Saxenda (liraglutide injection)

• Saxenda is prescribed to help some obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep the weight off.
• It is approved for use in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise for the long term weight management of adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight), plus at least one weight related medical condition (for example, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high blood cholesterol levels).
• Saxenda is not approved for treatment of diabetes.

The most common side effects of Saxenda include:

• Nausea
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Stomach distension
• Flatulence (intestinal gas)
• Injection site reactions
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Abnormal physical weakness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Increased lipase (enzyme) in your blood

Saxenda may cause some rare but serious side effects including:

• Thyroid tumors or cancer
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Gallbladder disease
• Increased heart rate
• Kidney disease
• Serious allergic reactions,
• Depression or thoughts of suicide

• The recommended daily dose of Saxenda for weight management is 3 mg daily.
• Patients should be started at 0.6 mg per day for 1 week, followed by 0.6 mg dose increments at weekly intervals until a target dose of 3 mg is reached.
• Saxenda should be discontinued in patients who cannot tolerate the 3 mg, as effectiveness of treatment at lower doses has not been established.
• Saxenda can be administered once daily at any time of the day, without regard to meals.
• Saxenda should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Saxenda delays gastric or stomach emptying and therefore may interfere with the absorption of oral medications taken at the same time as Saxenda.

:

• As weight loss during pregnancy offers no benefits to the mother and may cause harm to the fetus. Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy. Saxenda is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category X.
• It is not known if Saxenda is excreted in breast milk. Due to the lack of safety data, Saxenda should not be used by nursing mothers.

What preparations of liraglutide injection (Saxenda) are available?

• Saxenda is available as a solution for subcutaneous injection in pre-filled, disposable, multiple dose pens.
• Each pen delivers doses of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, or 3 mg (6 mg/ml, 3 ml).
• Pens come in packs of either 3 or 5.

How should I keep liraglutide injection (Saxenda) stored?

• Before the first use, Saxenda should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 C to 46 C (2 F to 8 F).
• After the first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature between 59 F to 86 C (15 F to 30 F) or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 C (2 F to 8 F).