Saxenda (Liraglutide) Injections

Saxenda weight loss injections are indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 (obesity) or between 27 and 30 (overweight) and have a weight related condition. This could be diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia or sleep apnoea.

Whilst Saxenda can be prescribed safely to most individuals, it may not be appropriate for everyone. People with pre-existing medical conditions should be reviewed by a prescriber before starting treatment, as there are circumstances where Saxenda is contraindicated and should be avoided.

Saxenda should not be used in individuals with severe kidney or liver disease, as clinical experience in these groups is limited. In cases of mild to moderate kidney disease, treatment may be considered, but maintaining adequate hydration is essential to minimise the risk of complications.

For those with thyroid disease, treatment may be possible but should first be carefully assessed by a healthcare professional. Clinical studies in rodents have shown a risk of thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) - a type of thyroid cancer. Although the relevance to humans remains unproven, Saxenda should be avoided in patients with a history of MTC or MEN2.

Like other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, Saxenda has been associated with cases of acute pancreatitis - a medical emergency. Patients with a history of pancreatitis should be treated with caution, and therapy should be discontinued immediately if pancreatitis is suspected.

As rapid or significant weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone formation, patients who develop abdominal pain suggestive of gallstones whilst on Saxenda treatment should stop and seek medical advice.

Saxenda is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant, as it may harm an unborn baby. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether the medication is excreted in breast milk.

Before considering Saxenda treatment, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you take other medications or have a history of other medical conditions. When completing a prescription request online, before issuing a prescribed treatment, your provider will assess your medical history to determine eligibility.

The Saxenda pen is administered as a once-daily injection under the skin, usually into the stomach, upper thigh or upper arm. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, though it is recommended to inject Saxenda around the same time each day. The injection site should be rotated to reduce the risk of injection site reactions.

Treatment begins at a low dose of 0.6mg once daily for the first week, increasing every week to reduce side effects.

• 1.2mg once daily in week 2

• 1.8mg once daily in week 3

• 2.4mg once daily in week 4, reaching the maintenance dose of 3mg once daily from week 5 onwards. You should not inject Saxenda at any dose higher than 3mg once daily.

Saxenda comes in a pre-filled pen designed for easy self-injection. To use, follow the below steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly

2. Attach a new needle to the pen

3. Check the solution - it should be clear and colourless. Do not use if cloudy or contains particles

4. Select your injection site and gently clean with an alcohol wipe

5. Prepare the Saxenda pen by rotating the dose selector to the correct dose

6. Inject under the skin at a 90-degree angle

7. Hold the Saxenda pen in place for a few seconds to ensure the full dose has been delivered

8. Safely remove the used needle and dispose in a sharps container

9. Replace the cap and store appropriately

Consistency is crucial for ongoing success and you should inject everyday, roughly at the same time each day.

If you forget to take a dose and remember within 12 hours, inject a dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since you should have used Saxenda, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose the following day at the usual time - do not double dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for a missed dose.

Alongside the medication, it is important to stick to lifestyle modifications which will ultimately determine how much weight loss your will experience.

Although generally well tolerated, some patients may experience more severe side effects.

Side effects affecting the digestive system may include severe stomach pain (especially if it spreads to your back), which could be a sign of pancreatitis, and persistent vomiting. You should also be aware of signs of dehydration, such as feeling very thirsty, light-headed, or dizzy.

Seek help immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the face or throat, rash, or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms such as severe dizziness, sweating, or confusion may suggest low blood sugar, particularly if you take diabetes medication.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or anything else that worries you, contact your pharmacist or NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, call 999.

Regular check-ins with your prescriber are an important part of your treatment plan. These reviews can help ensure the medication prescribed is working as intended and not causing any side effects. It is an opportunity to assess your lifestyle choices and for your provider to offer tailored advice to maximise treatment options.

If you experience any side effects, it’s important to report them early. This allows your healthcare team to manage symptoms promptly, prevent them from worsening, and ensure the medication remains safe and effective for you.

Do not stop using Saxenda suddenly, as this can cause a rapid return of appetite and possible weight regain, undoing the progress you’ve made. Most side effects are short-lived and can often be managed with support, so continuing treatment (with guidance) usually leads to better overall outcomes.

It is normal to experience some mild side effects when you first start using Saxenda weight loss injections as this is when your body is adjusting to the new treatment. These are usually temporary and improve after the first one or two weeks.

The most common are nausea, bloating, tiredness, dizziness or mild headaches. You may also notice changes in appetite, like reduced hunger or you may feel fuller quicker after eating.

To manage these, eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions can help. Eat slowly and stop when you feel full whilst avoiding spicy or greasy foods. Staying hydrated can also help.

Saxenda should be stored in a fridge before first opening, between 2–8°C. Once opened, the pen can usually be stored at room temperature up to 30°C though it is still recommended to keep it in the fridge. Do not freeze the pens or leave in direct sunlight. If your pen is frozen, you should not defrost and keep using the device.

Keep the pen and needles out of the reach of children and ensure to dispose of all needles safely in a used sharps container.

You can find information regarding NHS weight management programmes here. For patients who do not meet the criteria under the NHS and wish to obtain the treatment privately, you can do so, here with us at Quick Meds by clicking here.