Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda, a brand name for Liraglutide, is an injectable medication used for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with weight-related medical problems. It falls under the category of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Saxenda works by regulating appetite, leading to lower calorie intake and weight loss. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Key Information:

• Saxenda is not insulin.
• It is not suitable for treating type 2 diabetes on its own (though it shares the same active ingredient as Victoza, which is for diabetes).
• It should not be used by those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Its safety and effectiveness for people under 12 years old are not established.

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How to use Saxenda?

Saxenda is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it as per your doctor’s instructions. The injection should be administered at the same time each day, and it can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Patient Guidelines

Doctors should inform patients about the risks and benefits of using Saxenda. Patients need to maintain a reduced-calorie diet, increase physical activity, and monitor weight progress. They should also be aware of the signs of potential side effects such as hypoglycemia (if taken with diabetes medications) and pancreatitis. If patients experience fever, infection, trauma, or surgery while using Saxenda, they should seek medical advice as their dosage may need adjustment.

Understanding the side effects of Saxenda, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is crucial and should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist, along with any potential drug interactions. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up doses in one day.

Keep in mind when administering Saxenda:

• Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.
• Avoid injecting into areas where the skin is bruised, tender, or damaged.
• Follow your doctor's dosage increase schedule carefully.

Where to store Saxenda?

Store Saxenda pens in the refrigerator (36-46°F or 2-8°C). After the first use, you can store the pen at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 30 days. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect the medication from light. Do not freeze Saxenda, and discard it if it has been frozen.

Side Effects

Even though Saxenda is FDA-approved and safe when used as directed, it can still have side effects. Before starting Saxenda, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects and review the FDA-approved labeling and instructions that come with your prescription. Saxenda has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid tumors found in rodents. It is not recommended for those with a family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions

Serious Side Effects:

Serious side effects from Saxenda are rare. If you experience any, inform your doctor immediately or call 911 if the symptoms are life-threatening. Please see the table below for detailed information on possible serious side effects.

Serious Side Effects	Symptoms
Pancreatitis	Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unintended weight loss, fever
Hypoglycemia	Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heart rate, sweating, irritability
Thyroid Cancer	Lump in neck, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing
Gallbladder Problems	Pain in upper right side of abdomen, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes
Allergic Reaction	Rash, swelling, difficulty breathing

Side Effect Details

Here is more information on possible side effects that can happen with this medication.

• Allergic Reaction: Although rare, some patients may have allergic reactions to Saxenda. Symptoms can include skin rash, itchiness, and flushing. More serious reactions may include difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet. If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.
• Nausea: Nausea is the most common side effect. It may occur when you start taking Saxenda or increase the dose. Symptoms usually decrease or go away with continued use. If they don’t, talk to your doctor.
• Thyroid Cancer: Saxenda has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you should not take Saxenda. Symptoms of thyroid tumors include difficulty breathing, hoarse voice, and a mass or lump in your neck.
• Injection Site Reactions: Some patients may experience discomfort or redness at the injection site. Rotate sites to reduce the likelihood of irritation.
• Gallbladder Problems: Gallstones and other gallbladder issues may occur. Symptoms include pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

References

• Saxenda Official Site
• Drugs.com - Saxenda
• WebMD - Saxenda Details
• Healthline - Saxenda Information

Administer Saxenda by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once daily. Always use a new needle for each injection and follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage. Start with a low dose, which your doctor will gradually increase to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.