Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Saxenda is administered via subcutaneous injection and works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake. This article provides a detailed overview of Saxenda dosages, administration, and other essential information for effective and safe use.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It is a prescription drug used for weight management in adults and some children when diet and exercise alone haven't been enough. Saxenda belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It helps reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar.
Forms and Strengths
Saxenda comes as a liquid solution in a prefilled pen. A prefilled Saxenda pen comes in a strength of 6 mg per milliliter (mL). Each pen contains 3 mL of solution. The pen delivers doses by subcutaneous injection, which means under the skin. The prefilled pen can deliver doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg.
Usual Dosages of Saxenda
Adults with obesity or excessive weight may use Saxenda. Doctors may prescribe Saxenda to children ages 12 years and older. The children must weigh at least 60 kilograms (kg). They must also have a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg per meter squared (kg/m2).
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose and adjust it gradually to reach the maintenance dose. Be sure to use the dosing schedule your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Read also: Comprehensive Look at Saxenda and Ozempic
Initial Dosage
Your first dose of Saxenda is usually 0.6 mg that you will inject once per day for 7 days.
Dosage Escalation
Your doctor will increase the dose each week, as shown in the following typical dosing schedule. Depending on any side effects you experience during treatment, your doctor may adjust this schedule. They may slow down the schedule, perhaps delaying an increase in dose by 1 week. Raising the dose of Saxenda for children may take up to 8 weeks.
Maintenance Dosage
The recommended maintenance dose of Saxenda is 3 mg once per day. The recommended maximum dose of Saxenda is also 3 mg once per day. If you can’t tolerate the 3-mg maintenance dose, your doctor may tell you to stop Saxenda. If a child can’t tolerate the 3-mg maximum dose, their doctor may drop the dose to 2.4 mg. If a child can’t tolerate 2.4 mg of Saxenda, their doctor may recommend stopping Saxenda.
Typical Dosing Schedule
The table below shows the typical dosing schedule for Saxenda. It shows that the recommended maintenance dose of Saxenda is 3 milligrams (mg) once per day.
| Week | Dosage (mg) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.6 |
| 2 | 1.2 |
| 3 | 1.8 |
| 4 | 2.4 |
| 5+ | 3.0 (maintenance) |
Dosage Adjustments
Doctors don’t have specific dosage adjustments for people with kidney or liver problems. But if you have kidney or liver problems, ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage of Saxenda. They may adjust the dosing schedule to increase your dose slowly toward a maintenance dose.
Read also: Comprehensive Saxenda Information
Long-Term Use
Yes, Saxenda is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term. Your doctor will evaluate the change in your body weight after you use Saxenda for 16 weeks. If you haven’t lost at least 4% of your body weight since starting Saxenda, your doctor will likely have you stop treatment with the drug.
Administration of Saxenda
Injection Technique
Prior to initiation of SAXENDA, train patients on proper injection technique. Inspect SAXENDA visually prior to each injection. Inject SAXENDA subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. When injecting it into the abdomen, avoid injecting close to the belly button. Be sure to change the injection site for each dose. For example, if you inject a dose into your abdomen, use a different area of your abdomen next time, or use your thigh or upper arm.
Saxenda® is a once-daily injection that can be taken any time of day. Try to take it at the same time every day so it becomes part of your routine. Tip: Linking it to another daily habit, like brushing your teeth, can help you stay on track.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check the pen: Make sure the liquid is clear and colorless.
- Wash your hands: Good hygiene helps prevent infection.
- Attach a new needle: Always use a fresh one for each injection.
- Clean the skin: Wipe your injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Set your dose: Use the dial to select the dose your provider prescribed.
- Inject at a 90° angle: Insert the needle into your skin and press the button to inject.
- Hold for several seconds until the dose counter shows 0: This helps ensure you get the full dose.
- Dispose of the needle safely: Use a sharps container. Never reuse needles.
Missed Doses
If a dose is missed, resume the once-daily regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose. If you miss a dose of Saxenda, skip the missed dose. Then inject the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don’t double your dose if you missed an injection. If you miss more than 3 days of Saxenda injections, talk with your doctor. They might recommend dropping your dosage to the starting dose of 0.6 mg daily. If so, your doctor will follow the typical dosing schedule. That means they’ll increase your dose weekly until you reach the maintenance dosage.
Storage and Handling
Taking care of your Saxenda® pen helps keep the medication safe and effective-plus, it can make your daily routine easier.
Read also: Saxenda: Comprehensive Guide
- Don’t freeze it: Frozen Saxenda® can’t be used.
- Keep it clean and dry: Don’t wash or soak your pen.
- Handle with care: Don’t drop your pen or try to take it apart.
Factors Affecting Dosage
The dosage of Saxenda your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of any side effects you have during treatment
- other conditions you may have
Overdose
Do not use more Saxenda than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects. In studies, people have experienced overdoses of Saxenda.
Symptoms of Overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Saxenda can include:
- severe nausea
- severe vomiting
- severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
What to Do in Case of Overdose
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Saxenda. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Potential Side Effects
Experiencing side effects is common when starting Saxenda®. Slowly increasing the dose helps reduce them, especially the digestion-related ones, but they can still happen at any dose. These symptoms were reported most often during the dose escalation period and tended to occur in the early weeks of treatment.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Upset stomach
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects
Like all medications, Saxenda® can carry serious risks in rare cases.
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer: Tell your health care professional if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Stop using Saxenda® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting.
- Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- Increased heart rate: Tell your health care professional if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes.
- Dehydration leading to kidney problems: Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away.
- Severe stomach problems: Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
- Serious allergic reactions: Stop using Saxenda® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, fainting or feeling dizzy, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or severe rash or itching.
- Gallbladder problems: Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
- Depression or thoughts of suicide: Call your health care provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
- Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation): Saxenda® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures.
Precautions and Contraindications
Before using Saxenda, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, including:
- A history of thyroid cancer
- Problems with the pancreas
- Severe stomach problems
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Saxenda® may affect the way some medicines work and some other medicines may affect the way Saxenda® works. Do not use Saxenda® if you are also using Victoza®. They contain the same medicine.
Additional Tips for Success with Saxenda
Setting a routine for taking Saxenda® can help you get the most out of it.
- Consider evening injections: If you tend to feel nauseated after your dose, taking Saxenda® at night may help you sleep through the discomfort.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with digestion and reduce feelings of nausea, bloating, or constipation.
- Take your time with dose increases: If you’re feeling unwell after a dose bump, talk to your provider.