What is Saxenda? Uses, warnings & side effects

Saxenda is a self-administered injection using a multi-dose injector pen. 

• Don’t use the injector pen until a healthcare provider has demonstrated how to use it. 

• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. It is usually given in your stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

• During the demonstration, ask the presenter about how to split doses between pens when there’s not enough medicine in one pen for a dose.

• Read the Instructions for Use that come with this medicine before using the pen injector.

Take each dose exactly as instructed. 

Do not use more medicine or administer injections more often than your healthcare provider tells you to.

Administer only one injection per day. The injection can be administered at any time during the day without regard to food.

Wash your hands before administering an injection.

Check the pen injector and the medicine inside the injector first. The pen should be undamaged and the medicine clear and colorless.

Always use a new NovoFine or NovoTwist needle. Push the needle onto the pen and twist it to tighten.

Select the correct dose using the dose selector. Do not use Saxenda injector pens if you can’t read the dose indicator.

Insert the needle into your skin.

You should be able to see the dose counter.

Press and hold down the dose button.

Continue pressing until the dose counter reads “0.”

Keep the needle in the skin for six seconds. If you remove it too soon, you may only get a partial dose.

Remove the needle. 

If the dose button is pressed but the dose counter does not go to “0,” the needle may be blocked. You have not received your dose.

• Change the needle.

• Select the dose.

• Inject the medicine.

Always remove the needle from the pen injector very carefully after each injection.

Dispose of the needle in a sharps container immediately.

Replace the cap on the Saxenda pen injector.

Never wash or soak the pen.

Store unused pen injectors in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Used pens can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.

Keep the pen injector away from heat and light.

Throw away the pen injector when:

• It’s empty

• The expiration date has passed

• 30 days have passed since you first started using it

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. 

Never take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. 

If you miss a dose for three days or more, call the prescriber. You may need to restart the medicine at a lower dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone.

Do not use Saxenda if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have had an allergic reaction to liraglutide

• Have a history or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)

Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are taking Saxenda.

Before starting Saxenda, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

The prescriber also needs to know about all other medical conditions you may have, particularly:

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• Pancreas problems

• Gallbladder disease

• Stomach emptying problems

• Problems digesting food

• Depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health problems

Saxenda can cause serious medical problems, including:

• Increased risk of thyroid cancer

• Swelling of the pancreas

• Kidney problems

• Gallbladder disease

• Rapid heartbeats

• Low blood sugar (in people taking diabetes medications)

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The prescriber will need to perform regular checkups and lab tests to gauge the effectiveness of treatment and spot possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

To avoid potential drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you use, particularly:

• Other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza (liraglutide) or Ozempic (semaglutide)

• Insulin

• Diabetes medications

Tell the prescriber if you are taking any other drugs orally. Tell all other healthcare professionals prescribing drugs that you are taking liraglutide injections. Saxenda may make some oral drugs less effective.