What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a medication that is used to help individuals lose weight. It is a type of drug called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it works by activating certain receptors in the body that are involved in regulating appetite and metabolism. Saxenda is typically prescribed to individuals who are obese or who have a condition called obesity-related comorbidities, which means they have other medical conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) that are related to their obesity. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Saxenda is a GLP-1 drug based on “liraglutide,” which is very similar to the active ingredient in Wegovy. Due to Wegovy supply shortages, your doctor may choose to prescribe Saxenda for weight loss to closely match Wegovy’s weight-loss properties.
How does Saxenda Work?
Saxenda works by activating certain receptors in the body called GLP-1 receptors. These receptors are found in the brain and other organs, and they are involved in regulating appetite and metabolism. When Saxenda activates these receptors, it can help to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss.
Saxenda is typically prescribed as an injection that is given once a day. The medication is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain and other organs to activate the GLP-1 receptors. This can help to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which can lead to weight loss over time.
In addition to reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, Saxenda may also have other effects on the body that can help with weight loss. For example, it may increase the amount of calories that are burned by the body, and it may also help the body to break down fat more efficiently. These effects can help to make weight loss easier and more sustainable over the long term.
How do I take Saxenda?
Saxenda is a medication that is given as a daily injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The exact instructions for how to administer the injection will depend on the type of device that is used.
Before using Saxenda, it is important to read the medication guide that comes with the product and to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. In general, the following steps may be involved in administering a Saxenda injection:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Choose a clean, dry injection site on your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Avoid injecting into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
- Remove the cap from the Saxenda pen and check the medication inside to make sure it is clear and free from particles.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing upward and gently tap the cartridge with your finger to move any air bubbles to the top.
- Press the plunger all the way in to inject any air bubbles into the cartridge.
- Turn the pen so that the needle is pointing down and gently tap the cartridge again to move the air bubbles to the bottom.
- Pinch the skin at the injection site between your thumb and forefinger.
- Push the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle, until the entire needle is fully inserted.
- Press the plunger all the way down to inject the medication.
- Hold the skin at the injection site for at least 10 seconds to make sure the medication is absorbed.
- Remove the needle and gently massage the injection site with a cotton ball or alcohol swab.
- Dispose of the needle and pen safely in a puncture-resistant container.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using Saxenda and to ask any questions you may have about the injection process. Your provider may also be able to provide you with additional guidance and support to help you use the medication safely and effectively.
How much weight do I lose on Saxenda?
The amount of weight loss that can be achieved with Saxenda will vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s starting weight, their diet and exercise habits, and their overall health. In clinical studies, individuals who took Saxenda along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 4 to 7 pounds more than those who only followed a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is important to remember that weight loss with Saxenda is not immediate, and it may take several weeks or even months to see significant results. In general, individuals who take Saxenda should expect to lose about 0.5 to 1 pound per week, on average. This can add up to a total weight loss of 4 to 8 pounds over the course of several months.
It is also important to note that Saxenda should not be used as a quick fix for weight loss. Instead, it should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a healthy diet and regular physical activity. This can help to ensure that weight loss is sustainable over the long term and that individuals are able to maintain their weight loss after they stop taking the medication.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects of Saxenda are nausea and GI issues. To reduce these side effects, your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication while you are taking the drug. Saxenda has some rare and potentially serious side effects that your doctor will discuss with you based on your family and medical history to determine if the drug is appropriate for you.