Information about Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda is a prescription drug that contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It is primarily used for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol). Liraglutide works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss. Saxenda is administered via a subcutaneous injection.
Product Highlights
- Saxenda is indicated for weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).
- Saxenda is also approved for use in adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) and have at least one weight-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or dyslipidemia).
- In children aged 12 years and older with obesity, Saxenda can be prescribed as part of a weight management program.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Saxenda has been shown to help patients lose a significant amount of weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- As a GLP-1 agonist, liraglutide helps improve blood glucose control, which is beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Saxenda can help reduce the risk of developing conditions related to obesity, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
- By mimicking GLP-1, Saxenda helps decrease appetite, which makes it easier for individuals to follow a calorie-restricted diet.
- Saxenda is administered once daily via a subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Direction of Use
- Saxenda is given as a subcutaneous injection once daily, at any time of day, with or without food.
- The treatment typically begins with a lower dose (0.6 mg) and is gradually increased over several weeks to the target dose of 3.0 mg daily.
- It is administered via injection into the fatty tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients are advised to rotate injection sites to reduce discomfort or irritation.
- For optimal results, Saxenda should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which usually subside after a few days or weeks.
- Saxenda may elevate the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Patients should contact a healthcare provider if they experience persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- There is an increased risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones, in patients using Saxenda.
- Saxenda has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors in animal studies, although it has not been conclusively linked to thyroid cancer in humans. It should be used cautiously in patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.
- Dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects could potentially lead to kidney problems, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
- When used with other diabetes medications (such as insulin or sulfonylureas), Saxenda may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Avoid Saxenda (Liraglutide) If
- Saxenda should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Patients with severe gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastroparesis, should avoid Saxenda, as it may worsen symptoms.
- Saxenda should not be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis or those who have signs or symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
- Saxenda is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and should discontinue Saxenda if they become pregnant.
- Caution is required when using Saxenda in patients with severe kidney problems, as dehydration and other side effects may exacerbate kidney function issues.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
