Saxenda (liraglutide injection)

Medically Reviewed on 4/27/2023

What is Saxenda, and what is it used for?

What are the side effects of liraglutide injection (Saxenda)?

The most common side effects of Saxenda include:

Saxenda may cause some rare but serious side effects including:

What is the dosage for liraglutide?

  • The recommended daily dose of Saxenda for weight management is 3 mg daily.
  • Patients should be started at 0.6 mg per day for 1 week, followed by 0.6 mg dose increments at weekly intervals until a target dose of 3 mg is reached.
  • Saxenda should be discontinued in patients who cannot tolerate the 3 mg, as effectiveness of treatment at lower doses has not been established.
  • Saxenda can be administered once daily at any time of the day, without regard to meals.
  • Saxenda should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Which drug interact with liraglutide?

Saxenda delays gastric or stomach emptying and therefore may interfere with the absorption of oral medications taken at the same time as Saxenda.

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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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  • As weight loss during pregnancy offers no benefits to the mother and may cause harm to the fetus. Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy. Saxenda is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category X.
  • It is not known if Saxenda is excreted in breast milk. Due to the lack of safety data, Saxenda should not be used by nursing mothers.

What else should I know about liraglutide injection (Saxenda)?

What preparations of liraglutide injection (Saxenda) are available?

  • Saxenda is available as a solution for subcutaneous injection in pre-filled, disposable, multiple dose pens.
  • Each pen delivers doses of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, or 3 mg (6 mg/ml, 3 ml).
  • Pens come in packs of either 3 or 5.

How should I keep liraglutide injection (Saxenda) stored?

  • Before the first use, Saxenda should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 C to 46 C (2 F to 8 F).
  • After the first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature between 59 F to 86 C (15 F to 30 F) or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 C (2 F to 8 F).

Summary

Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) is an injectable drug prescribed to help some overweight or obese adults with weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep it off. Saxenda also is prescribed for use in long term weight management in adults with a high BMI and at least one weight-related medical condition (for example, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes).

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Prevention & Wellness

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Medically Reviewed on 4/27/2023
References
FDA Prescribing Information.