Liraglutide for Weight Loss

Liraglutide reduces appetite. It helps in maintaining or promoting weight loss. If you use this medicine, your doctor might suggest dietary and exercise modifications. It is given as an injection, and a healthcare professional will instruct you on how to do it safely. Saxenda® is the brand name of this drug.

Saxenda (Liraglutide): What is it?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is prescribed to obese or overweight people who also have weight-related medical issues to help them lose weight and maintain it off when they have done so. Children with obesity who weigh more than 132 pounds (60 kg) and are between the ages of 12 and 17 may use Saxenda. Saxenda is taken in conjunction with exercise and a nutritious diet.

Saxenda is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily using a multi-dose injectable pen.

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, is also present in Saxenda. Victoza and Saxenda differ in that they are FDA-approved for distinct conditions and have varying strengths.

What is Saxenda’s mechanism?

Saxenda helps you lose weight by reducing hunger and decreasing stomach emptying, which prolongs feelings of fullness and helps you cut back on calories. Similar to a hormone found naturally in the body, Saxenda aids in the regulation of insulin levels, blood sugar, and digestion. Saxenda is a member of a group of medications known as agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

What is the function of Saxenda?

The FDA has authorized Saxenda for both weight reduction and weight loss maintenance. It is useful for:

Adults:

• Adults that are obese (BMI 30 kg/m2 or higher)
• Adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher who additionally suffer from weight-related diseases, such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension.

Children twelve years of age and up:

• Body weight beyond 60 kg and their starting BMI, which, according to international cut-offs, is 30 kg/m2 or higher for adults (obesity)

Warnings

Liraglutide, marketed under the Victoza name, is used to treat type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet and exercise. You shouldn’t take Victoza and Saxenda together.

If you have insulin-dependent diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, medullary thyroid cancer in your family or personal history, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), or are pregnant, you should not use Saxenda.

Liraglutide resulted in thyroid cancer or tumors in animal experiments. Whether these effects would manifest in individuals taking frequent amounts is unknown.

If you experience symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump or swelling in your neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness in your voice, or shortness of breath, call your doctor right away.

Before using Saxenda

Saxenda should not be used if you have a liraglutide allergy or if you have:

• type 2 multiple endocrine neoplasia (gland tumors);
• a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a form of thyroid cancer, in one’s family; or
• diabetic ketoacidosis (for treatment, contact your physician).

If you also use insulin or other medications that contain liraglutide (albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, Byetta, Bydureon, Tanzeum, Trulicity), you should avoid using Saxenda.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following to ensure that Saxenda is safe for you:

• slow digestion due to stomach problems;
• liver or renal disease;
• elevated triglycerides, a kind of blood fat;
• cardiac issues;
• a history of gallbladder or pancreatic issues; or
• a history of suicidal thoughts or sadness
• are preparing for surgery or another operation involving deep sedation or anesthesia.

Liraglutide resulted in thyroid cancer or tumors in animal experiments. Whether these effects would manifest in individuals taking frequent amounts is unknown. Consult your physician about your risk.

Saxenda’s potential to damage an unborn child is unknown. If you are or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know.

Liraglutide’s ability to enter breast milk and its potential effects on the breastfeeding infant are unknown. If you are nursing, let your doctor know.

The FDA has not authorized the use of Saxenda by anybody under the age of 18.

How is Saxenda to be used?

Typically, Saxenda is administered once daily. Observe all instructions on the label of your medication. Sometimes, your doctor will adjust your dosage. Never take this medication for longer than is advised or in greater or lesser quantities.

Victoza and Saxenda shouldn’t be taken together. Although the active substance in these two brands is the same, they shouldn’t be used together.

Examine all of the patient data, prescription instructions, and instruction manuals that you have been given.

Saxenda is administered subcutaneously at any time of day, with or without food. You will receive instructions on how to administer shots at home.

If you do not know how to administer this medication, do not self-inject. Additionally, dispose of discarded syringes and needles appropriately.

Saxenda is supplied as a prefilled, injectable pen. Find out from your pharmacist what kind of needles work best with your pen.

Your healthcare practitioner will demonstrate the ideal locations for Saxenda injections on your body. Every time you administer an injection, use a different location. Don’t give two injections in the same place.

Saxenda should not be used if it contains particles or has changed color. For new medications, give your pharmacist a call.

Additionally, keep an eye out for symptoms of hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, such as headache, fatigue, blurred vision, and excessive thirst or urine. Consult your physician before altering your dosage or regimen.

A disposable needle should only be used once. Observe any local or state regulations regarding the disposal of spent syringes and needles. Ask your pharmacist where to find and how to dispose of a puncture-proof “sharps” disposal container. Keep dogs and children away from this container.

Saxenda is but one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include weight management, regular blood sugar checks, nutrition, exercise, and specialized medical attention.

Injection pens should be kept in the refrigerator when not in use. Saxenda should never be frozen; if it has, discard the drug. If the label’s expiration date has passed, do not use an injection pen that hasn’t been opened.

After the initial use, “in-use” injection pens can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep the pens out of the sun, heat, and dampness. Use within 30 days. When an injection pen is not in use, keep the lid on it and remove the needle before storing it.

Information on dosage

Typical Adult Weight Loss Dosage:

To lessen the possibility of gastrointestinal issues, dose escalation should be adhered to; if needed, it may be postponed by one week:

• Week 1: Subcutaneous injection of 0.6 mg once daily
• Week 2: Subcutaneous injection of 1.2 mg once daily
• Week 3: Subcutaneous injection of 1.8 mg once daily
• Week 4: Subcutaneous injection of 2.4 mg once daily
• Week 5: Subcutaneous injection of 3 mg once daily

Maintenance dosage:

3 mg subcutaneously once daily: Lower doses are not effective for managing chronic weight; if the maintenance dose is not tolerated, stopping is advised.

Comments:

• Combining Saxenda with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not advised.
• Saxenda’s safety and efficacy when used with other weight-loss treatments, such as prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal therapies, have not been shown.
• After 16 weeks, assess the patient’s weight loss; if 4% or more of body weight has not been lost, it is doubtful that they will continue to lose weight in a clinically relevant way.

Use: As a supplement to a lower-calorie diet and more exercise for long-term weight control in adults with a baseline BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or higher (overweight) or higher with at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., dyslipidemia, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes mellitus).

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared yields the body mass index, or BMI. There are charts for calculating BMI based on weight and height, such as the one seen on the labeling of Saxenda products.

Typical Pediatric Weight Loss Dosage:

12 years of age and older:

To lessen the possibility of gastrointestinal problems, dose escalation should be adhered to; however, depending on tolerability, dose escalation may be postponed if required. It could take up to eight weeks to increase the dosage:

• Week 1: Subcutaneous injection of 0.6 mg once daily
• Week 2: Subcutaneous injection of 1.2 mg once daily
• Week 3: Subcutaneous injection of 1.8 mg once daily
• Week 4: Subcutaneous injection of 2.4 mg once daily
• Week 5: Subcutaneous injection of 3 mg once daily

Maintenance dosage:

Once daily, administer 2.4 or 3 mg subcutaneously.
The effectiveness of lower doses for chronic weight management has not been proven; withdrawal is advised if the maintenance dose is not tolerated.

Comments:

• Combining Saxenda with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not advised.
• Saxenda’s safety and efficacy when used with other weight-loss treatments, such as prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal therapies, have not been shown.
• After 12 weeks on the maintenance dose, assess the patient’s weight loss; if 1% or more of body weight has not been lost, it is unlikely that the patient will continue to lose weight in a way that is clinically relevant, and the medication should be stopped.

Use: For long-term weight control in children weighing more than 60 kg and having a baseline BMI of 30 kg/m2 or above, as a supplement to a lower-calorie diet and more exercise.

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared yields the body mass index, or BMI. There are charts for calculating BMI based on weight and height, such as the one seen on the labeling of Saxenda products.

What occurs if I don’t take my dose?

Use Saxenda as soon as you remember to take it if you forget to take it each day. The next day, take your next daily dose as usual. To make up for a missed dose, avoid taking more Saxenda or increasing your dosage the next day.

To discuss how to resume your therapy, give your doctor a call if you miss three or more days of Saxenda.

What should I stay away from when using Saxenda?

Even if the needle has been replaced, never share an injectable pen, cartridge, or syringe with another individual. Infections or diseases can spread from person to person when these gadgets are shared.

Saxenda should not be taken with diet tablets, appetite suppressants, or other weight-loss treatments.

Side Effects of Saxenda

If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic response to Saxenda: hives, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck, get emergency medical attention.

Make an immediate call to your physician if you have:

• heartbeats that are hammering or rapid;
• sudden behavioral or emotional changes, suicidal thoughts;
• severe, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea;
• Symptoms of a thyroid tumor include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, and dyspnea;
• gallbladder problem: jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fever, upper stomach pain, and clay-colored feces;
• signs of pancreatitis: rapid heartbeat, nausea with or without vomiting, and excruciating upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back;
• extreme weakness, disorientation, tremors, sweating, elevated heart rate, difficulty speaking, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, fainting, and seizures (convulsions) due to extremely low blood sugar; or
• Problems with the kidney include decreased or absent urination, painful or challenging urination, ankle or foot edema, and fatigue or dyspnea.

There have been reports of pulmonary aspiration in individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists during elective surgeries or procedures while under severe sedation or general anesthesia. Patients should be instructed to notify medical professionals of any upcoming operations or surgery.

The following are common Saxenda side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, particularly after taking Saxenda;
• increased heart rate;
• constipation and diarrhea;
• headache, lightheadedness, or
• Experiencing fatigue.

What other medications will Saxenda affect?

Because Saxenda slows down digestion, it may take longer for your body to absorb oral medications.

Inform your physician about all of your medications, including any you start or stop taking, in particular:

• insulin, or
• Glucotrol, Metaglip, Amaryl, Avandaryl, Duetact, DiaBeta, Micronase, Glucovance, and other oral diabetes medications.

This is not a complete list. Liraglutide may interact with vitamins, herbal supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and other medications. This drug guide does not provide a list of all potential interactions.

FAQs

Reference

• Liraglutide injection (Weight management). (2024, December 26). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18595-liraglutide-injection-weight-management
• Saxenda for Weight Loss, Dosage & Side Effects. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/saxenda.html
• Can liraglutide be used for weight loss? (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/liraglutide-weight-loss-3562077/