Saxenda
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. Liraglutide is similar to a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is an appetite hormone that helps regulate hunger and is released by the intestines after a meal.
Due to being similar to GLP-1, Saxenda regulates appetite causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. This can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.
Focussing on eating a reduced-calorie diet will further enhance the benefits of Saxenda.
It comes as an injection and is a prescription-only medication
Saxenda is an effective weight loss injection pen. It works by suppressing your appetite as well as reducing overall food cravings. It is to be used in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet and exercise programme.
There are risks of possible side effects when using Saxenda, as with any medication. Most side effects are quite mild and subside over time. Others can be more serious and, in this stance, should be reported to your GP right away when using Saxenda. Feel free to contact a member of our team if you have any questions regarding the side effects and use of Saxenda injections.
Common side effects can include:
· Fatigue
· Nausea & vomiting
· Constipation
· Pain at the injection sight
· Dizziness
You should stop using Saxenda and inform your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects
· Signs of an allergic reaction (Difficulty breathing, talking, or swelling of the face and tongue)
· Wheezing and struggling to breathe
· Pancreatitis – signs of severe, persistent abdominal pain alongside nausea and vomiting
How do I take Saxenda injections?
Saxenda comes as an injectable pen. The Saxenda pen is injected once daily subcutaneously. The usual injection sites will be the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen.
The starting dose is a daily injection of 0.6mg. This dose is increased at intervals of usually 1 week until a dose of 3.0mg once daily is reached. An example schedule is shown below:
· Week 1 - 0.6mg dose once daily
· Week 2 - 1.2mg dose once daily
· Week 3 - 1.8mg dose once daily
· Week 4 - 2.4mg dose once daily
· Week 5 - 3.0mg dose once daily continuing
The dose is gradually increased in 1-week intervals to reduce the chances of stomach side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you increase the dose and find the side effects problematic for two weeks or more you should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
You will need to store your Saxenda pre-filled pen in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) before your first use. Once you start using the pen, you can keep it for 1 month either at room temperature (2 to 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
You should maintain a strict diet regime and regular exercise to ensure the full benefits of the treatment.
Who can use Saxenda?
Saxenda is licensed for patients with a BMI over 30 or patients who have a BMI over 27 and suffer from a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Can I use Saxenda alongside other weight loss treatments?
It is not recommended to take any other weight loss treatments but you should maintain a strict diet regime and regular exercise. This will ensure the best results when taking Saxenda. It is also recommended to a multivitamin at bedtime to ensure replace the vitamins not being absorbed by the body.
Can I use Saxenda if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant, it is recommended not to take Saxenda
How long will it take Saxenda to work?
This can vary from patient to patient but results can be seen after a few months. If weight loss of 5% is not achieved within 12 weeks there are a variety of treatments that can be trialled and you should consult your doctor
How long should I use Saxenda?
Saxenda should be used for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. If there are no improvements after 12 weeks (3 months) then your doctor should be consulted to discuss an alternative. If a weight loss of 5% is not achieved then it should be stopped in 3 months
Can I buy Saxenda over the counter?
Saxenda can only be obtained with a prescription, which means it can’t be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy. You can get it online at Pharmacy7days. You will need to complete an online medical prescriber to ensure it is appropriate for you.
Can I reuse needles with Saxenda?
No, you should never use the same needle more than once. You should use a new needle every time you take a new dose. Using the same needle can lead to an increased risk of infection and pain. After each use, the needle becomes more and more blunt; meaning injecting more than once can cause injury to the area in which you are injecting.
Will Pharmacy7days provide a sharps bin if I order Saxenda?
Yes, we will provide you with a 1-litre sharps bin if you decide to choose this treatment
Before taking any medicines such as this Saxenda treatment, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf