Saxenda/ml Fertigpen

Saxenda contains liraglutide at a higher dose than the diabetes formulation (Victoza), specifically developed for chronic weight management. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide reduces appetite and increases satiety by acting on the hypothalamus, and slows gastric emptying. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity.

How to Use Saxenda

Inject Saxenda (liraglutide) subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, independent of meals. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose to avoid skin changes at any one location.

The dose is increased gradually over five weeks, starting at 0.6 mg daily and increasing by 0.6 mg per week until reaching the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. This step-up approach significantly reduces gastrointestinal side effects. If a dose is missed and more than 12 hours have passed since the scheduled time, skip it and inject the next dose at the usual time the following day.

Week 1: 0.6 mg daily. Week 2: 1.2 mg. Week 3: 1.8 mg. Week 4: 2.4 mg. Week 5 onwards: 3.0 mg daily. If the 3.0 mg dose is not tolerated, discontinue.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea (most common, especially during dose increases)
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, or mild pain)

Nausea typically improves after the first few weeks of each dose level. Eating smaller portions and avoiding fatty or spicy foods can help. Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis (severe persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back). Stop using Saxenda and seek medical attention immediately if you experience this.

Not for use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Monitor for pancreatitis. Discontinue if 5% weight loss is not achieved after 12 weeks on the full dose.

Contraindicated in personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and known hypersensitivity to liraglutide.