Saxenda® comes in an injectable pen form. The initial dose is typically 0.6 mg per day, to be increased weekly by 0.6 mg until the recommended daily dose of 3.0 mg is reached.
This titration schedule helps to minimize potential digestive side effects like nausea and diarrhea. If these side effects become too bothersome or don’t disappear with time, the dosage may need to be adjusted.
Inject Saxenda® under the skin (subcutaneously) in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
Ensure to rotate injection sites with each dose. Do not use the same site for consecutive injections. It can be taken at any time, with or without food.
The pen contains a maximum of 3mg of Saxenda®. Each pen lasts for 15-30 days, depending on the daily dosage. Never adjust your dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Make sure you use the medication as directed by your doctor, and maintain regular follow-ups to assess your progress, side effects, or any signs of health concerns.
Saxenda® is an effective weight loss medication, but it’s not usually combined with other weight loss drugs.
Combining weight loss drugs can increase the risk of side effects and may not necessarily lead to additional weight loss. In some cases, there could also be drug interactions which could be harmful, especially if the other medication affects similar body systems or has similar side effects.
For instance, combining Saxenda®, which reduces appetite, with another appetite suppressant could result in an excessive loss of appetite, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Before starting any new medication — including over-the-counter drugs or supplements — it’s essential to share your complete medical history and current medication list with your healthcare provider.
If you are not achieving the desired weight loss with Saxenda® alone, consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting the Saxenda® dosage or implementing additional dietary and lifestyle changes.
In certain cases, a different weight loss medication altogether may be considered. A healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable, safe, and effective approach based on personal health history and weight loss goals.
The effects of Saxenda® can usually be noticed within the first two weeks of treatment. However, the time it takes to see weight-loss results can vary depending on factors like initial weight, diet, physical activity level, and individual response to the medication.
Consistency and adherence to a balanced diet and regular exercise play major roles in achieving weight loss results. Nausea and loss of appetite are common initial side effects that can contribute to weight loss in the first few weeks.
During clinical trials, patients who took Saxenda® lost an average of 4-5% of their initial body weight within the first 16 weeks. Remember that a 5% weight loss is considered clinically significant and can lead to substantial health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
It’s important to remember that medication alone can’t lead to sustainable weight loss. A combination of Saxenda®, a reduced-calorie diet, and regular physical activity can yield desirable weight loss results. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider will ensure the appropriate continuation or adjustment of treatment.
The long-term effects of taking Saxenda® are still being studied. So far, there’s some evidence that long-term use of Saxenda® can result in significant and sustained weight loss.
Common side effects like gastrointestinal issues (nausea, constipation, and diarrhea) can persist with long-term use but tends to decrease over time. Gallstones are a possible long-term side effect due to rapid weight loss.
Rarely, Saxenda® can potentially increase the heart rate and should be monitored in patients with cardiac disease. In animal studies, liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda®, have induced thyroid tumors. Human relevance of this effect has not been concluded.
Consult your healthcare provider regularly while on Saxenda®. They may want to perform blood tests to monitor kidney, thyroid, and pancreas functions, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
The key to long-term weight loss success is maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity, adapting to lifestyle changes, and regularly monitoring your progress.
H2: Can Saxenda® cause weight gain?
While Saxenda®’s objective is to promote weight loss, a small fraction of users may experience weight gain. This paradoxical reaction could be linked to certain factors.
It might be a result of water retention or edema, a known side effect of Saxenda®. Additionally, Saxenda® may cause low blood sugar, and some people may eat more to compensate for the loss of energy, which may result in weight gain.
Also, if the lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss are not made or not adhered to, Saxenda®’s efficacy may decrease over time. Eating healthy and staying active are necessary to maintain weight loss achieved on Saxenda®.
It is worth repeating that each person’s response to the medication may differ. If you experience weight gain while on Saxenda®, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider so they can adjust your treatment plan or investigate other potential causes.
While Saxenda®’s objective is to promote weight loss, a small fraction of users may experience weight gain. This paradoxical reaction could be linked to certain factors.
It might be a result of water retention or edema, a known side effect of Saxenda®. Additionally, Saxenda® may cause low blood sugar, and some people may eat more to compensate for the loss of energy, which may result in weight gain.
Also, if the lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss are not made or not adhered to, Saxenda®’s efficacy may decrease over time. Eating healthy and staying active are necessary to maintain weight loss achieved on Saxenda®.
It is worth repeating that each person’s response to the medication may differ. If you experience weight gain while on Saxenda®, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider so they can adjust your treatment plan or investigate other potential causes.
Coverage for Saxenda® varies widely among insurance companies. Some providers might cover it under prescription benefit plans, but others may consider it a self-pay drug.
In many cases, insurance providers may cover a part of or the entire cost of the medication if specific criteria are met, such as a diagnosis of obesity or weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension.
Medicare Part D plans may cover Saxenda®, but coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on the individual plan. It’s best to check with the insurance provider to understand if and how much of the Saxenda® cost is covered.
If insurance does not cover the cost or the out-of-pocket expenses are significant, there are patient assistance programs available through Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda®.
Remember, while Saxenda® can be a crucial part of your weight loss journey, it’s meant to supplement, not replace, dietary changes and physical activities. Whichever way you choose, ensure it’s a path that promotes healthy and sustainable weight loss.
