Need something else?
We stock over 1087 treatments for 90 conditions
Saxenda is a prescription injectable medicine used for chronic weight management in adults struggling with excess weight or obesity. Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that targets areas of the brain involved in increasing the levels of hormones called ‘incretins’ that reduce appetite and provide a sense of fullness by reducing the rate at which your stomach digests food. By acting on receptors in these regions, Saxenda helps increase feelings of fullness, reduce hunger, and promote weight loss.
However, just like with any other medication, there is a possibility that you’ll experience some side effects. When you start your weight loss journey with Saxenda, you might face side effects from the milder ones, such as a headache or dizziness, to the ones that are more serious but not as common, like pancreas issues or allergic reactions.
Learning about the possible side effects might help you use Saxenda more comfortably and safely. We understand that such adverse effects can be overwhelming and scary. But if you prepare in advance and learn what you can do to tackle the side effects, you could be much more confident in your treatment.
At The Independent Pharmacy, we understand that the weight loss journey is not easy. However, you’re not alone. As you keep going with your Saxenda treatment, you might find out that you can deal with and overcome the side effects, just like the number of patients who have been in your shoes before. When you get through the hurdles, you can get closer to a healthy weight and see the long-term benefits.
There are easy steps you can take to move past the more common side effects. But if you become worried or notice that some of the side effects persist, consult your doctor for further medical advice. They might adjust your dosage or prescribe another medicine for the side effects.
The weight loss journey is a marathon. But if you persist, pay attention to your body, and work with a plan tailored to your needs, you can reach the desired results.
When starting treatment with Saxenda, some adverse reactions are very common, especially within the first few weeks. Saxenda works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which slows digestion and suppresses appetite. So, it's understandable that the digestive system may need time to adjust.
Being aware of potential reactions and having a plan to address them can help you stick with Saxenda long enough to experience its benefits.
Some of the most frequently reported side effects include:
Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are very common initially. However, these adverse reactions tend to be temporary and often improve with time and management strategies. Being prepared can help you push through.
We understand that dealing with digestive side effects or fatigue can be really frustrating and emotionally draining. But there are proven ways to help get the side effects under control so you can stick with treatment:
If you've tried lifestyle changes and OTC meds and are still struggling, it's completely okay to seek further guidance from your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medications to better control reactions until your body adapts. Be patient, communicate openly, and work as a team to get the Saxenda side effects under control.
One of the mild effects of the treatment is that Saxenda can slow stomach emptying, leading to reflux and heartburn in some users. In addition to the more common adverse reactions discussed, Saxenda may cause some mild nuisance side effects like:
Injection site reactions such as redness, itching, or bruising at the injection spot are common but not serious. Rotate sites to minimise this injection site reaction.
While frustrating, these mild self-limiting effects usually dissipate with continued Saxenda use with few risks.
While gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhoea are most common initially, Saxenda may cause additional serious adverse reactions that require prompt medical attention. If your symptoms are severe, not improving, or getting worse, call 999 immediately.
Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
We know it's a lot to keep track of, but it's crucial to be vigilant for less common but serious side effects. If you notice any, please seek medical care right away to prevent further complications. Immediately contact your healthcare provider regarding any severe or concerning symptoms while taking Saxenda. Ongoing monitoring and testing are key to safe use.
While Saxenda commonly causes gastrointestinal effects like nausea and diarrhoea initially, most other side effects are relatively uncommon. Stay alert for any unusual reactions and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate evaluation and management strategies for optimal safety and results.
If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking Saxenda:
While serious adverse events are rare with Saxenda, getting proper medical care quickly and following your doctor's recommendations are vital steps to getting reactions under control so you can continue benefiting from treatment.
Before starting Saxenda, inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history and any medical conditions that may impact treatment:
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your healthcare provider, as the effects of Saxenda on an unborn baby are not well-studied.
Being upfront about your health history allows your doctor to determine if Saxenda is appropriate for you and if extra precautions are needed. Follow all dosage instructions carefully.
Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if you experience:
If you experience symptoms of thyroid cancer like hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or neck swelling, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Routine monitoring also allows your provider to assess bloodwork values, weight changes, blood pressure, heart rate trends, and gastrointestinal symptoms to ensure your safe use of Saxenda and make any needed medication adjustments.
Saxenda belongs to a group of weight loss shots called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Other examples are Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity, and Wegovy. These medications work partly by acting on GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite.
Since they work in a similar way, other GLP-1 shots can cause comparable stomach side effects as Saxenda at first, like feeling queasy, throwing up, or diarrhoea for some. The risk of rare but serious issues like pancreas inflammation may also be similar across these medications.
It’s important you read all patient leaflets fully and talk openly with your doctor. Don't assume all GLP-1 medications are the same in side effects or safety. Follow instructions carefully and report any ongoing concerning symptoms right away so your healthcare provider can properly evaluate and manage them.
With guidance tailored to your situation, GLP-1 medications can safely help eligible individuals achieve better health. But make sure that you work closely with your medical team to find the approach that fits your needs.
Saxenda is an effective weight loss medication, but normal questions arise about potential risks and how to use it properly. This list of frequently asked questions addresses some common concerns about safety, dosage, length of treatment, and what happens if you overeat while taking Saxenda:
Saxenda does carry risks, especially for those with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, pancreatitis, severe kidney disease, and certain cardiovascular diseases. However, human clinical trials did not show significantly increased health risks overall when used appropriately under close medical supervision and monitoring. Discuss your medical history and specific risk factors with your provider.
In clinical trials, those taking Saxenda lost an average of 5-10% of their starting body weight over 6 months. However, results vary by individual based on factors like dosage, diet, activity level, adherence, and more. Typical weight loss in a month ranges from 4 to 7 pounds on average but depends heavily on the individual and other lifestyle factors. Gradual, steady loss is recommended.
In studies, Saxenda was generally safe and well tolerated for use up to 4 years among patients continuing to benefit from it. There is no universal recommended time limit, but Saxenda is intended for long-term chronic weight management. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration based on your individual results, side effects, and health indicators. Periodic evaluation is recommended.
Taking Saxenda helps promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. But it does not prevent you from eating beyond that feeling. Overeating may result in gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. Revisiting your dosage or diet with your healthcare provider can help manage this issue.
Losing weight with Saxenda takes work beyond just taking a pill. Saxenda alone won't fix things. It works best along with lifestyle changes, under your doctor's guidance. Work with your doctor to add Saxenda into a weight loss plan tailored for you. Look at weight management as an ongoing journey needing motivation, learning, support and, most importantly, patience with yourself. The path may have ups and downs, including Saxenda side effects. But by focusing on your goals, using Saxenda responsibly, and being kind to yourself, you can make good progress. Take it step-by-step and trust the process.
Obesity - Treatment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Saxenda, INN-liraglutide (europa.eu)
Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence - PMC (nih.gov)
We stock over 1087 treatments for 90 conditions