What to Expect With Saxenda Injections

Listen to this article on Spotify, watch it on YouTube, 或者用中文读。

Thinking about using Saxenda for weight loss? Let’s dive in and explore what you should know before giving it a try.

How Saxenda Works

Originally designed as a diabetes medication called Victoza, Saxenda operates by mimicking the effects of a hormone known as GLP-1. This hormone stimulates insulin release, aiding those with poor insulin control in diabetes. GLP-1 also plays a role in making us feel full. Capitalizing on this, Saxenda has been repackaged as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.

The drug comes in pre-filled syringes with adjustable doses. Administering it involves attaching a needle, injecting the chosen dose, and holding it against your skin for 6 seconds before discarding the needle. Doses start low and increase gradually, especially if you’re new to Saxenda.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects (reported in more than 1% of patients):

• Nausea (23-45%)
• Diarrhea (17-34%)
• Constipation (13-20%)
• Headache (11-16%)
• Vomiting (9-16%)
• Dizziness (6-9%)
• Abdominal pain (4-8%)
• Fatigue (4-7%)
• Dyspepsia (3-5%)
• Decreased appetite (3-5%)
• Gastroenteritis (3-4%)

Rare Side Effects (reported in less than 1% of patients):

• Pancreatitis (0.2%)
• Gallbladder disease (0.2%)
• Hypoglycemia (0.2%)
• Acute kidney injury (0.1%)
• Suicidal ideation (frequency unknown)
• Depression (frequency unknown)
• Thyroid C-cell tumors (frequency unknown)

Saxenda Diet Plan

While there isn’t a specific diet mandated with Saxenda use, it might be beneficial to adopt a stricter dietary plan, given the drug’s appetite-suppressing effects. Enhance the impact by incorporating other appetite-suppressing strategies, like increasing protein and fat intake.

However, steer clear of extreme dieting and forced fasting. Opt for a well-rounded diet, such as a low-carbohydrate, calorie-controlled Mediterranean Diet, ensuring you receive a variety of essential nutrients.

Remember, proper nutrition is key for effective fat metabolism. Depriving yourself of necessary nutrients may hinder your body’s ability to metabolize fat and potentially increase the risk of weight rebound once you stop the drug.

FAQ

How effective is Saxenda for weight loss?

In a 56-week clinical trial involving adults dealing with obesity or excess weight and at least one weight-related condition, those taking Saxenda lost an average of 8.4% of their initial body weight, compared to 2.8% in the placebo group. Another trial showed a 5.9% weight loss with Saxenda versus 2.3% with the placebo.

Personal experiences suggest it can be effective, with some patients praising its ability to suppress hunger and cravings. However, a common side effect is persistent nausea, making it uncertain whether reduced eating is due to medication or discomfort.

Some patients also report other side effects, like migraines, impacting their appetite. Unfortunately, the appetite-controlling effect tends to diminish over time, with reduced effectiveness reported after continuous use.

How long does it take for Saxenda to work?

For some people, you might start feeling the effects within the initial 1-3 days of taking it. However, don’t expect to see noticeable weight loss right away, especially in the first two weeks of starting the treatment.

How long do you stay on Saxenda?

Typically, your healthcare provider will assess its effectiveness in the initial 12 weeks before deciding on continued usage. Saxenda is designed for long-term use, with many individuals using it for at least a year. However, some may choose to stay on Saxenda indefinitely to prevent weight regain.

How much does Saxenda cost?

Saxenda can be pricey, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per month out-of-pocket, depending on the dose. Trying Victoza first might be a cost-effective way to gauge potential effectiveness.

How long does Saxenda remain in your system?

It takes approximately three days for Saxenda to be completely cleared from your body. The liver metabolizes it, and its elimination half-life is about 13 hours. This means that within this timeframe, half of the Saxenda dose you took will be eliminated from your system.

Saxenda vs. Wegovy

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are similar drugs, both stimulating the GLP-1 receptor. Saxenda requires a daily injection, while Wegovy is administered weekly.

Comparisons indicate Wegovy likely leads to more weight loss but with increased side effects. However, in practice, both drugs are effective, and switching between them may not yield significant differences.

Learn more about

• Ozempic vs Rybelsus vs Saxenda vs Victoza for Weight Loss
• Saxenda vs Contrave vs Xenical
• Comparing other GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss
• 5 Things To Know Before Starting Weight Loss Medication
• Other weight loss medications

See also

• 
  Comparing Weight Loss Drugs in 2024
  Ozempic and Mounjaro are highly effective at treating obesity, however there are many other approved and off-label options that also work.
• 
  Bupropion vs Contrave vs Naltrexone
  Contrave is a synergistic combination of buproprion and naltrexone, which can be replicated to some degree using the generics individually.
• 
  New Obesity Drugs in 2024
  New obesity drugs target more than just GLP-1 and do much more than suppress appetite for a more nuanced approach to weight loss.
• 
  Mounjaro: Who Loses the Most Weight?
  White or Asian younger women who use metformin and have lower sugar and lipid levels tend to experience more weight loss with Mounjaro.
• 
  How does Oforglipron compare?
  Orforglipron, Semaglutide, and Danuglipron are oral GLP-1 agonists that are all similar enough that cost may end up being the winning factor.