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You might have just started your weight-loss journey with Saxenda, a prescription drug that works to suppress the appetite. You probably also have an exercise and diet plan that requires a lot of discipline. However, if you’re a social person, you’ll inevitably find yourself in a situation where alcohol is being served. So, you’re probably wondering: Are there any Saxenda and alcohol interactions?
Saxenda is an effective drug for weight loss, but it may interact with different drugs, foods, or beverages. There is no mention of Saxenda interacting with alcohol in the official FDA drug label. But that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Before mixing any medication with alcohol, you should always consult with your healthcare provider.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a brand-name, injectable drug used for weight management in people who are overweight or obese. It is only approved to be used in combination with a proper diet and physical exercise.
Side effects of Saxenda
The most common side effects of Saxenda include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Can you mix Saxenda and alcohol?
You may notice that Saxenda can cause side effects similar to those of alcohol, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness. Drinking alcohol may amplify and worsen the side effects of Saxenda. If you search the web, you can find that some people report feeling more nauseous or dizzy after drinking alcohol with Saxenda.
Although the FDA label doesn’t explicitly mention a Saxenda and drug interaction, there is clinical evidence that combining alcohol and Saxenda can cause problems. One study found that Saxenda was an effective weight-loss drug when used as a long-term treatment, and over half of the study participants reported that they regularly drink alcohol (59.8%). However, those who drank alcohol experienced slightly less weight loss than those who didn’t drink; those who drank alcohol had an average weight loss of 5.9% while those who didn’t drink had an average weight loss of 7.1%. Meaning, drinking renders the medication less effective.
People who drink alcohol may have some level of liver impairment. Clinical trials found that people with mild, moderate, and severe liver impairment had a lower liraglutide AUC (area under the curve). The AUC is related to the absorption of a drug and how much of a drug circulates in the bloodstream. The liraglutide AUC was on average 11% lower in people with mild liver impairment and 42% lower in people with severe liver impairment. Therefore, people with liver problems may not absorb Saxenda as well as other people.
Alcohol and weight loss
Whether or not you’re taking Saxenda, you’ll probably want to watch your alcohol intake if you’re looking to lose weight. While light to moderate alcohol consumption is not linked to weight gain, heavy or binge drinking is.
Studies have shown that heavy alcohol consumption can increase weight gain. Alcohol can decrease the activity of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the body that regulates appetite. The effects of alcohol on GLP-1 and other chemicals in the brain can also increase appetite, hunger, and caloric intake.
Moderate alcohol consumption is no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. Depending on your beverage of choice, the calories from alcohol can add up. A cosmopolitan can have 146 calories while a pina colada can have 526 calories, for example. If you’re not careful, the added calories from alcohol can be an obstacle in your weight-loss journey.
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have certain conditions such as diabetes. Alcohol is known to lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous in people being treated for diabetes. You may have to watch your alcohol intake more closely if you have diabetes and you’re taking a GLP-1 agonist like Saxenda.
RELATED: Can I drink alcohol while taking metformin?
Final verdict
If you’re supporting your weight-loss goals with Saxenda, a drink once in a while is unlikely to do significant harm. You might feel amplified side effects like nausea or dizziness with an occasional drink. More than one or two drinks every day can start to affect your liver, blood sugar levels, and intake of calories.
