Saxenda Injection

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription medication containing the active substance liraglutide, presented as a solution for injection in a pre-filled pen. It belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Mechanism of Action

Saxenda works through targeted GLP-1 receptor activation:

• Appetite regulation: Acts on receptors in the brain to increase satiety signals and reduce hunger
• Gastric emptying: Slows down food movement from stomach to intestine
• Blood glucose control: Enhances insulin secretion and reduces glucagon production

Think of Saxenda as a hormonal messenger that tells your brain you're full and regulates how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you eat less and feel satisfied with smaller portions.

What is Saxenda Used For?

Saxenda is indicated for weight management as an adjunct to:

• Reduced-calorie diet
• Increased physical activity

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Saxenda

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Thyroid disease history (especially medullary thyroid carcinoma)
• Pancreatitis history (acute or chronic)
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Renal or hepatic impairment
• Depression or suicidal thoughts

Required Baseline Tests

1. Thyroid function tests (TSH, calcitonin if indicated)
2. Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase)
3. Renal function (eGFR, creatinine)
4. Liver function (ALT, AST)
5. Cardiovascular assessment

Saxenda Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Saxenda must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or excipients
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥75 years)

• Limited clinical experience
• Increased risk of dehydration - monitor fluid intake
• Not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks

Renal Impairment

• Mild-moderate impairment: No dose adjustment
• Severe impairment: Use with caution
• End-stage renal disease: Not recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment necessary
• Use with caution in severe impairment

Pediatric Use

• Approved for adolescents 12+ years with obesity
• Body weight must be >60 kg
• Same dosing regimen as adults

Saxenda and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring monitoring:

High-Risk Combinations

• Insulin/Sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycaemia risk (dose reduction needed)
• Oral medications: May affect absorption due to delayed gastric emptying
• Warfarin: Monitor INR regularly

Administration Recommendations

Due to delayed gastric emptying:

• Take oral medications 1 hour before Saxenda injection when possible
• Particularly important for:
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Medications with narrow therapeutic window

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated during pregnancy
• Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
• Use effective contraception during treatment
• Animal studies show fetal harm

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated during breastfeeding
• It is unknown if liraglutide passes into breast milk
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Driving & Machine Operation

• No direct impairment of driving ability
• Caution advised due to possible:
  • Dizziness
  • Hypoglycaemia (when combined with other agents)
  • Fatigue
• Do not drive if experiencing warning signs of low blood sugar

Saxenda Ingredients

Active Substance

• Liraglutide 6 mg/mL

Excipients

Needle Components

• NovoFine® or NovoTwist® disposable needles
• Needles sold separately from pen

How to Use Saxenda Pen

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Remove pen cap and inspect solution (should be clear and colorless)
3. Attach new needle (always use a new needle for each injection)
4. Prime the pen to remove air bubbles (set to check flow position)

Injection Technique

• Sites: Abdomen, thighs, or upper arms
• Angle: 90° insertion (45° if thin or using 8mm needle)
• Rotation: Change injection site daily
• Duration: Hold dose button until 0 aligns with pointer

Post-Injection Protocol

1. Apply light pressure if bleeding occurs
2. Carefully replace outer needle shield
3. Unscrew and dispose of needle in sharps container
4. Replace pen cap

Saxenda Dosage Guidelines

Standard Titration Schedule

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• Each dose increase requires at least 1 week at current dose
• Maximum dose: 3.0 mg daily
• Do not increase dose if experiencing significant side effects
• Discontinue if <5% weight loss after 12 weeks at 3.0 mg dose

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step injection guide:

Dose Selection

1. Turn dose selector until correct dose appears in dose window
2. Confirm dose indicator shows correct setting
3. Never attempt to set a dose higher than 3.0 mg

Injection Process

1. Insert needle at appropriate angle into clean skin
2. Press and hold dose button completely
3. Keep needle inserted and count slowly to 6
4. Withdraw needle gently

Post-Injection Care

• Check dose window for return to 0 (confirmation of complete delivery)
• Do not rub injection site
• Rotate sites daily to prevent lipodystrophy

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses
• If >12 hours since missed dose, skip that dose
• Resume regular schedule the next day

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Severe nausea/vomiting
• Hypoglycaemia
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain

Management

1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Bring medication packaging
3. Symptomatic treatment:
   • IV fluids for dehydration
   • Glucose for hypoglycaemia
   • Antiemetics if severe vomiting

Possible Side Effects

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people)

• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Abdominal pain
• Gastritis
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Injection site reactions
• Hypoglycemia (with diabetes medications)

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1000 people)

• Dehydration
• Gallbladder inflammation
• Allergic reactions
• Increased heart rate

Serious Side Effects

How to Store Saxenda

Unused Pens

• Refrigerate at 2-8°C
• Do not freeze
• Keep in original carton
• Protect from light

In-Use Pens

• May store at ≤30°C or refrigerated
• Use within 30 days of first use
• Discard after 30 days even if medication remains

Disposal

• Dispose needles in sharps container
• Return unused pens to pharmacy
• Never dispose in household waste

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 1 pre-filled pen (3 ml)
• 3 pre-filled pens (9 ml)
• 5 pre-filled pens (15 ml)

Components

• Pre-filled pen (3 ml containing 18 mg liraglutide)
• Needles NOT included (must be purchased separately)
• Instructions for use

Appearance

• Clear, colorless solution
• Pre-filled disposable pen
• Dose selector with clear window

Where Can I Buy Saxenda Online in the UK