Tired of the rollercoaster ride of weight loss? Saxenda, a prescription medication, has gained popularity for its potential to help you shed those unwanted pounds. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the potential saxenda side effects that come with it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common and less common side effects of Saxenda, and offer tips on how to manage them. So, let’s get started!

Understanding Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication used to help manage obesity and type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and insulin levels. While Saxenda can be an effective tool for weight loss and blood sugar control, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.

Common Saxenda Side Effects

• Nausea: This is the most common side effect of Saxenda and often improves over time.
• Vomiting: While less common, vomiting can occur, especially during the initial stages of treatment.
• Diarrhoea: Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, are also possible.
• Constipation: Some individuals may experience constipation.
• Abdominal pain: Mild abdominal discomfort or pain may occur.
• Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is possible.
• Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site can happen.

Less Common Side Effects

• Pancreatitis: This is a serious condition that can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can occur, especially if you are taking other medications that can affect blood sugar.
• Gallstones: Gallstones may form in some people.
• Thyroid cancer: There have been rare reports of thyroid cancer in people taking Saxenda. However, the risk is very low.

How long will saxenda side effects last?

Saxenda side effects can vary in duration. While some side effects, like nausea or vomiting, may subside within the first few weeks of starting the medication, others, such as taste changes or constipation, might persist throughout treatment.

It’s important to note that individual experiences can differ. Factors like your body’s response to the medication and the dosage you’re taking can influence how long side effects last.

If you’re experiencing side effects that are bothering you or don’t seem to be improving, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional. They can assess your situation and provide appropriate advice or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Managing Saxenda Side Effects

• Start slowly: Begin with a low dose of Saxenda and gradually increase it as tolerated. This can help minimise side effects.
• Inject at bedtime: Injecting Saxenda at bedtime can help reduce nausea and vomiting, as it allows the medication to work while you sleep.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent dehydration, which can contribute to nausea and constipation.
• Eat slowly: Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can help prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid triggers: If you notice that certain foods or activities trigger side effects, try to avoid them.
• Talk to your healthcare professional: If you experience severe or persistent side effects, it’s important to talk to your clinician. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other strategies to manage them.

Key Takeaway

Remember, everyone’s experience with Saxenda is different. While some people may experience significant side effects, others may have few or no issues. If you’re considering Saxenda, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare professional.

References

Sarah Lewis, P. (2023) Saxenda: Side effects and how to manage them, Medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-saxenda-side-effects 

Saxenda® side effects (2024) Saxenda.com. Available at: https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html

Seo, Y.-G. (2021) “Side effects associated with liraglutide treatment for obesity as well as diabetes,” Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 30(1), pp. 12–19. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20059.