before taking Saxenda if you also take:
- Anticoagulants, e.g. blood-thinning medicine
- Anti-diabetic medicine
- GLP 1 receptor agonists
Precautions
You should also let your doctor or pharmacist know if you've ever suffered from kidney, liver and thyroid problems, as the injections can cause interactions. People with a history of heart disease or pancreatitis should also seek medical advice.
Ingredients
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. Liraglutide is similar to a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This appetite hormone helps regulate hunger and is released by the intestines after a meal.
Due to its similarity to GLP-1, Saxenda regulates appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. This can lead to eating fewer calories, which can help you lose weight.
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda contains the ingredient Liraglutide, which works like a natural substance found in the body called GLP-1, helping regulate blood sugar after eating.
By mimicking this naturally occurring hormone, Saxenda helps the brain acknowledge that the body is full after we’ve eaten less food (consuming fewer calories) than we normally would. Essentially, Saxenda can help you reduce the number of calories you eat, which can reduce your body weight as a result.
FAQ
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda contains the ingredient Liraglutide, which works like a natural substance found in the body called GLP-1, helping regulate blood sugar after eating.
By mimicking this naturally occurring hormone, Saxenda helps the brain acknowledge that the body is full after we’ve eaten less food (consuming fewer calories) than we normally would. Essentially, Saxenda can help you reduce the number of calories you eat, which can reduce your body weight as a result.
How much weight can you lose on Saxenda?
In weight loss trials, 3,731 participants lost an average of 8% of their body weight over a 56-week trial taking Saxenda. The same study also showed that 92% of participants lost weight when Saxenda was used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
How long can you stay on Saxenda injections?
Your doctor should regularly review the duration of your Saxenda treatment. It should be stopped if, after 12 weeks on the 3.0mg daily dose, you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight.
How do I use the Saxenda pen?
Saxenda is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection). The best places to inject are the front of the waist or the front of the thighs. It is important not to inject Saxenda into a vein or a muscle.
You can view the video on how to administer Saxenda here.
How long will one Saxenda pen last?
The first prefilled pen will last you 17 days, the second 8.5 days, the third 6.5 days, and the fourth and remaining pens will last you 6 days.
How should I store Saxenda pens?
Store new, unused Saxenda pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). After using it for the first time, store it in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Saxenda pens in use should be thrown away after 30 days, even if they still have medicine left in them. It is important that you don’t freeze Saxenda. Saxenda that has been frozen must not be used.
Can I reuse needles with the Saxenda pen?
No, you should never use the needle more than once. You should use a needle every time you take a new dose. Using the same needle can increase the risk of infection and pain.
After each use, the needle becomes more and more blunt, meaning injecting more than once can cause injury to the area in which you are injecting.
Who shouldn't take Saxenda?
Do not use Saxenda for weight loss if you or anyone in your family has a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Also, do not take this medicine if you've ever had any serious allergic reactions to medicine before.
Some medicines can interact badly with Saxenda, so consult a health professional before taking Saxenda if you also take:
- Anticoagulants e.g. blood thinning medicine
- Anti-diabetic medicine
- GLP 1 receptor agonists
Also, let your doctor or health professional be aware:
- If you've ever had heart failure
- Are over 75
- If you've ever had thyroid disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, or pancreatitis
What is my BMI?
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) can be determined by calculating your height and initial body weight using a BMI calculator like the one on the NHS website.
Click Here to find out what your BMI is by using this simple calculator.
Can Saxenda be used alongside other weight-loss medications?
No, you should never combine Saxenda with other weight loss treatments, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Combining medications can lead to serious side effects. If you're taking other medicines, please inform your doctor and follow their advice.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Saxenda?
If you miss a dose of Saxenda, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
Does Saxenda interact with any other medications?
Yes, it can interact with other diabetes medicines, such as insulin. Remember to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you use to ensure that Saxenda is safe.
Can I drink alcohol while using Saxenda?
While you might be able to use alcohol in moderation, it's best to limit your consumption to ensure there are no side effects.
It's important to be honest about your alcohol usage to ensure that Saxenda is suitable for you.
Is Saxenda suitable for long-term weight management?
Saxenda can be beneficial as a long-term treatment, but you'll still need to factor in regular exercise and reduce your calorie intake.
Side Effects
Side Effects
As with all medications, there is always a risk of side effects. Some may be quite mild and can subside over time. Other side effects can be more serious, and you should report to your GP right away if you experience any serious side effects.
Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects from using Saxenda.
Common side effects of Saxenda may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation.
These should subside after a few days or weeks.
Other common side effects of Saxenda injection include:
- Feeling weak or tired
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Injection site reactions such as bruising, pain or a rash
Another side effect of Saxenda can be hypoglycaemia. This is the medical name for low blood sugar. This is more likely to be a side effect for patients who have type-2 diabetes but can happen in other patients.
The signs of low blood sugar are:
- Cold sweat
- Pale skin
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling sleepy or weak
- Feeling nervous and having difficulty concentrating, among other symptoms.
Serious Side Effects
Pancreatitis - This is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Symptoms include severe, persistent pain in the abdomen and nausea and vomiting. Stop using Saxenda and contact your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms.
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential to read the patient information leaflet.
