Saxenda is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company known for its leadership in diabetes care.

Saxenda is a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonist. This class of drugs copies, or mimics, the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation and appetite control.

The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, a compound designed to activate GLP-1 receptors in the body.

Saxenda is available in several strengths. Treatment for obesity typically starts at a dose of 0.6mg of liraglutide once daily for one week, then increasing by a maximum of 0.6mg each week depending on the patient’s response. The maximum maintenance (long term) dose is 3.0mg per day.

Saxenda is taken once a day in the form of an injection. The specific dosage and schedule will be determined based on individual needs and medical history. A typical treatment plan could start as follows:

– Week 1: 0.6mg (daily)

– Week 2: 1.2mg (daily)

– Week 3: 1.8mg (daily)

– Week 4: 2.4mg (daily)

– Week 5 and beyond: 3.0mg (daily)

Yes. In the UK, Saxenda is approved by the MHRA as a weight loss treatment, and a weight management medication in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Clinical trials have shown that Saxenda is effective in promoting significant weight loss. In a series of studies, 33% of participants who took Saxenda for 56 weeks experienced an average weight loss of 10% or more. Compare this to Mounjaro, which has shown to enable up to 26% weight loss over 84 weeks. 

Anecdotally, many people who have taken Saxenda also report positive outcomes beyond clinical measures. As well as substantial weight loss, patients frequently mention that their general quality of life has improved since taking Saxenda. For instance, some users have shared that they feel more energetic, have better mobility, and experience less joint pain. Others have highlighted the psychological benefits, such as increased confidence and reduced anxiety about their health.

Saxenda’s active ingredient is liraglutide. Here’s a more detailed look at its mechanism of action:

• Liraglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals. This helps lower blood sugar levels effectively.
• By slowing down the stomach, known as “gastric emptying”, liraglutide prolongs the feeling of fullness after eating, which reduces overall calorie intake.
• Liraglutide also inhibits glucagon secretion, which prevents the liver from producing too much glucose.

For more information see the manufacturer’s Patient Information Leaflet for Saxenda 

Direct health benefits

• Significant weight loss can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or aiding in its management.
• Weight loss often leads to reduced blood pressure, which decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Reducing calorie intake can improve cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Indirect health benefits

• Weight loss can relieve stress on joints and bones, making physical activities easier and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and injuries.
• Many users report improved sleep quality and reduced sleep apnea symptoms.
• Weight loss can lead to better mental health outcomes, including reduced depression and anxiety.

Direct lifestyle benefits

• Losing weight makes it easier to engage in physical activities, which can further enhance weight loss and overall health.
• Users often report feeling more energetic and less fatigued.
• Many users enjoy the benefit of fitting into smaller-sized clothes and having a wider variety of clothing options.

Indirect lifestyle benefits

• Weight loss can increase confidence and encourage more social interaction, improving relationships and quality of life.
• People find they can travel more comfortably and participate in activities such as hiking, biking, or even simple walks that were challenging before.
• Increased energy and improved health can lead to better focus and productivity at work.

There are multiple reasons why Saxenda may not be suitable for some people, including:

• people with a known allergy to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Saxenda
• those with certain medical conditions or who are taking medications that interact negatively with Saxenda should not use it. This includes people with a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or thyroid cancer. Saxenda can also interact negatively with some oral contraceptives, so a barrier should also be used.
• those under 18 years of age or over 75 years old.

Saxenda is a prescription-only medication, and the decision to prescribe it rests with a healthcare provider. They will evaluate the patient’s overall health, medical history, and specific weight loss needs to determine eligibility. Take our free online assessment to see if Saxenda is right for you.

Depending on your individual weight loss journey, your clinician might suggest that Saxenda weight loss treatment will be most effective when taken in combination with other weight loss methods. This may include adopting a healthy diet with fewer calories and increasing physical activity. Sustainable weight loss often requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Saxenda can be obtained through various channels in the UK, including Medicspot.

The cost of Saxenda from Medicspot is £275 for 5 x 6mg pens. 

The initial daily cost of Saxenda is £6.55 per day.

Investing in Saxenda can lead to significant health benefits, potentially reducing medical expenses related to weight-related conditions, such as heart disease and complications from poor glycemic control. Improved health can also enhance quality of life and productivity. Additionally, managing weight effectively with Saxenda can reduce the need for other medications and treatments, offering long-term savings.

Yes, Saxenda can be purchased online from licensed pharmacies. When buying online, ensure the pharmacy is reputable and registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to avoid counterfeit medications. Please note that a clinical assessment and valid prescription are required in order to obtain Saxenda. 

Saxenda is sometimes available on the NHS for the treatment of obesity. Patients should consult with their GP for more information about obtaining Saxenda through the NHS. It is prescribed based on specific criteria to ensure it is suitable for the patient’s condition.

Saxenda underwent extensive clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy. It was tested in multiple phases involving thousands of participants.

Saxenda is considered safe for most people when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like all medications, there may be side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and headaches. More serious side effects are rare but can include gastroparesis (where food doesn’t pass through the stomach properly), intestinal blockage (where the tubes of your digestive tract get blocked, which can lead to damage to the bowel wall) pancreatitis (severe inflammation of the pancreas) or gallbladder disease. Individual risk of side effects are considered as part of our clinical assessment.

In the UK Saxenda is authorised by the MHRA. Saxenda has also received official approvals from other regulatory bodies internationally such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).