FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SAXENDA INJECTIONS?
Saxenda®, or liraglutide 3 mg, is an injectable prescription medicine used to help adults with excess weight (BMI 27), who have weight-related medical problems or endure obesity (BMI 30). It is also recommended as well for children aged 12-17 years with a body weight greater than 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity. But note that every treatment involving Saxenda® injections should be carried out in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL WEIGHT LOSS ON SAXENDA?
Saxenda has been studied in adults and adolescents with and without Type 2 diabetes. Over the course of 56 weeks, these studies compared Saxenda to a placebo (an injection without medication). Adults with Type 2 diabetes lost an average of 5% to 6% of their initial body weight in one study. People who took Saxenda lost about 3% to 4% more weight than those who took a placebo. Another study found that adults without Type 2 diabetes lost an average of 8% of their initial body weight, approximately 5% more weight loss than the placebo group. According to the research, Saxenda can help you successfully lose weight. However, keep in mind that it works best when combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise.
WHAT KIND OF NEEDLES ARE RECOMMENDED?
The Saxenda® pen should be used with disposable needles from Novo Nordisk. Needles are sold separately, and in some states, a prescription is required. Novo Nordisk cannot guarantee that needles from other manufacturers will fit the pen because the Saxenda pen has only been tested and approved safely with Novo Nordisk needles.
WHICH SIDE EFFECTS CAN I EXPECT WITH SAXENDA INJECTIONS?
Nausea, hypoglycemia, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, and increased lipase are the most common side effects, with 5% of patients reporting them while on Saxenda injections.
Nausea is the most common side effect when starting Saxenda®, but it tends to fade over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Following the dosing schedule can reduce significantly the likelihood of gastrointestinal symptoms.
CAN I TAKE SAXENDA WHILE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT?
We recommend that you discontinue Saxenda one month before attempting to conceive. In fact, you should ideally be at a weight you're comfortable with beforehand. A BMI of 30 or less increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant and having a successful pregnancy. Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended. Mostly because of the necessary weight gain in maternal tissues during pregnancy, all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, are advised to gain as little as possible.