Is Saxenda a GLP-1?

Saxenda is a medication used to help people lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Its active ingredient is liraglutide, which is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body, which regulates appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels. Saxenda is often prescribed to adults who are overweight or obese and have weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Understanding how Saxenda works and its potential benefits is essential for those considering it as part of their weight loss plan.

Key Takeaways

•  Saxenda (liraglutide) belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications, which mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to regulate appetite and metabolism.
• It is primarily prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions.
• Unlike other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, which are approved for managing type 2 diabetes, Saxenda is not indicated for diabetes treatment.
• It is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a day. The dosage is gradually increased over several weeks to minimize side effects.
• Users may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These side effects are usually temporary and improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
• It is most effective when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, forming part of a broader weight management strategy.
•  Saxenda may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
• Saxenda is FDA-approved for long-term weight management, provided the user continues to respond well and meets weight loss goals.
• While Saxenda and other GLP-1 medications share similarities, they have different indications, dosages, and mechanisms tailored to specific health needs.

What Is Saxenda Used For

It is primarily used for weight management in adults and certain adolescents. It is FDA-approved for individuals who are obese (with a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or greater) or overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) and have weight-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. 

Additionally, it can be prescribed for children aged 12 years and older who weigh over 60 kg (approximately 132 pounds) and meet obesity criteria based on their age and height. Saxenda functions by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite, leading to reduced hunger and slower gastric emptying, which helps users feel fuller longer and decrease calorie intake. 

This medication is intended to be part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is administered via a daily subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen. Notably, Saxenda is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, distinguishing it from other medications containing liraglutide, such as Victoza.

 Is Saxenda a GLP-1?

Yes, it is a GLP-1 medication. This means it belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines copy the effects of a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone aids in blood sugar regulation and appetite control.

Saxenda works by helping you feel full after eating smaller meals. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel satisfied for longer. Because of this, Saxenda is used to help people lose weight and keep it off. It is especially helpful for people who are overweight or have health problems related to their weight. By working as a GLP-1 medication, Saxenda helps improve overall health while supporting weight loss goals.

Does Saxenda Speed Up Metabolism

It is a medicine that helps people lose weight. It contains a substance called liraglutide, which works mainly by making you feel less hungry and fuller after eating. This helps you eat fewer calories. While it doesn’t speed up metabolism a lot, it may slightly increase the number of calories your body burns when at rest. This means that, over time, you could burn a little more energy just by being still. 

Additionally, it might help your body use fats and sugars better for energy, which can also help with weight loss. However, the biggest reason people lose weight with Saxenda is because they eat less food, not because their metabolism is much faster. To get the best results from Saxenda, it’s important to follow a healthy diet and exercise more. 

Saxenda Side Effects

It can cause a variety of side effects, which can be categorized into common, serious, and rare effects.

Common Side Effects

More than one in ten persons may be impacted by these:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions (pain, itching, swelling, or redness)

Serious Side Effects

Although less often, they need to be treated right away:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Pancreatitis
• Thyroid tumors
• Kidney damage
• Gallbladder problems
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Rare Side Effects

These may impact up to 1 in 100 people:

• Increased heart rate
• Dehydration
• Inflamed gallbladder
• Changes in taste

Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any concerning symptoms.

Long-Term Side Effects

Some long-term side effects that may occur with prolonged use of Saxenda include:

• Increased heart rate: Some users may experience a faster heartbeat.
• Mood changes: This can include depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Chronic gastrointestinal issues: Ongoing nausea or digestive discomfort.
• Risk of thyroid cancer: Although not frequently reported in humans, there is a boxed warning regarding this risk.

How to Inject Saxenda

Injecting Saxenda (liraglutide) is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow specific steps to ensure proper administration and minimize discomfort. Here’s a complete guide on how to inject Saxenda safely and effectively.

Preparation Before Injection

1. Before starting Saxenda, your healthcare provider will instruct you on how to use the injection pen and determine the appropriate dosage for you.
2. Gather Supplies: You will need:
   • A Saxenda prefilled injection pen.
   • NovoFine needles (sold separately).
   • Alcohol swabs.
   • A sharps disposal container for used needles.
3. Inspect the Saxenda pen to ensure it is clear and colorless. Do not use it if the solution appears thickened, discolored, or contains particles.

Steps for Injection

1. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
2. Choose an injection site on your body. Saxenda can be injected into:
   • The abdomen (preferably around the navel).
   • The front of the thigh.
   • The upper arm.
3. Rotate injection sites each day to reduce irritation and lumps under the skin.
4. Use an alcohol swab to clean the chosen injection site and let it dry completely.
5. Attach a New Needle
   • Remove the cap from the Saxenda pen.
   • Screw a new needle onto the pen until it is secure.
   • Remove the outer cap of the needle and then the inner cap, which exposes the needle.
6. Before injecting, prime the pen by dialing up to 2 units and pressing the button until a drop of medication appears at the needle tip. This ensures that the pen is working correctly.
7. Turn the dose selector on the pen to your prescribed dose (starting at 0.6 mg and increasing weekly as instructed by your doctor).
8. Inject Saxenda
   • Hold the pen like a pencil at a 90-degree angle to your skin.
   • Quickly and firmly insert the needle into your skin.
   • Press down on the dose button until it clicks, and hold it down for about 6 seconds to ensure that you receive the full dose.
   • Remove the needle from your skin.
9. Immediately place the used needle in a sharps disposal container. Do not recap or reuse needles.
10. After use, store your Saxenda pen in a refrigerator or at room temperature as directed, but do not freeze it.

Timing and Dosage

• Saxenda is typically injected once daily at any time that works best for you, with or without food.
• It is recommended to take it around the same time each day for consistency.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage adjustments during treatment.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you neglect to take your Saxenda dose:

• If you remember within 12 hours of your scheduled time, inject it as soon as you remember.
• If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose and resume your regular schedule without doubling up.

Does Saxenda Come with Needles

It does not come with needles included in the package. When you get a Saxenda prescription, you will receive the medication in a prefilled pen that is used for injections, but you will need to obtain needles separately. Depending on where you live, you may need a separate prescription for the disposable needles, or you might be able to buy them online without a prescription.

The Saxenda pen is designed to work with specific types of needles, such as NovoFine or NovoTwist needles, which are thin and short to make injections more comfortable. Each time you use the pen, you must attach a new needle. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to get the right needles and how to use them properly. 

Where to Inject Saxenda in Thigh

When injecting Saxenda (liraglutide) into the thigh, it’s important to follow proper techniques for safety and effectiveness. First, choose the right spot on the front or side of the thigh, ensuring there is enough fatty tissue just under the skin. This area should be easily visible and accessible. Before injecting, clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry completely. 

Check that the medication is ready for use and at room temperature, with a new needle attached. Hold the pen like a pencil and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into your skin. Press down on the dose button until it clicks and hold it for about six seconds to ensure you receive the full dose. 

After injecting, gently remove the needle from your thigh and immediately dispose of it in a sharps container. To avoid irritation or lumps under the skin, rotate your injection sites each time you inject Saxenda, avoiding areas with scars, bruises, or any skin abnormalities. 

If you experience any pain or discomfort during or after the injection, consult your healthcare provider for advice. Following these steps will help you effectively administer Saxenda in your thigh while minimizing discomfort and ensuring proper absorption of the medication.

Saxenda Dosage

It is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older. The dosing regimen for Saxenda is designed to help patients gradually adjust to the medication while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects.

Dosage Schedule

• Starting Dose- The recommended starting dose for both adults and children is 0.6 mg once daily for the first week.
• Dose Escalation- After the first week, the dose is increased weekly as follows:
  • Week 2: 1.2 mg once daily
  • Week 3: 1.8 mg once daily
  • Week 4: 2.4 mg once daily
  • Weeks 5 and beyond: 3 mg once daily, which is the maximum recommended dose.

It’s important to take Saxenda at the same time each day, with or without food, to maintain consistency.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Patients are advised to monitor their weight loss progress after starting Saxenda. If a patient does not lose at least 4% of their initial body weight after 16 weeks on the maximum dose of 3 mg, it may be recommended to discontinue treatment, as it is unlikely to be effective.

If side effects occur after increasing the dose, patients should consult their healthcare provider, who may suggest delaying further increases or adjusting the dosage. For children who experience unacceptable side effects at the maintenance dose of 3 mg, the doctor may lower the dosage to 2.4 mg.

Is Saxenda Approved for Weight Loss

Yes, Saxenda is approved for weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Saxenda in December 2014 as a treatment for chronic weight management. 

It is specifically indicated for adults with obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or for those who are overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) and have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. 

Additionally, in December 2020, the FDA expanded its approval to include children aged 12 years and older who are obese, provided they weigh more than 60 kilograms (approximately 132 pounds) and meet specific BMI criteria based on their age and sex.

It functions by imitating the GLP-1 hormone, which aids in controlling hunger and caloric intake. It is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective weight management. Clinical studies have shown that patients using Saxenda can achieve significant weight loss compared to those on a placebo, making it a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues.

Which Is Better, Saxenda or Ozempic?

When comparing Saxenda and Ozempic, both medications are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, but they serve different primary purposes and have distinct characteristics.

Primary Use

Saxenda is specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who are obese or overweight with weight-related health conditions. In contrast, Ozempic is primarily approved for managing type 2 diabetes and improving blood sugar levels, although it can also lead to weight loss as a secondary effect.

Dosage and Administration

One of the most significant differences between the two is their dosing schedule. Saxenda is administered as a daily injection, while Ozempic is given once a week. This difference may influence patient preference, as some may find the weekly regimen of Ozempic more convenient.

Weight Loss Effectiveness

Both medications can lead to weight loss, with studies indicating that the average weight loss with Saxenda is around 6-8% after one year. Ozempic has shown similar results but may be slightly more effective, with some studies suggesting that patients using Ozempic can lose more weight than those on Saxenda. However, individual responses can vary significantly based on factors like adherence to diet and exercise.

Side Effects

Both Saxenda and Ozempic share common side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. However, research indicates that Ozempic tends to be better tolerated, with fewer patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects compared to Saxenda. Approximately 30% of patients on Saxenda may stop due to adverse effects, while only about 12-13% do so with Ozempic.

Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that plays a significant role in helping people lose weight and improve their overall health. By mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone, it helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making it easier to control calorie intake and achieve weight loss goals. While it comes with potential Saxenda side effects, such as nausea or fatigue, these are usually manageable with proper guidance.

Whether you’re considering Saxenda or comparing it to other options like Ozempic, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to find the best solution for your needs. If affordability is a concern, Buy Saxenda from Canada to explore cost-saving options while maintaining access to effective medications for weight management.