Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used as part of a comprehensive weight-management programme alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda is administered by subcutaneous injection once daily. It is a prescription-only medicine and should be used according to the instructions provided by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. Liraglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors, which are involved in appetite regulation and energy intake.

When used alongside dietary and lifestyle measures, Saxenda can help eligible patients manage their weight. Treatment suitability should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

How Does Saxenda Work?

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It can influence appetite and feelings of fullness and may reduce food intake. Its use for weight management is intended to complement a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity rather than replace them.

Saxenda Dose Information

Saxenda is normally started at a lower dose and increased gradually to the recommended maintenance dose. The gradual increase is intended to improve gastrointestinal tolerability.

Week	Daily dose
Week 1	0.6 mg
Week 2	1.2 mg
Week 3	1.8 mg
Week 4	2.4 mg
Week 5 onwards	3.0 mg

The dose should only be increased according to the prescribed treatment schedule. Do not alter the dose yourself.

Who May Be Prescribed Saxenda?

Saxenda is authorised for weight management in eligible patients who meet the applicable criteria in the UK prescribing information. Eligibility differs according to age and clinical circumstances.

A healthcare professional should assess whether liraglutide is appropriate based on factors including body mass index, weight-related health conditions, medical history and other medicines being used.

Important Safety Information

• Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine.
• Use Saxenda only as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
• Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you are taking.
• People taking insulin or certain diabetes medicines may require additional monitoring.
• Seek medical advice if you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain.
• Do not combine Saxenda with another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
• Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy.

Product Information

• Active ingredient: Liraglutide
• Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Usual maintenance dose: 3.0 mg once daily
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection
• Dosage form: Solution for injection in a prefilled pen
• UK legal category: Prescription-only medicine

Saxenda and Other Weight-Management Medicines

Saxenda contains liraglutide, whereas medicines such as Wegovy contain semaglutide and Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. These medicines have different active ingredients, dosing schedules and prescribing considerations.

Visit our Wegovy page or Mounjaro page for information about other prescription weight-management treatments.

Related Information

For additional educational information, visit our Weight Management Guide.

You can also explore our Weight Management category for related products and information.

Official UK Medicine Information

For the latest official information about Saxenda, including its indications, dosing, contraindications, warnings and adverse effects, consult the Saxenda Summary of Product Characteristics and the official Patient Information Leaflet on the UK electronic Medicines Compendium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription medicine containing liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management in eligible patients.

What is the active ingredient in Saxenda?

The active ingredient is liraglutide.

How often is Saxenda administered?

Saxenda is administered once daily by subcutaneous injection.

What is the usual maintenance dose of Saxenda?

The recommended maintenance dose for adults is generally 3.0 mg once daily after gradual dose escalation.

Can I start Saxenda at 3.0 mg?

No. Saxenda treatment normally starts at a lower dose and increases gradually. Follow the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare professional.

Can Saxenda be used with Wegovy?

Saxenda should not be combined with another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Is Saxenda prescription only in the UK?

Yes. Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

Where can I find official Saxenda information?

The UK electronic Medicines Compendium provides the official Saxenda prescribing information and Patient Information Leaflet.