Saxenda is a unique weight loss medication that is available in the form of an injection. Developed and marketed by Novo Nordisk in the UK, this branded weight loss treatment is based on liraglutide as an active ingredient, a synthetic derivative of naturally occurring GLP-1. Those more familiar with the contemporary medicine market may notice that this same active ingredient is also present in diabetes treatment Victoza. However, keep in mind that due to their specifics, these two medications cannot be used interchangeably and they are not considered to be bioequivalent.

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Saxenda is also unique in another regard – people using this medicine are encouraged to sign up for Weight Journey1, an online complimentary support program aimed at helping Saxenda users reach their goals.

How can Saxenda help me lose weight?

Saxenda is an injectable weight loss treatment that is based on liraglutide as an active ingredient. As mentioned, liraglutide is a synthetic equivalent to GLP-1, a hormone released by the gut after a meal has been consumed. Consequentially, this hormone will act as an agonist in relation to specialised receptors in the brain tasked with managing appetite. Since liraglutide will efficiently mimic the activity of GLP-1 once ingested, it will do the same thing, thus reducing the craving for food and making the user feel less hungry than usual. As such, Saxenda is not a miracle pill and it cannot achieve the desired results on its own. Instead, it will have to be used as a part of a wider weight-loss programme involving strict dietary regimen and regular physical activity.

Can I buy Saxenda online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to obtain this medication online. However, those looking to buy Saxenda in the UK should keep in mind that this is a prescription-only medication and as such it can be obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. This is true regardless of whether you are buying it online or in your local pharmacy. If you are simply looking to renew your prescription, you can do that very easily via an online clinic. There, you will be asked to answer a couple of questions so the doctor can accurately assess your suitability for using Saxenda.

Most commonly, you will be presented with a detailed medical questionnaire that should help the doctor gain insight into your medical profile and history. If he determines everything is in order and you can safely use Saxenda, the prescription will be issued and the medicine will be sent to the address you provided from online clinic’s partner pharmacy. The medicine will be delivered in a discreet plain packaging within the timespan defined by the online clinic’s business model. As such, Saxenda is one of the few prescription weight loss treatments alongside weight loss pills such as Xenical and Orlistat

How is Saxenda used?

As mentioned, Saxenda stands out among the competition by being one of rare weight loss treatments that are administered via injection. This makes following your prescriber’s instructions precisely even more important. But even without unconventional administration of the medicine, closely following doctor’s guidelines regarding the use of any given medication is the best way to ensure optimal results while at the same time minimising the risk of side effects. In either case, it is recommended to read through the official patient information leaflet prior to commencing treatment so you are familiar with all the details. And, if the doctor’s instructions and the information in the leaflet contradict each other, go with what the doctor recommended.

Here we will briefly mention some of the most important guidelines for using Saxenda. However, keep in mind that what follows can in no way be thought of as a substitute for either doctor’s instructions or those you can find in the information leaflet. The text below is simply an illustration, aimed at helping you get a better understanding of what Saxenda treatment will involve:

  • Saxenda has to be used in parallel with a healthy diet and exercise plan in order to be effective
  • The starting dose is relatively low, with gradual increase over the period of five weeks
  • During the first week, you should inject 0.6mg once per day
  • During the second week, you should inject 1.2mg once per day
  • During the third week, you should inject 1.8mg once per day
  • During the fourth week, you should inject 2.4mg once per day
  • From the fifth week and onwards, inject 3mg once per day – this will be the daily dose for the remainder of the course
  • The treatment will be reviewed by your doctor at regular intervals
  • Prior to commencing the treatment, you will have to get proper training on how to use the pen from a doctor or a nurse
  • Instructions for use can also be found in the official patient information leaflet if you need a quick recap
  • You can take Saxenda at any time of the day, but once you pick specific time, you should always stick to it
  • Saxenda is injected subcutaneously, ideally on the front of your thighs or abdomen
  • Never inject Saxenda in muscle or vein
  • If you forget a dose, you can administer it when you do remember, provided it is within 12 hours from the time when you were supposed to take it
  • If more than 12 hours have passed, simply skip the missed dose and continue with the treatment as usual
  • Never double up on doses to make up for a missed one
  • It is recommended you use the possibility of signing up to Weight Journey, a free support programme started specifically for people using Saxenda

What are Saxenda side effects?

Prior to commencing treatment, you should get familiar with the details regarding Saxenda use. While doctor will mention some of the most common effect, the official patient information leaflet contains a detailed list of all the side effects documented so far. It will be especially important to learn to differentiate between side effects that are unpleasant, yet harmless and those which will require you to halt treatment and seek immediate medical advice.

For example, if you notice any symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, you should immediately contact your doctor. You should do the same if you experience any of the following:

  • Abdominal pain which reaches through to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the upper abdomen
  • Pain under the ribs

You should also keep in mind that Saxenda is labelled as a ‘black triangle’ medication, meaning that while it has been approved for sales, it is still closely monitored by MHRA for additional, currently undiscovered side effects. So, if you notice any symptoms not mentioned in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the Yellow Card Scheme.2

Is Saxenda safe for me? What are the contraindications?

As is the case with all prescription drugs, Saxenda is not suitable for everyone and there are some people which might be advised against using this medication. For example, you should notify your doctor if you are currently taking diabetes medications or any anticoagulants.

In addition to this, Saxenda will not be prescribed for people who have or recently had:

  • Heart failure
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Diabetes
  • Pancreatitis
  • Thyroid disease
  • Gallstones
  • Any medical condition that might cause dehydration

Finally, this treatment is not recommended for patients aged 75 or more, as well as for women who are pregnant, are trying to conceive or are currently breastfeeding.

References:

  1. Weight Journey – UK
  2. Yellow Card Scheme – UK