Saxenda (liraglutide) is one of eightFDA-approved drugs used for weight management.
Saxenda is administered via injection with the Saxenda pen and works by decreasing hunger and appetite.
It also covers the potential side effects and safety concerns to be aware of.
Hero Images / Getty Images
What Is Saxenda (Liraglutide)?
Liraglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
Another drug in this class includes Byetta (exenatide).
It can be administered into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Both the injection site and the timing of the injection can be changed without having to adjust the dose.
With Saxenda, the timing of meals does not matter.
In other words, you are free to take Saxenda any time you would likebut only once per day.
Saxenda must not be injected intravenously (into a vein), or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Your healthcare provider should deliver the first injection in-office and show you how to do it properly.
It’s also important to read the Saxenda “Instructions for Use Guide” that comes with the pen.
To administer Saxenda:
Using an injector for the first time can feel a little intimidating.
If you feel nervous or want extra instruction, don’t hesitate to give your healthcare provider a call.
you’re able to also watch a video tutorial on theSaxenda website.
How Should Saxenda Be Stored?
How Effective Is Saxenda?
Three clinical trials have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Saxenda.
These trials enrolled approximately 4,800 people with obesity or overweight in total.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
Who Should Use Saxenda?
It is not meant to replace diet and exercise.
But, Saxenda does come with several safety warnings:
Saxenda isn’t right for everyone.
During Saxenda clinical trials, 17 out of 2,379 people using Saxenda developed breast cancer.
In a separate trial, eight out of 3,291 people using Saxenda developed thyroid cancer.
The rate of discontinuation among GLP-1 RAs is high compared to other diabetes medications.
Considering the importance of treatment adherence, researchers want to understand why.
If you experience uncomfortable side effects while taking Saxenda, tell your healthcare provider.
Summary
Saxenda is one of eight FDA-approved medications for weight management.
It is administered via a daily injection that can be taken with or without meals.
Alruwaili H, Dehestani B, le Roux C.Clinical impact of liraglutide as a treatment of obesity.Clin Pharmacol.
2021 Mar;13(1):5360. doi:10.2147/CPAA.S276085
Saxenda.Using the Saxenda Pen.
Saxenda.Weight loss with Saxenda.
2015 Jul;373(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
Saxenda.Highlights of prescribing information.
2023 Dec;29(12).
