What is Saxenda?

 Saxenda Overview

Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg is an injectable prescription medicine used for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) and weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30), as well as children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity to help them lose and keep the weight off. Saxenda® should be used alongside a low-calorie diet and increased physical exercise. 

• Saxenda® and Victoza® share the same active component, liraglutide, and should not be used together or with any GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
• Saxenda® is not proven to be safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal weight-loss solutions.
• It is not known whether Saxenda® is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.
• It is not known whether Saxenda® is safe and effective in children aged 12 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes.

What is the most crucial information I need to know about Saxenda®?

Saxenda® may cause serious side effects, such as:

Potential thyroid tumours, including malignancy. Tell your doctor if you notice a lump or swelling in your throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be signs of thyroid carcinoma. In trials on rats and mice, Saxenda® and similar medications developed thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. It is unclear whether Saxenda® will produce thyroid tumours or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans.

Do not take Saxenda® if you or anybody in your family has ever had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who shouldn't use Saxenda®?

Do not use Saxenda® if:

If you have a history of MTC or MEN 2, or if you have had a severe allergic response to liraglutide or any of the substances in Saxenda®, you should not use it. "What are the possible side effects of Saxenda®?" discusses signs of severe allergic responses.

You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Saxenda® may be harmful to your unborn baby.

Before using Saxenda®, inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

If you: - Take GLP-1 receptor agonists - Have severe stomach problems (e.g., gastroparesis) - Have pancreatic, kidney, or liver problems - Have depression or suicidal thoughts - Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown whether Saxenda® goes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare practitioner should determine whether you will use Saxenda® or breastfeed.