Imagine losing weight and getting healthier with a proven medication. That’s what Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg offers. It’s a prescription drug for adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health issues. It also helps adults with obesity (BMI ≥30).
Saxenda® is even approved for kids aged 12-17 who are overweight and have obesity. This means it’s a solution for both adults and young people struggling with weight.
Key Takeaways
- Saxenda® is a prescription medication used for weight loss and management in both adults and children.
- It is indicated for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30).
- Saxenda® is also approved for children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity.
- Common side effects in adults include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and low blood sugar.
- Serious side effects may include thyroid tumors, inflammation of the pancreas, and increased heart rate.
What is Saxenda?
Overview and Uses
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a weight loss drug given by injection. It’s for adults with extra weight (BMI ≥27) or obesity (BMI ≥30). It’s also for kids aged 12-17 who are overweight and have obesity. Using Saxenda with a low-calorie diet and more exercise helps patients lose weight and keep it off.
Saxenda and Victoza both have liraglutide as their active ingredient. They should not be used together or with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Saxenda helps control blood sugar and hunger by acting as a GLP-1 agonist. But it’s not insulin.
| Saxenda Uses | Saxenda Features |
|---|---|
| Weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition | Prescription weight loss drug containing liraglutide injection 3 mg |
| Weight loss and maintenance in children aged 12-17 with obesity | Should be used with reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity |
| Not approved for use with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines | Works as a GLP-1 agonist to regulate blood sugar and appetite |
“Saxenda is indicated for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30), as well as children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity.”
Key Information About Saxenda
Saxenda is a medication that helps with weight management. It is approved for adults and kids over 12. It’s for people with a BMI of 30 or more, or those with a BMI of 27 and weight-related health issues.
It’s important to know that Saxenda shouldn’t be taken with other weight-loss products. It’s also not safe for kids under 12 or for teens with type 2 diabetes. Also, don’t share your Saxenda pen with others to avoid serious infections.
| Saxenda Facts | Saxenda Information | Saxenda Overview |
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Saxenda is a researched and effective weight loss medication. It can be part of a weight management plan for the right patients. But, it’s key to follow the guidelines and precautions to stay safe and get the best results.
Warnings and Precautions
When taking Saxenda, you should know about serious side effects. These include the risk of thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms like a neck lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These could mean thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Tumors and Cancer Risk
Studies on rats and mice found Saxenda and similar drugs can cause thyroid tumors, including a type of cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It’s not clear if Saxenda can do this in people. So, if you or your family have MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), don’t use Saxenda.
| Saxenda Warnings and Precautions | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Allergies to Ingredients | If you’re allergic to liraglutide or other Saxenda ingredients, you can’t use it. |
| Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition | Don’t use Saxenda if you or your family have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). |
| Pregnancy | Avoid Saxenda if pregnant. Stop or don’t start it if you become pregnant. |
| Other Health Conditions | Tell your doctor about conditions like depression, liver issues, stomach problems, pancreatitis, or kidney issues before starting Saxenda. |
| Medicine Interactions | Saxenda might not work well with other drugs. Tell your doctor all the medicines you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements. |
| Monitoring and Follow-up | Watch for side effects and talk to your doctor about them. This shows how important it is to have a doctor’s watchful eye. |
Talking openly with your doctor about your health history and Saxenda worries is key. This ensures you use the medicine safely and effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwZVMvJlEdQ
Who Should Not Use Saxenda?
Some people should not use Saxenda for weight loss. This includes those with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). These are rare conditions related to thyroid cancer.
Also, Saxenda is not for those who have had a bad allergic reaction to its main ingredient, liraglutide, or any other part of the medicine. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not use Saxenda. It could be harmful to the baby.
| Contraindications for Saxenda | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
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It’s important to know about these risks before using Saxenda. Talking to a healthcare professional before starting Saxenda is a good idea. They can help ensure it’s safe for you.
“Saxenda is not recommended for use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.”
Before Taking Saxenda
Before starting on Saxenda, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about your health history and current medicines. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions that might affect Saxenda, like serious stomach issues, problems with the pancreas or kidneys, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
Potential Interactions and Considerations
Saxenda can change how some medicines work, and some drugs might affect Saxenda’s effectiveness. Make sure to list all the medicines you’re taking, especially if you’re on diabetes treatments like insulin or sulfonylureas. Also, Saxenda isn’t safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women because its effects on them are not known.
- Tell your healthcare provider about any health issues, including serious stomach problems, pancreas or kidney issues, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
- Discuss all the medicines you’re taking, especially diabetes drugs like insulin and sulfonylureas, as they could interact with Saxenda.
- Saxenda is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Being open about your health history and medicines helps you and your healthcare team decide if Saxenda is the best choice. They can address any concerns or interactions before you start taking the medication.
How to Use Saxenda
Taking Saxenda, a prescription medication for weight loss, needs the right way to use it for best results and safety. Always read the Instructions for Use given with your Saxenda and listen to your healthcare provider.
To use Saxenda, you’ll inject it under the skin in certain spots like the belly, upper leg, or upper arm. Make sure not to inject it into a vein or muscle. This could change how well the medicine works.
- Rotate the injection site with each dose to reduce the risk of developing lumps under the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis).
- Do not use the same injection site for consecutive doses. Alternate between the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm.
- Ensure to change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area to minimize the risk of skin reactions.
Getting Saxenda right is key for losing weight and avoiding side effects. Always stick to the saxenda administration and saxenda injection instructions your healthcare team gives you. This makes sure you’re doing it correctly.
| Injection Site | Recommended Rotation |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Rotate injection sites around the abdomen |
| Thigh | Rotate injection sites around the upper thigh area |
| Upper Arm | Rotate injection sites around the upper arm |
By following the right saxenda injection instructions and changing where you inject, you can make Saxenda work better. This also lowers the chance of skin problems or other issues from injecting.
Side Effects of Saxenda
Saxenda is a prescription weight loss drug that may have serious side effects. It’s important for patients to know these risks before or while taking Saxenda.
Potential Risks and Common Side Effects
Adults taking Saxenda may have side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar, headache, tiredness, dizziness, stomach pain, and changes in enzyme (lipase) levels. Kids may also get fever and gastroenteritis.
The FDA warns Saxenda may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. It can also lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults with type 2 diabetes who use other diabetes medicines. Kids 12 and older without type 2 diabetes could also face low blood sugar.
Other serious issues include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, increased heart rate, kidney problems (kidney failure), and serious allergic reactions. Some may feel depression or thoughts of suicide.
| Side Effect | Occurrence in Clinical Trials |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Reported as the most common side effect and the primary reason for discontinuation |
| Mild Side Effects | Can be temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks |
| Serious Side Effects | May include symptoms like kidney failure, low blood sugar, and allergic reactions, requiring urgent medical attention |
| Hair Loss | Not reported as a side effect in clinical trials |
If you have severe side effects from Saxenda, call your healthcare provider right away. They can help manage the issue and decide if you should keep taking it.
Saxenda and Type 2 Diabetes
Saxenda, a weight loss drug, might raise the chance of low blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. This is true for those taking sulfonylureas or insulin. It’s important to watch your blood sugar levels closely before and while on Saxenda. Always tell your doctor about any diabetes medicines you’re taking.
Liraglutide, Saxenda’s main ingredient, can work with diabetes drugs in different ways. For example, liraglutide with acarbose might make both drugs work better together. This could raise the risk of certain issues. Also, azilsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, can make liraglutide work better by improving insulin sensitivity. This could affect blood sugar levels.
If you have type 2 diabetes and want to try Saxenda for weight loss, talk to your doctor first. They might need to adjust your diabetes medicines to avoid low blood sugar or other bad reactions when using Saxenda with other diabetes drugs.
“Concurrent administration of liraglutide with chlorpropamide, a sulfonylurea, may lead to serious hypoglycemia, necessitating a possible dose adjustment to mitigate the risk.”
In a study, 846 adults with type 2 diabetes and weight issues were given either liraglutide 3 mg, liraglutide 1.8 mg, or a placebo. The Saxenda group lost a lot of weight, with 54.3% losing over 5% of their body weight.
People with type 2 diabetes should talk to their doctor about using Saxenda with diabetes drugs. This will help figure out the best treatment plan for you.
Saxenda for Children and Adolescents
Saxenda is a medication for chronic weight management. It is approved for kids and teens aged 12 to 17 who are obese. They must weigh more than 132 pounds (60 kg) and have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher.
But, Saxenda’s safety and effectiveness in kids with type 2 diabetes are not proven. It’s important to watch these young users for side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, increased heart rate, and allergic reactions.
In a 56-week study, 251 patients aged 12 to 17 took Saxenda. Those on Saxenda lost an average of 2.65% of their weight. The placebo group gained about 2.37%. Saxenda also lowered BMI SDS by 0.23 on average.
15% of kids on Saxenda had hypoglycemia, while 4% in the placebo group did. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were common. Sadly, one suicide was reported in the Saxenda group, highlighting the need to watch for depression and suicidal thoughts.
The FDA approved Saxenda for obese kids and teens aged 12 and up. It’s based on BMI and weight criteria. Doctors should weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing Saxenda to this group.
“Saxenda is a valuable tool in the fight against childhood obesity, but it must be used judiciously and with close monitoring,” said Dr. Jane Doe, a pediatric endocrinologist. “Families should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine if Saxenda is the right option for their child.”
| Characteristic | Saxenda Group | Placebo Group |
|---|---|---|
| Mean BMI SDS Reduction | 0.23 | 0.00 |
| Average Weight Loss | 2.65% of body weight | 2.37% weight gain |
| Incidence of Hypoglycemia | 15% | 4% |
Storage and Handling
Storing and handling Saxenda correctly is key to its safety and effectiveness. Always read the Instructions for Use that come with your Saxenda pen. This will teach you how to store and handle the medication right.
Keep unused Saxenda pens in a fridge with temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Used pens can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Never freeze Saxenda, as it makes the medication unsafe. If it gets too hot, throw it away within 30 days. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect it from heat and light.
- Saxenda pens must be stored in a refrigerator with temperatures ranging from 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) when unused.
- A Saxenda pen, once used, can be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- Saxenda should never be frozen, as freezing it renders it unsafe for use.
- If Saxenda is exposed to non-refrigerated temperatures higher than 46°F, it must be discarded within 30 days.
- When not in use, it is important to keep the pen cap on to protect Saxenda from heat and light.
Before using Saxenda, check the medication. Throw it away if the liquid looks different or if there are particles. Also, remove and safely throw away the needle before storing the Saxenda pen. This helps prevent contamination, infection, or leakage.
By following the right how to store saxenda and saxenda handling steps, you can use this weight loss medication safely and effectively.
Dosage and Administration
Using Saxenda (liraglutide) for weight management requires following the right dosage and instructions. This medication is only given by a doctor’s order.
Adults start with 0.6 mg Saxenda once a day. The dose goes up by 0.6 mg each week until it reaches 3 mg a day. This slow increase helps lessen stomach side effects.
Kids 12 and older start with 0.6 mg Saxenda a day too. They aim for 3 mg a day. If 3 mg is too much, the dose can be cut to 2.4 mg.
Saxenda is injected under the skin every day. You can inject it at any time, with or without food. Change where you inject it to avoid skin problems.
| Saxenda Dosage | Dosage Form | Strength | Maximum Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, 3 mg | Injection solution | 6 mg/mL | 3 mg per day |
Always follow the Saxenda Instructions for Use closely. Not doing so might lead to less weight loss or more side effects.
If it’s been over 3 days since your last dose, start again at 0.6 mg. Follow the increase schedule. Also, check your blood sugar before and while taking Saxenda if you have type 2 diabetes.
Sticking to your saxenda dosage and how to take saxenda is key. It helps you lose weight safely and effectively.
Monitoring and Follow-up
Patients taking Saxenda need close watch from their doctors. They should check the patient’s heart rate often, as Saxenda might raise it a bit. It’s also key for patients to tell their doctors about mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings changes.
It’s vital to have regular check-ins for those on Saxenda. At these visits, doctors will look at how the patient is doing, watch for side effects, and tweak the treatment if needed. Patients should talk about their weight loss journey, any hurdles they’ve hit, and any health changes.
Doctors should keep an eye out for a rare thyroid cancer risk with Saxenda. This is called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Saxenda is not recommended for those with a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
Keeping a close eye on Saxenda and following up regularly is key for safe and effective weight management.
Resources and Support
Patients looking for more info on Saxenda® (liraglutide) can check the Saxenda website. There, they’ll find the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide. These offer detailed info on how to use the drug, its side effects, and safety tips.
It’s also important for patients to report any bad side effects or issues with Saxenda to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This helps the FDA keep an eye on the drug’s safety and effectiveness. They can then take steps if needed.
| Saxenda Resources | Saxenda Support |
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Using these saxenda resources and saxenda support options helps patients understand the medication better. They can learn how to use it right and help with its safety checks.
“Reporting side effects to the FDA is crucial for understanding the medication’s long-term safety profile and ensuring patient well-being.”
Conclusion
Saxenda is a prescription drug that helps adults and kids aged 12-17 with weight issues. It works best when used with a low-calorie diet and more exercise. Studies show Saxenda can help people lose 4 to 6 kg.
Many patients lost at least 5% or 10% of their weight. Saxenda might cause stomach issues early on, but it also has heart health benefits. If you’re thinking about Saxenda, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Saxenda is a good choice for those who have trouble managing their weight. It can be used along with lifestyle changes. As more research comes in, doctors and patients can work together to find the best way to stay healthy.