Saxenda (generic name: liraglutide) is an injectable prescription medicine often used in tandem with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to produce weight loss. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist). GLP-1RA works to increase insulin release from the pancreas, which regulates the appetite, leading to eating fewer calories. It is also included in the drug Victoza for diabetes. Saxenda can be prescribed for adults who are classified as overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), who also have weight-related medical problems, or as obese (BMI of 30 and above). It can also be prescribed for children between the ages of 12 and 17 with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) classified as obese (BMI = 30 and above). Dosage and instructions Saxenda comes in a prefilled self-inject pen. Needles are not included in the package and must be acquired separately. It is recommended to use 6mm depth needles. It can be taken at any convenient time, with or without food, but there should be at least 12 hours between doses. It is recommended to set a routine of injecting at the same time each day. Saxenda should be injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Avoid injecting into a vein or muscle. Don’t inject at the same place each day, but instead rotate between several sites. Doctors will prescribe the exact dosage schedule for individual patients. Usually, the patient will be instructed to start on the minimum daily dose (0.6mg), scaling up weekly to the full dose (3.0 mg) after four weeks.
Brand Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
Side Effects: Mild side effects include nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, and pain at the site of injection. Nausea tends to be strongest at the beginning of the treatment period and should subside over time. If these persist or worsen, consult a healthcare physician or pharmacist. Warning: In animal studies, it has been found that GLP-1RAs and similar drugs like liraglutide may cause thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. If there are any symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, these may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. People who have any personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or who have the endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not be taking Saxenda. Less frequently, Saxenda may cause serious side effects, including: Pancreatitis is caused by inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe pain in the stomach area that will not go away. It can also be accompanied by vomiting. Pain may spread from the abdomen to the back. If these symptoms are felt and persist, stop using Saxenda and call for support right away. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is possible if Saxenda is used along with other medicines that can reduce blood sugar levels, such as sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs of low blood sugar can include dizziness or light-headedness; sweating; confusion or drowsiness; headache; blurred vision; slurred speech; shakiness; accelerated heartbeat; anxiety, irritability or mood changes; hunger; weakness; or jitters. If these symptoms occur, you should immediately visit an emergency healthcare facility and tell them your medications. Saxenda can cause a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat. Get medical help right away if any of these symptoms appear. Some gallbladder problems have occurred. Report to a healthcare provider immediately if there are symptoms of gallbladder problems, such as pain in the upper abdomen, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools. Saxenda may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, leading to loss of fluids and dehydration. Dehydration can lead to kidney failure, even in people who have never had kidney problems before. While on Saxenda, drink plenty of fluids. Call a healthcare provider if nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea persist or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth. If there are any severe mood or behavior changes, especially thoughts of suicide, call a healthcare provider right away.
Indication: Saxenda is prescribed as a weight-loss medication for people who are overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), who have weight-related health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and people who are obese (BMI above 30). It can also be prescribed for teenagers over the age of 12 who are classified as obese (BMI above 30).
