A clinician-guided decision
Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a medicine that acts on a pathway involved in appetite regulation. A prescription decision should account for your health history, goals, current medicines, and whether medication is clinically appropriate.
What Saxenda is used for
Saxenda is used with a reduced-calorie eating plan and increased physical activity to help eligible adults reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction over time. It may also be considered for adults with overweight and a weight-related health condition.
A clinician looks beyond a number on the scale. Your medical history, weight-related conditions, previous treatment, daily routine, and ability to follow up all help determine whether Saxenda may be a sensible option.
How treatment begins
Saxenda is injected under the skin once a day. Treatment begins at a low dose and is increased gradually when a prescriber determines that it is appropriate. The pace is designed to help the body adjust and reduce the chance of digestive side effects.
The starting dose is not a final measure of benefit. Your clinician will decide whether and when to increase a dose based on how you are feeling and how treatment is going. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without guidance from the clinician who prescribed it.
What follow-up care should cover
Follow-up is where a treatment plan becomes personal. Resolve can review how you are feeling, whether you are able to eat and drink comfortably, changes in hunger or weight, and how the medication fits with your nutrition, activity, sleep, and other health needs.
If Saxenda is not the right fit because of side effects, health history, cost, or lack of benefit, that is useful information. A clinician can help you decide on the appropriate next step rather than leaving you to manage a medication change alone.
Side effects and important safety conversations
Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, reduced appetite, indigestion, fatigue, dizziness, stomach discomfort, and injection-site reactions. Tell your prescribing clinician if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or make it difficult to eat or drink enough.
Before treatment begins, discuss your personal and family health history, especially medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, serious allergic reactions, pancreas or gallbladder concerns, kidney concerns, diabetes medicines, depression or other mood concerns, and pregnancy plans. Saxenda should not be used with another liraglutide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Medication and coverage questions
Bring a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your visit. Saxenda can affect how quickly the stomach empties, which may affect some oral medicines. Your clinician can review the medicines that matter for your individual care.
Insurance coverage and manufacturer savings eligibility vary. Resolve can help you understand how insurance verification works and discuss the practical cost questions that matter before you commit to a plan.
Questions about insurance coverage? How we verify coverage
For further independent medication information, visit Saxenda resources.