Saxenda is a weight-loss treatment that comes in the form of an injection pen. In contrast to other medicines which work by reducing appetite, it also offers improved glycemic control.

It is recommended for obese patients with a BMI of more than 30, or for patients with a BMI of 27 or more, if they already show at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

When you have achieved a healthy weight. Additionally, If you have not lost at least of your initial weight after 12 weeks of using the standard dose of 3 mg per day, the treatment should be discontinued. At this point, you should discuss alternative treatments with your doctor

Like any treatment, Saxenda can cause adverse effects. The most common are nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, headache and vomiting. Nausea is more likely at the beginning of treatment but usually decreases as the body adapts. Due to the mode of application, there can also be local reactions at the point of the injection. This may include rash, erythema and pruritus.

The solution should be stored in the refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). However, it must not be frozen, so should not be stored near or in the freezer compartment. After the first use, treatment must be stored below 30°C and is then usable for one month.

The shelf life on an unused pen is 30 months. After every use the cap should be replaced to protect the medicine from light. If the solution is not clear and colourless or almost colourless, it should no longer be used. If the solution has been frozen at any point it should also no longer be used.

This medication has been clinically proven to aid weight loss. One promising study of 3,731 patients over a course of 56 weeks showed that of people taking it lost some weight. Additionally, 1 in 3 participants experienced a weight loss of 10 or more.

Saxenda is a once a day treatment, with maximum concentrations in the body achieved around 11 hours after administration, while it takes around 13 hours for the body to completely eliminate it.

As alcohol is very calorific it is not advised as this will impact results, and may undermine the treatment. Beyond this, alcohol can have many other damaging health effects.

Orlistat is a weight loss pill that comes in a 120mg dosage and works to prevent up to 30 of the fat you consume per meal from being absorbed. In contrast, Saxenda is an injection that helps regulate appetite.

Saxenda contains the active ingredient ‘liraglutide’. It is a synthetic version of the naturally produced GLP-1 in the human body. GLP-1 controls appetite and calorie intake.

By binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, Saxenda helps regulate appetite, meaning you eat smaller portions, less frequently.

The initial dosage in the first week is 0.6 mg which is then increased by 0.6 mg every following week until the recommended dosage of 3 mg is reached. Once you are taking the 3-mg dose, each pen should last 6 days.

If you have not lost at least 5 of your initial weight after 12 weeks of using the standard dose of 3 mg per day, the treatment should be discontinued. At this point you should discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.

Saxenda should be most effective 11 hours after being administered. You can expect to see results from two weeks, to 9 to 12 months. It is important to note, this treatment should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda should be used once daily, independent of meals. It should be injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm at around the same time every day. The injection needle should be discarded after every injection and the pen stored without a needle attached to prevent contamination.

Yes. This medication is applied via a multi-dose injection pen. The pen can deliver doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3 mg, and should be injected into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

Administration should be subcutaneous only and must not be done intravenously or intramuscularly.