Are you ready to take control of your weight loss journey? Saxenda could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This prescription medication, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Let’s delve into the blog to know more about Saxenda Dosage.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a prescription injectable medication designed to help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It contains liraglutide, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
How does it work?
Saxenda works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which is released after meals. This helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing your appetite and cravings. As a result, you may eat less and lose weight.
Who can use Saxenda?
Adults aged 18 and older who meet the following criteria can use Saxenda as a weight loss aid, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise:
- BMI of 30 or higher: Considered obese.
- BMI between 27 and 30: Considered overweight and have weight-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
An individual should only continue taking Saxenda if they’ve lost at least 5% of their starting weight after 12 weeks of using the 3.0 mg/day dose.
Understanding Saxenda Dosage
Your specific Saxenda dosage will be tailored to your needs based on factors like your weight, overall health, and how well your body responds to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the best dosage plan for you.
Saxenda journey typically begins with a low dose, which gradually increases over the first five weeks.
Week 1: You’ll start with 0.6 mg once a day.
Week 2: Your dose will increase to 1.2 mg once a day.
Week 3: Your dose will increase to 1.8 mg once a day.
Week 4: Your dose will increase to 2.4 mg once a day.
Week 5 and Onwards: Your dose will be 3.0 mg once a day.
- It’s important to follow your clinician’s instructions carefully and do not increase your dose beyond the recommended 3.0 mg per day.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your dosage, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare professional.
How to Inject Saxenda?
Saxenda is administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. You will be provided with a prefilled pen and needles for your injections. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the medication packaging carefully.
Injection Tips:
- Saxenda Injection site: Inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to avoid skin irritation.
- Needle disposal: Dispose of used needles in a sharps container according to local guidelines.
Side Effects of Saxenda
Like any prescription medication, Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause side effects in some people. While most side effects are mild and temporary, it’s important to be aware of them.
- Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Acute kidney injury
- Acute pancreatitis
- Severe allergic reactions
- Thyroid C-cell tumours
- Minimising Side Effects
To reduce the risk of side effects, your healthcare professional will typically start you on a low dose of Saxenda and gradually increase it over several weeks. This gradual approach allows your body to adjust to the medication, minimising gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhoea.
If you experience any side effects, especially severe ones, be sure to consult your clinician immediately.
How to Store Your Saxenda Pens?
- Before You Start:
- Refrigerate: Store your unopened Saxenda pen in the refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C).
- Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the pen.
- After You Start:
- Room Temperature or Refrigerator: Once you’ve started using your pen, you can store it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days or in the refrigerator.
- Protect from Light: Always keep the pen cap on to shield it from light.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure the effectiveness of your Saxenda medication.
How Long Does It Take for Saxenda to Work?
It might take a few weeks for Saxenda to fully kick in and start suppressing your appetite. While weight loss is gradual, you may start noticing results after about 4 weeks of being on a maintenance dose. Be patient and consistent with your treatment plan.
Important Tips
- Missed dose: If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Do not inject a double dose.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Saxenda is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Interactions: Inform your healthcare professional about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as they may interact with Saxenda.
Key Takeaway
Saxenda is a prescription medication. It is important to follow your healthcare professionals instructions and consult with them if you have any questions or concerns.
References
Mehta, A., Marso, S.P. and Neeland, I.J. (2017) “Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence: Review: liraglutide for weight management,” Obesity science & practice, 3(1), pp. 3–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.84.
Nordisk, N. (2024) Saxenda 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf
Saxenda® (liraglutide) Injection 3 mg Dosing Schedule (2022) novoMEDLINK. Available at: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/saxenda/dosing-administration/saxenda-dosing.html
Saxenda® side effects (2024) Saxenda.com. Available at: https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html
Tilinca, M.C. et al. (2021) “A 2021 update on the use of liraglutide in the modern treatment of ‘diabesity’: A narrative review,” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(7), p. 669. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57070669.
