Saxenda® (Liraglutide 3 mg) Injection

Saxenda® (Liraglutide 3 mg) Injection

Short Description

Saxenda is an FDA-approved, once-daily prescription injection designed to help adults and teenagers (ages 12–17) lose weight and keep it off. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Saxenda helps you reach your long-term weight management goals.

How It Works

Saxenda mimics a hormone naturally produced in your body called GLP-1, which helps regulate your appetite. By activating the areas of your brain that control hunger, Saxenda makes you feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer. This helps you naturally eat less food and reduce your daily calorie intake.

Who Is It For?

Healthcare providers typically prescribe Saxenda for:

• Adults with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher (obesity).

• Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) who also have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

• Teenagers (ages 12–17) who weigh more than 132 pounds (60 kg) and suffer from obesity.

Key Benefits & Features

• Proven Results: Helps you lose significant weight and maintain it when paired with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

• Once-Daily Convenience: A simple, pre-filled injection pen that you use once a day, at any time that works for you, with or without food.

• Flexible Injection Sites: Can be injected under the skin in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

• Gradual Dosing Schedule: You start with a low dose ($0.6\text{ mg}$) in the first week and slowly increase it over 5 weeks to the full $3\text{ mg}$ dose. This gradual step-up helps your body adjust and minimizes temporary side effects like nausea.

Important Safety Information

• Saxenda is a prescription medication and requires a consultation with a healthcare provider.

• Do not use Saxenda if you or anyone in your family has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

• Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and low blood sugar. Most side effects are mild and fade as your body gets used to the medication.