Uses
What is Saxenda used for?
Saxenda (liraglutide) is commonly used for long-term weight management in people who are obese or who are overweight with other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Saxenda may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Saxenda work (mechanism of action)?
Saxenda works by reducing appetite and slowing down the movement of food through your body.
How is Saxenda supplied (dosage forms)?
Saxenda is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) solution for injection, pre-filled pens that deliver doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg
How should I store Saxenda?
Before using Saxenda liquid injection, store in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Unused Saxenda can be stored until the expiration date.
Once you start using Saxenda, store it with the cap on the pen at room temperature between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) or in the refrigerator 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 30 days. Do not store Saxenda with the needle on it.
If you are storing Saxenda in the refrigerator, do not store the medicine next to the cooling element in the refrigerator.
Store in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects of Saxenda are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Headache
- Low blood sugar
- Upset stomach/indigestion
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Stomach flu
There may be other side effects of Saxenda that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Saxenda?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Saxenda are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Saxenda may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Saxenda and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Thyroid Tumors. Saxenda may cause you to develop thyroid tumors. Some of these tumors could be cancerous. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a thyroid tumor.
- Swelling or a lump in your neck
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
Pancreatitis. Saxenda may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Saxenda and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Saxenda can cause low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or other medicines that increase your insulin levels. Hypoglycemia can be serious and may lead to death. Your dose of insulin or other diabetes medicine may need to be lowered to decrease your risk of low blood sugar. Do not use Saxenda and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Saxenda. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Gallbladder Problems. Using Saxenda can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Fever
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Saxenda may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia). Saxenda may cause your heart rate to increase. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel like your heart is pounding or racing when you are not exerting yourself.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Saxenda. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Saxenda?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Saxenda.
- Liraglutide
- Saxenda
- Victoza
- Any other medicine that contains liraglutide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Saxenda.
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Saxenda should not be used if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your healthcare provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
Pregnancy. Do not take Saxenda if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare professional right away. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.
What should I know about Saxenda before using it?
Follow the Instructions for Use that come with your medicine when using Saxenda for the first time or when you have not used it in a while.
Do not use Saxenda unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Saxenda with other people, even if they have the same condition as you, and even if the needle has been changed. It may harm them.
Keep Saxenda out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Saxenda can affect your alertness or coordination by causing dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Saxenda affects you.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Use Saxenda on the same day each week, at any time of day.
Use a new needle for each injection.
Avoid using the same injection site each time you use Saxenda by rotating where you inject it.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Saxenda?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Saxenda is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your healthcare provider about any history of depression, other mental health conditions, or suicidal thoughts. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Stomach problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Pancreatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had pancreatitis. Your healthcare provider may choose another medicine for weight management.
Kidney Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, including long-term kidney failure, as this may worsen while using Saxenda.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Saxenda may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Saxenda, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Do not take Saxenda if you are pregnant. It is not known if or how Saxenda could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy, even if you are already overweight. You should stop Saxenda if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Saxenda passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Saxenda?
For more information about Saxenda, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.saxenda.com/ or call them at 888-809-3942.
Interactions
Does Saxenda interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Saxenda and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Saxenda. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Saxenda.
Does Saxenda interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Saxenda works by slowing down the movement of food through your body. Because of this, Saxenda may affect the absorption of some other medicines that you take by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Saxenda. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Saxenda?
If you or someone else has used too much Saxenda, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Saxenda?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
If it has been more than 3 days since your last Saxenda dose, call your healthcare provider to talk about how to restart your medicine.
Are you currently using Saxenda (liraglutide)?
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