Saxenda®
If you are suffering from obesity and weight-related medical problems, Saxenda® can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Saxenda® from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Injectable prescription medication
FDA-approved for weight management
Regulates blood sugar levels
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and our prescription discount card.
Saxenda® is considered a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which functions by increasing feelings of fullness, so people eat less and lose weight. Like all glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists this medication can only be used for weight loss.
Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medication for obesity and weight-related medical problems. It is in a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It increases feelings of fullness, so people eat less and lose weight.
Saxenda® is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including liraglutide. Saxenda® may be prescribed as an injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Saxenda®, be sure to complete the full course of the medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the medication may not fully help you lose weight.
If you are struggling to lose weight, speak to your doctor about whether it could be a good option.
There is only one FDA-approved use for Saxenda® (weight management), but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons.
It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Saxenda® is FDA-approved as part of a weight loss plan that also includes diet and exercise for chronic weight management in obese adults. It works by regulating appetite and blood sugar to help you feel fuller longer and make it easier to stick to your diet.
Saxenda® may also be used off-label for other conditions, such as diabetes. It works by regulating blood sugar levels to help improve glycemic control. But it’s not FDA-approved for this use.
FDA-approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes
Once-a-day injection and easy to stop if there are side effects
Average of 5-9% of body weight loss with diet and exercise
Works great with low-carb, low-calorie eating and daily moderate exercise
Frequent injections needed
More complicated to travel with this medication
Requires ongoing use for sustained benefits
May cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Saxenda® injectable prescription medicine. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Saxenda® is typically prescribed once daily, though some specific instructions may include taking it twice daily.
Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it is often recommended to decrease your risk of stomach and abdominal side effects. If you have not taken Saxenda® for more than three days, speak with your doctor about restarting the medication at a low dose. As always, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Also, inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed. Change the injection site each time to avoid tissue damage.
Saxenda® is a powerful medication, and, as with all medications, some risks are associated with its use. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and usually mild. However, you should be aware of some potentially serious side effects.
The mild side effects of Saxenda® may include:
Vomiting
Low sugar levels in diabetic people
Indigestion
Tiredness
Stomach pain
Some of the more serious side effects that have been associated with Saxenda® use include:
Dizziness
Runny nose
Severe pain in back
Injection site reaction
Serious allergic reactions
Thyroid tumors
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any severe side effects. Saxenda® should not be used in children under 12 because it's not safe and effective in this age group.
Saxenda® has 250 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
The following drugs are known to have interactions with Saxenda®:
levothyroxine
lisinopril
phentermine
This is a partial list. Talk to your doctor if you have currently on any medication before taking Saxenda®.
Saxenda® should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss. You should avoid eating high-fat meals while taking this medication.
Saxenda® can cause low blood sugar levels. To help prevent this, avoid consuming alcohol or sugary foods/drinks while taking this medication.
This medication may also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent these side effects and avoid overheating or dehydrating. Saxenda® can also cause dizziness. If you experience this side effect, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Talk to your doctor about other medications you should avoid while taking Saxenda®, such as insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications. You should also avoid taking any other weight-loss medications while on Saxenda®. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other prescription drugs, supplements, as well as over-the-counter medicines.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Saxenda®. Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar.
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another alternative in another drug class, like sympathomimetic amines. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Used to help improve glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
To achieve weight loss, Xenical® blocks dietary fat breakdown and absorption by the body.
You will receive a once-daily tablet with this drug combination.
The average retail price for a 3ml injectable pen of Saxenda® is $1,752. However, your costs may be greatly reduced if you have insurance coverage. You can expect to pay between $30 and $100 per month for Saxenda®, depending on your insurance coverage.
Follow the instructions for refilling your Saxenda® prescription from your healthcare provider. You can refill your Saxenda® prescription online with PlushCare.
Our doctors can refill your prescription online if you qualify. Book an appointment with one of our doctors, attend the visit with one of our clinicians on your phone or computer, and then they can electronically send a refill to your nearest pharmacy.
You should not take Saxenda® if you have the following conditions:
Allergic to liraglutide or other ingredients
Have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
Saxenda® generally starts working in 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 12 weeks to see the full effect of Saxenda® on your body weight.
Saxenda® works best to help with weight loss alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan. The weight you lose with Saxenda® will depend on how well you stick to your diet and exercise plan.
If you miss a dose of Saxenda®, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Saxenda® at the same time.
Taking too much Saxenda® can cause severe allergic reaction side effects. If you've taken too much Saxenda®, call your doctor or immediately visit the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood sugar.
Step 1
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Saxenda® prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $99
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Saxenda Label Information. Accessed on September 26, 2022 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/206321Orig1s000lbl.pdf.
The New England Journal of Medicine. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. Accessed on September 26, 2022 at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1411892.
Mayo Clinic. Liraglutide (Subcutaneous Route): Precautions. Accessed on September 26, 2022 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/liraglutide-subcutaneous-route/precautions/drg-20073828.
