We’ve all heard about the numerous diet fads and weight-loss trends that are out there. But have you heard of Saxenda? In this article, we will talk about what you need to know before taking the weight-loss drug. We all know that before taking any drugs, it’s important to understand the medication, its dosage, side effects, foods and habits you need to avoid. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before taking Saxenda.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a prescription-only medication used for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2. It can be used as part of a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for long-term weight management, rather than for short-term weight loss. It works by slowing down digestion and decreasing appetite as well as increasing feelings of fullness after eating.
Side Effects of Saxenda
While it may sound like an ideal solution for those looking to lose weight, there are some potential side effects associated with the use of this drug.
These includes:
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- indigestion
- dizziness
- decreased appetite
- changes in blood sugar levels
Additionally, it should not be used by people with certain medical conditions without consulting their doctor first.
When Should You Take Saxenda?
Saxenda should be taken only under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also important to speak with your doctor if you have any existing health conditions that could interfere with its effectiveness or increase your risk of developing side effects from the medication.
Additionally, if you are currently taking any other medications—including over-the-counter drugs—it’s important to make sure they will not interact negatively with Saxenda before beginning treatment.
Foods to Avoid When Taking Saxenda
When using Saxenda, it’s important to be mindful of your diet and make sure you are avoiding certain types of foods that can potentially interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
Processed Foods
First and foremost, processed foods high in saturated or trans fat should be avoided at all costs. These unhealthy fats can negatively impact the way the body responds to medications like Saxenda, sometimes causing them to not work as well as intended or causing side effects. Examples of unhealthy fats include margarine, butter-flavored products, most fried foods, fast food burgers and fries, pre-packaged snacks like chips or microwave popcorn, as well as foods prepared with lard or shortening.
Sugary Foods
In addition to processed foods high in saturated or trans fat content, it is also important to avoid eating any type of sugary food that contains added sugars such as candy bars, doughnuts, pastries, bakery goods (cookies), ice cream and other desserts. Sugar can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels which can prevent Saxenda from working properly. It is also recommended to limit naturally occurring sugars found in fruit juices and some types of dairy products such as milk because they contain carbohydrates that convert into sugar when digested by your body.
Alcoholic Beverage
Finally, any type of alcoholic beverage should also be avoided while on Saxenda since alcohol has the potential to interact with the medication in a negative way and cause undesired side effects such as sleepiness or dizziness. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine or spirits should all be eliminated from your diet while on this drug for optimal results.
Cost of Saxenda
The cost of Saxenda varies depending on the pharmacy and insurance plan, but you can expect to pay around $1,430 for 15 milliliters. There is no generic form of Saxenda available in the United States at this time, as it is still under patent protection. However, there are other brands which offer similar medications with similar ingredients and effects as Saxenda.
How To Buy Saxenda without Medicare
One way to purchase Saxenda without Medicare is to visit or contact a local pharmacy. Many pharmacies in the United States do not require Medicare coverage in order to purchase Saxenda, and will happily sell it over-the-counter to any customer that presents a valid prescription. To make this process easier, customers should call the pharmacy beforehand to make sure they have Saxenda in stock and can provide it without needing any additional forms of insurance coverage.
If visiting a local pharmacy does not work for a customer’s particular situation, then there are also several reliable online retailers that sell Saxenda without requiring Medicare coverage.
Our Experience
Saxenda can be an effective tool in helping people manage their weight when combined with diet and exercise plans tailored specifically for them by their healthcare provider. However, like any other medication, it’s important to understand both its benefits and potential side effects before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
By doing your research ahead of time and speaking openly about your individual needs with a healthcare professional beforehand, you can determine whether or not Saxenda is the best choice for your lifestyle and needs!
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