Saxenda is a prescription injection of liraglutide, taken once a day, that the FDA approved to reduce excess body weight and keep it off long term, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. It is for adults with obesity, adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, and people 12 and older with obesity who weigh more than 60 kg. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, like semaglutide, but it is dosed daily instead of weekly (Saxenda prescribing information, section 1).
Who Saxenda is approved for
According to the label, Saxenda is indicated, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, in:
- adults and pediatric patients aged 12 and older with body weight above 60 kg and obesity
- adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related comorbid condition
The label’s limitations of use say it should not be combined with other liraglutide products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist, and that its safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established (prescribing information, section 1). Whether it fits you is a decision for you and your prescriber.
How Saxenda works
Liraglutide is an acylated version of human GLP-1 that binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, the target of the natural hormone (label section 12.1). GLP-1 helps regulate appetite and slows stomach emptying, which is why many people feel full sooner and why nausea is a common early effect.
Saxenda dose steps
Saxenda is injected under the skin once daily, and the dose rises weekly:
| Week | Daily dose |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.6 mg |
| 2 | 1.2 mg |
| 3 | 1.8 mg |
| 4 | 2.4 mg |
| 5 onward | 3 mg (recommended dose for adults) |
Source: Saxenda prescribing information, section 2.2, Table 1. If a step is not tolerated, the label suggests considering delaying the increase by about one more week. If a dose is missed, resume with the next scheduled dose and do not double up. If more than 3 days have passed since the last dose, the label says to restart at 0.6 mg and follow the escalation again. For pediatric patients the label allows up to 8 weeks of escalation and a reduced 2.4 mg maintenance dose if 3 mg is not tolerated.
The label also asks prescribers to check progress. In adults, evaluate weight change 16 weeks after starting and stop Saxenda if the person has not lost at least 4% of baseline body weight, since sustained benefit is unlikely. In pediatric patients, the check is whether BMI has fallen by at least 1% after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose.
What the trials showed
In the label’s largest trial (Study 1, adults with obesity or overweight and a comorbidity, 56 weeks), average weight change from baseline was -7.4% with Saxenda and -3.0% with placebo. In people with type 2 diabetes (Study 2) it was -5.4% versus -1.7% (label, section 14, Table 4). Everyone in these trials also received lifestyle counseling, and individual results vary.
Saxenda compared with other GLP-1 medicines
| Medicine | Active ingredient | Main approved use | Schedule | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda | liraglutide | Weight management | Daily injection | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy | semaglutide | Weight management | Weekly injection or daily tablet | Novo Nordisk |
| Zepbound | tirzepatide | Weight management | Weekly injection | Eli Lilly |
Sources: Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound prescribing information. The label for Wegovy lists a 68-week trial in which the 2.4 mg injection produced an average -14.9% change versus -2.4% on placebo; trials differ in design, so these numbers are not a head-to-head comparison. For the semaglutide side of the story see Ozempic vs Wegovy and the semaglutide guide.
Side effects
In adult trials (Saxenda label, section 6.1, Table 2), the most frequent reactions compared with placebo were nausea (39.3% vs 13.8%), diarrhea (20.9% vs 9.9%), constipation (19.4% vs 8.5%) and vomiting (15.7% vs 3.9%). Nausea was also the most common reason for stopping, in 2.9% of Saxenda-treated people. The label warns about thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning, found in rodents), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, increased heart rate, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes using insulin or sulfonylureas, kidney injury from dehydration and allergic reactions.
Call your prescriber about persistent vomiting, severe or lasting abdominal pain, or any symptom that worries you, and do not change your dose on your own. More on managing symptoms: GLP-1 side effects: what to expect and how to manage them.
Habits that go with it
The label is explicit that Saxenda is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, so the medicine is one part of a plan. Practical basics: build meals around protein and fiber, drink enough water, move regularly, and use a new needle for each injection. For a broader overview, see the GLP-1 weight loss medication guide.
Mingo is a GLP-1 tracker for iPhone and Android where you can log doses, food and protein, side effects and weight in one place; it doesn’t replace your doctor. A log is handy for the 16-week review. Get the app.
Key takeaways
- Saxenda is liraglutide, injected once daily, approved for weight management in adults and in people 12 and older with obesity who weigh more than 60 kg.
- The dose rises weekly from 0.6 mg to 3 mg over 4 weeks; the label calls for a weight check at 16 weeks in adults.
- In the label’s main trial, average weight change was -7.4% with Saxenda vs -3.0% with placebo over 56 weeks.
- Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common; discuss severe or lasting symptoms with your prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
What is Saxenda used for?
Saxenda is a prescription injection used with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain the loss long term, in adults with obesity or with overweight plus a weight-related condition, and in people 12 and older with obesity who weigh more than 60 kg.
How does Saxenda help with weight loss?
It activates the GLP-1 receptor, the same target as the natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and slows stomach emptying. Many people feel full sooner as a result, though responses vary.
How is Saxenda different from Wegovy and Ozempic?
Saxenda contains liraglutide and is injected daily. Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide and are given as weekly injections (Wegovy also comes as a daily tablet). Wegovy is approved for weight management, while Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
The most common are nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, which are often most noticeable while the dose is increasing. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Report severe or lasting symptoms to your prescriber.
How much does Saxenda cost?
Prices vary by country, insurance and pharmacy, and change often, so we do not quote a figure. Ask your pharmacist and your insurer for current pricing and coverage.
