Saxenda:

Key points about Saxenda

• Saxenda is used as weight-loss treatment.
• Saxenda is also called liraglutide.
• Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a weight-loss treatment that is used together with a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise as part of an overall weight-loss plan. It is recommended for adults with excess weight (a BMI of 27 or more) who also have weight-related medical problems or those with a BMI of 30 or more (obese). The use of weight loss medicines depends on your body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using your height and weight. Learn more about BMI.

Saxenda suppresses your appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing feelings of hunger, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

In Aotearoa New Zealand Saxenda comes as an injection that it is given under your skin, and is available on prescription only.

 Saxenda Dosage:

• The usual starting dose is 0.6 mg once a day.
• Your doctor will tell you how long to keep taking this dose. It will be for at least 1 week.
• Your dose may then be increased by 0.6 mg each week until you reach the recommended dose of 3 mg once a day.
• Once you reach the recommended dose of 3 mg in week 5 of treatment, keep using this dose until your treatment period ends. Do not increase your dose further.

Week	Dose to inject
Week 1	0.6 mg once a day
Week 2	1.2 mg once a day
Week 3	1.8 mg once a day
Week 4	2.4 mg once a day
Week 5 onwards	3 mg once a day

On Saxenda treatment weight loss normally starts within 2 weeks and continues for 9–12 months.

Side Effects:

Like all medicines, Saxenda can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Reaction at the injection site such as bruising, redness, tenderness	Change the site. Tell your doctor if this does not settle.
Feeling sick (nausea) Runny poos (diarrhoea) Constipation Indigestion Wind or bloating Tiredness Dehydration, feeling thirsty	These are quite common when you first start taking Saxenda and should settle with time. Make sure you are drinking enough water, especially if you have diarrhoea (runny poos) or are feeling very thirsty. Tell your doctor if these are ongoing or troublesome.
Palpitations (fast heart beat) Feelings of a racing heartbeat while at rest	Let your doctor know or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.
Changes in mood, behaviour or thoughts	Let your doctor know or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.

 

what to know while you are using saxenda:

Here are some things to know when you’re using Saxenda. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

If you have any of the following, please discuss your options with your healthcare provider before taking Saxenda as it may not be suitable for you:

• problems with your stomach or digestive system
• diabetes
• are you over 75 years old
• an overactive thyroid
• kidney or liver problems
• breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and contraception

If you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice as Saxenda is not currently recommended during pregnancy.

Research has found that Saxenda may increase the likelihood of some women returning to normal ovulation. If you’re sexually active and don’t want to become pregnant, you should use effective means of contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy.

 How to use saxenda:

Your healthcare provider will show you how to use Saxenda. The following is a guide.

Prefilled pen

Saxenda is a pre-filled, dial-a-dose pen. This means that the pen contains an amount of medicine already loaded (18 mg of liraglutide). Depending on the dose you dial, it can deliver amounts of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg and 3 mg.

Time of day

Saxenda injection is used once a day. You can use Saxenda at any time of day, with or without food and drinks. It’s best to use Saxenda at about the same time each day, at a time that is most convenient for you.

Needles

Saxenda pre-filled pens are designed to be used with NovoFine® needles of up to 8 mm long. Needles are not included with the pen. Ask your doctor or nurse which needle width (gauge) and length is best for you. Use a new needle for each injection and dispose of it after use.

Injection site

Saxenda is given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection) as shown to you by your doctor or nurse. Saxenda may be injected into the front of your waist (abdomen), the front of your thigh or your upper arm. Do not inject Saxenda into a vein or muscle.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Saxenda and the next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. If there are more than 12 hours until the next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

How to store Saxenda:

Before opening
Store Saxenda in the fridge, in the original package. Do not freeze. If your pen has been frozen, do not use it.

During use
You can keep the pen for 1 month when stored at room temperature (below 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C– 8°C). Don’t freeze it.

When you’re not using the pen, keep the pen cap on in order to protect from light.