Saxenda is a brand name for a prescription medication called liraglutide. It is an injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults who have obesity (with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or greater) or who are overweight (with a BMI of 27 or greater) and have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 helps regulate appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels. Saxenda is thought to help with weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach.
Here are some key points about Saxenda:
- Mechanism of Action:
- Saxenda works primarily by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. It also slows down gastric emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness and reducing the urge to eat.
- Administration:
- Saxenda is administered as a once-daily injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). The injection can be given at any time of the day, with or without food. The dosage typically starts low and is gradually increased over several weeks to minimize the risk of side effects.
- Weight Loss Benefits:
- Clinical studies have shown that Saxenda, when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, can lead to significant weight loss. In some studies, patients lost an average of 5% to 10% of their initial body weight over a period of 3 to 6months.
- Side Effects:
- Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and decreased appetite. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time. Saxenda may also increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Safety Considerations:
- Saxenda is not suitable for everyone and should be used with caution in individuals with a history of pancreatitis, thyroid disease, or kidney problems. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Here are the general steps for injecting Saxenda:
- Prepare the Injection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all the necessary supplies, including the Saxenda pen, a new needle and alcohol swabs. Check the expiration date on the Saxenda pen and make sure the medication is clear and colorless.
- Choose the Injection Site:
- Common injection sites for Saxenda include the abdomen (around the belly button), thigh (front of the thigh), or upper arm. Choose a different injection site each time you inject Saxenda to minimize the risk of skin irritation or lumps.
- Clean the Injection Site:
- Use an alcohol swab to clean the chosen injection site. Allow the area to air dry completely before proceeding with the injection.
- Prepare the Saxenda Pen:
- Remove the cap from the Saxenda pen and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Attach a new needle to the pen by twisting it onto the pen until it is securely in place.
- Select the Dose:
- Turn the dose selector dial on the Saxenda pen to the prescribed dose as instructed by your healthcare provider. Make sure the dose window shows the correct dose.
- Inject the Medication:
- Pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the skin fold. Press the button on the Saxenda pen to deliver the medication. Keep the button pressed until the dose counter shows “0” and hold the needle in place for a few seconds to ensure all the medication is injected.
- Remove the Needle:
- Release the button and carefully withdraw the needle from the skin. Dispose of the needle and pen in a sharps disposal container.
- Massage the Injection Site:
- Gently massage the injection site with a clean cotton ball or tissue to help distribute the medication and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Saxenda or any other weight loss medication. They can assess your medical history, evaluate your weight loss goals, and determine if Saxenda is an appropriate treatment option for you. Additionally, they can provide guidance on proper dosing, monitoring, and potential side effects
