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General Medication Fact Sheet for Saxenda
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Saxenda |
| Generic Name | Liraglutide |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. |
| Purpose | Chronic weight management in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. |
| Mechanism of Action | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that increases insulin release, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. |
| Dosage Forms | Subcutaneous injection (pre-filled pen) |
| Available Strengths | 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, increased heart rate |
| Serious Side Effects | Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions. |
| Drug Interactions | Insulin, sulfonylureas, other medications affecting blood sugar levels. |
| Important Notes | Use with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Monitor for signs of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. |
| Storage | Store unopened pens in the refrigerator. Once opened, pens can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Protect from light. |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if it is within the same day. If you have skipped a dose and more than a day has passed, just skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), Xenical (orlistat) |
Saxenda Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection. Also indicated for chronic weight management. |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes but also results in weight loss. Administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection. |
| Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) | Combines an opioid antagonist and an antidepressant | Affects areas of the brain involved in appetite and reward. |
| Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) | Combines a sympathomimetic amine and an anticonvulsant | Suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness. |
| Xenical (orlistat) | Lipase inhibitor | Reduces the absorption of fat from the diet. |
Saxenda Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Pancreatitis |
| Vomiting | Gallbladder disease |
| Diarrhea | Kidney problems |
| Constipation | Increased heart rate |
| Headache | Suicidal thoughts |
| Injection site reactions | Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
Saxenda Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic Weight Management (Adults) | 0.6 mg daily | 3.0 mg daily (titrated weekly in 0.6 mg increments) | Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. |
| Chronic Weight Management (Pediatric Patients 12+) | 0.6 mg daily | 3.0 mg daily or until maximum tolerated dose (titrated weekly in 0.6 mg increments) | Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. |
Saxenda Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $100 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $1800 |
| From CPS | $515 |
