Saxenda
Buy Saxenda (liraglutide) online with no consultation fee and free next-day delivery†. A daily GLP-1 weight loss injection that can help you lose 5-10% of your body weight. Prescribed* by UK clinicians via video consultation.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Saxenda Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Victoza
About Saxenda
Saxenda is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It contains liraglutide as the active ingredient, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist). It is used for weight loss and to keep the weight off.
It is used for adults with obesity (BMI (body mass index) 30 kg/m2 or greater), or adults that are overweight (BMI 27 kg/m2 or greater) who also have weight-related medical problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
Saxenda may also be used in obese children aged 12 to 17 years of age, who have a bodyweight above 60 kg for weight management. Saxenda is used with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
NowPatient offers Saxenda as a treatment for weight loss only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Saxenda
- For the treatment of obesity
- Saxenda is not for treating type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Saxenda has some common side effects which include diarrhoea, and constipation
- It can be dangerous if you take Saxenda with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Saxenda not suitable for?
Saxenda may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Saxenda if you:
- Have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
- Have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Have diabetic ketoacidosis
- Have any stomach problems
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Have high blood fat
- Have heart problems
- Have problems with your pancreas or gallbladder
- Have depression or suicidal thoughts
How and where to get Saxenda?
You can buy Saxenda safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of weight loss, you can discuss if Saxenda is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Saxenda for weight loss
Saxenda Pen is available in injection form when used for weight loss. It is available as a 6mg/1ml solution for injection in a 3ml prefilled pen.
Information about how to use Saxenda for weight loss
Saxenda is taken as a subcutaneous injection under the skin once daily, in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate your injection site with each injection. Saxenda can be taken with or without food.
You may keep injection pens after their first use in the fridge or at room temperature. Pens must be protected from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and used within 30 days.
What happens if you use too much Saxenda?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Saxenda and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
In clinical trials side effects of Saxenda compared to placebo are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Increased heart rate
- Diarrhoea, constipation
- Headache, dizziness, tiredness
Serious side effects include:
- Fast heartbeats
- Changes in mood, suicidal thoughts
- Signs of a thyroid tumor – lump in your neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath
- Gallbladder problems – upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes, clay-colored stools
- Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney problems
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Saxenda at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Saxenda. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Why might Saxenda not work for weight loss?
Saxenda may not work for you and common reasons may be:
- Deviation from the recommended dose of Saxenda
- Lack of physical activity
- No reduction in calorie intake
Can Saxenda used for weight loss be used long term?
Liraglutide should only be used short to medium-term. The long-term viability of using liraglutide is not certain.
Is there a herbal Saxenda?
No. Herbal liraglutide does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Saxenda?
Women can use Saxenda for weight loss. However, it is not known if Saxenda will harm an unborn baby. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also, speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Saxenda passes into breast milk.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Saxenda?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Saxenda.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with weight loss?
Modify your lifestyle and diet in a number of ways:
- Avoid overeating
- Cut back on refined carbs
- Eat more fibre and protein
- Reduced calorie diet
- Drink water
- Physical activity
- Cut down on alcohol
Alternatives to Saxenda
Alternatives for the treatment of obesity include Wegovy.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Saxenda
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a prescription weight management medication containing liraglutide 3 mg, administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Saxenda is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Saxenda uses the same active ingredient as Victoza (liraglutide 1.2/1.8 mg for type 2 diabetes) but at a higher dose.
How does Saxenda help with weight loss?
Saxenda mimics the hormone GLP-1, which acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. It also slows gastric emptying, so food stays in the stomach longer. In clinical trials (SCALE programme), patients on Saxenda lost an average of 5–8% of their body weight over 56 weeks. Approximately 63% of patients achieved at least 5% weight loss, and 33% achieved at least 10% weight loss. Saxenda works best when combined with lifestyle changes including diet and exercise.
How is Saxenda different from Wegovy?
Both Saxenda and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management, but they have key differences. Saxenda contains liraglutide (daily injection) while Wegovy contains semaglutide (weekly injection). Wegovy generally produces greater weight loss (12–15% vs 5–8%). Wegovy’s once-weekly dosing is more convenient than Saxenda’s daily injection. However, Saxenda has been available longer and has extensive safety data. The choice depends on individual factors, availability, cost, and prescriber recommendation.
How do I inject Saxenda?
Inject Saxenda subcutaneously once daily at any time, with or without food. Use the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm as injection sites, rotating within and between areas. Attach a new needle each time, dial the dose, insert the needle, press and hold the injection button for 6 seconds. Try to inject at roughly the same time each day for consistency. Safely dispose of needles in a sharps bin.
What is the dose escalation for Saxenda?
Saxenda uses a 4-week dose escalation: Week 1: 0.6 mg daily; Week 2: 1.2 mg daily; Week 3: 1.8 mg daily; Week 4: 2.4 mg daily; Week 5 onwards: 3 mg daily (maintenance dose). If you cannot tolerate a dose increase, stay at the previous dose for an additional week before trying again. If you cannot tolerate the 3 mg maintenance dose, discuss with your prescriber whether to continue at a lower dose or switch treatments.
What are the common side effects of Saxenda?
Very common side effects (more than 1 in 10) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. These are most pronounced during dose escalation and usually improve. Common side effects include dry mouth, dyspepsia, gastro-oesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, flatulence, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and injection site reactions. Gallbladder disorders (gallstones) are an important risk. Eating smaller portions, eating slowly, and avoiding very fatty or rich foods help manage nausea.
When should I stop Saxenda?
Treatment should be reviewed after 12 weeks on the full 3 mg dose. If you have not lost at least 5% of your initial body weight by this point, Saxenda should be discontinued as it is unlikely to be effective for you. Additionally, stop Saxenda and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, severe allergic reaction, or persistent gallbladder symptoms.
Who should not take Saxenda?
Saxenda is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastroparesis. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution is needed in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or heart failure. Saxenda should not be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or insulin.
How should I store Saxenda?
Before first use, store Saxenda pens in the refrigerator at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Once in use, store at room temperature (up to 30°C) or in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Keep the pen cap on to protect from light. Dispose of the pen 30 days after first use, even if medication remains.
How can I get Saxenda?
Saxenda may be available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. It is also widely available privately through online prescribing services such as NowPatient, which offers online medical consultations and home delivery. A prescriber will assess your BMI, medical history, and eligibility before issuing a prescription.
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