Basic Properties

Active ingredient: Liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonists)

Saxenda is a remedy for people with excess weight who suffer from weight-related deseases (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus) or obesity. Also, it can be prescribed for children from age 12 to 17 with body weight above 60 kg (132 pounds). Doctors do not know if Saxenda is safe for kids under the age of 12 or for kids with type 2 diabetes.

Saxenda liraglutide is a prescription medication so that you can get it only after consultation with a specialist. Warn the doctor if you are currently taking any vitamins, prescription / over-the-counter medicines, etc.

The remedy should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss. It can't be used together with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.

Check the pen before using it. If there are any damages, take a new one to avoid possible problems.

Instructions for Use

Saxenda can be used at any time of the day, however, it is recommended to apply it approximately at the same hours every day. Inject your dose subcutaneously (under the skin); the injection site you can choose includes the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or shoulders. Do not inject the medicine into the vein or muscle. Change the area of the remedy administration more often to avoid lumps formation on the body. Do not massage this area after the injection.

Limitations

Do not use Saxenda pre-filled syringes in case:

1. You are allergic to any components of the medication;
2. If you or any of your family members have ever had MTC, or if you have MEN 2;
3. If you are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if Saxenda passes to the breast milk, or may harm your unborn child, so it is better not to risk).

To get all the important information about specifically your issues, talk to your health care provider. They will consult you about all the questions you may have.

Dosing and Administration

When you are taking Saxenda, you should start from a low dose and gradually increase it during the first five weeks of treatment. Doctors usually add 0.6 mg of the medication every week until you reach the amount of 3 mg of Saxenda per day. Do not increase the dose of Saxenda by yourself.

Saxenda liraglutide has to be used with a reduced number of calories diet and exercise program. You should be under the doctor's observation the whole time. If you have diabetes, warn the doctor so he can adjust the dose of the remedy specially for you.

The same pre-filled pen cannot be used by various people, even if the needle was changed. If you do, you may transfer or get infectious diseases to the blood.

Side Effects

As with every medication, using Saxenda may cause some common side effects. They include:

1. Headache;
2. Nausea;
3. constipation;
4. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia);
5. Dizziness;
6. Influence enzyme (lipase) levels in the blood.

Serious side effects include the following symptoms:

1. Mental changes, especially sudden mood swings;
2. Shortness of breath;
3. Neck hoarseness;
4. Trouble swallowing or shortness;
5. Gallbladder problems;
6. Loss of fluids (dehydration).

If you have any of these signs, or in case you get a lump or swelling in your neck, contact your doctor in order to get a consultation and immediate medical help (if needed).

If low blood sugar episodes happen, it is recommended to have a quick sugar source with you. It can be a sugary drink, a glucose pill, or a piece of sugar. But mind that Saxenda may cause nausea, so be careful with sweets. On rare occasions, patients may need a glucagon injection. To get that, contact your doctor and make an appointment or get it at home.

Storage and Handling Conditions

Unused Saxenda pen should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze the syringe. If it was previously frozen, do not use it! Do not apply the remedy after the expiration date indicated on the package.

If the Saxenda Novo Nordisk pen is about to be used or is currently in use, you should keep it at room temperature (30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). You can use it for no longer than 1 month after the opening. When it is not used, the cap should be on to protect it from direct sunlight. Store at the dry, dark places away from the kids.

Saxenda should be used only if it is clear and colorless (or almost colorless). If it is not - choose another pen for the injection. Do not throw it away in the wastewater or household waste. Contact the local pharmacist to learn how to discard it properly.