Weight Loss Injections
Introduction
Saxenda
The Saxenda injection is designed to help individuals with weight loss. Formulated with the active ingredient liraglutide, Saxenda suppresses the appetite and reduces hunger, which may result in weight loss.
Liraglutide mimics GLP-1, which is a naturally occurring hormone released by the intestines after eating as a way to signal to the brain that our stomach is full. By simulating this process, Saxenda helps the brain register a feeling of satiety, minimising the likelihood that you will consume more food than you need, which will therefore support weight loss in conjunction with regular exercise and healthy food choices.
Saxenda is only available on prescription and is only recommended for individuals who are overweight. This medication is available in the form of a pre-filled, easy-to-use injectable pen, so there’s no need to attend an appointment with a medical professional to receive each injection.
Is Saxenda suitable for me?
If you are dissatisfied with your weight and fall into the categories of medically overweight or obese, you may be considering Saxenda or another weight loss injection treatment. The simplest way to determine if this applies to you is to use an online tool to calculate your body mass index or BMI. BMI calculators will ask you to enter your height and weight, and the resulting number provided to you will be your BMI.
A healthy BMI ranges between 18 and 25. However, doctors only typically prescribe Saxenda if:
- Your BMI is 30 or higher, which indicates obesity, OR
- Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have other weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
There are certain individuals who should not take Saxenda, including under-18s and over-75s, pregnant people, people who are planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding people. Additionally, you should not use Saxenda if you are allergic to the active ingredient liraglutide or if you have inflammatory bowel disease, serious gastrointestinal issues, or severe heart failure.
Saxenda is available by prescription only, and it is important to inform your doctor of any health conditions you have or medications you are taking prior to starting Saxenda treatment. It is particularly important to make your doctor aware if you have liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatic disease or thyroid issues, such as thyroid gland enlargement or nodules.
Saxenda is not a substitute for insulin and you should continue to monitor yourself for signs of low blood sugar while you are taking Saxenda. These symptoms can appear suddenly and may include pale skin, an increased heart rate, cold sweats, headaches, vision changes, weakness and fatigue, nervousness and/or anxiety, confusion, trembling, cognitive issues including difficulty concentrating, and intense feelings of hunger.
How is Saxenda taken?
If you are suitable for Saxenda, our pharmacist will provide you with detailed instructions regarding how and when to take the medication, as well as how much you should be taking. It is important to follow the guidance you are provided with carefully. Typically, patients start with a lower dose of Saxenda, which is then gradually increased over the course of five weeks.
To give you an idea of your potential recommended dose, the average patient will begin with a daily injection containing 0.6 mg of Saxenda. This will then be increased by 0.6 mg every week until the 3.0 mg maximum dosage is reached. Every Saxenda pen is preloaded with the medication and you can easily adjust the dosage using the dial on the pen.
When you first start your treatment, you will receive instructions on how to use the pen correctly. As it is important to avoid injecting the medication into your veins or muscles, it is recommended to inject Saxenda into your upper arm, the front of the thigh, or in your abdomen near your waist. It is possible to take Saxenda alongside or without food, making it a relatively versatile treatment, but it should be taken at approximately the same time each time.
Saxenda should always be stored in the refrigerator before using it for the first time, but it should never be placed in the freezer. When stored at temperatures below 30 degrees celsius, it is safe to use the pen for up to one month. Please note that each pen will have an expiry date printed onto it and you should not use the medication after this date. When the pen is not in use, keep the cap on to protect the solution from sunlight, which can damage it. If the liquid in your pen doesn’t look colourless or clear, don’t use it.
In addition to Saxenda, your doctor is likely to also provide you with an exercise and diet plan to support your weight loss efforts. It is important to follow these recommendations closely to maximise your results. In order to continue using Saxenda beyond the initial 12-week period, you will need to lose 5% of your body weight.
Potential side effects and interactions
Rapid weight loss can increase your risk of developing gallstones or experiencing gallbladder inflammation. Severe pain in the upper abdomen area, particularly when it occurs on the right side of your body underneath your ribs or radiates to your right shoulder, should prompt an immediate call to your doctor. Additionally, it is crucial to seek immediate medical advice if you experience heart palpitations or if you start to become dehydrated when taking Saxenda.
Like the majority of medications, Saxenda can cause a range of mild side effects, but these are generally uncommon. The most frequent side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which typically subside within a couple of weeks. Some patients taking Saxenda may also experience excessive gas, alterations to your sense of taste, bloating, fatigue, and dizziness. Injection site irritation or bruising may also occur. Avoid driving if you experience fatigue or dizziness.
In rare cases, serious side effects can be caused by Saxenda. If you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction or experience severe abdominal pain that persists, contact your doctor and seek medical help immediately.
Saxenda may interact with certain medications, which is why it is crucial to provide your doctor with a complete list of any medications you are currently taking. This is particularly important if you are taking oral anticoagulants such as warfarin, as while these medications will not automatically prohibit you from taking Saxenda, you may be required to attend more frequent blood tests. Similarly, if you take sulfonamides for diabetes, your dosage may need some adjustment in order to prevent low blood sugar.
Dosage Information
The recommended dosage for each week of Saxenda treatment is:
Week 1 = 0.6 mg daily injection
Week 2 = 1.2 mg daily injection
Week 3 = 1.8 mg daily injection
Week 4 = 2.4 mg daily injection
Week 5 = 3 mg daily injection
You will then continue injecting 3 mg per day for up to 12 weeks.
Saxenda Service Information
A two week trial of Saxenda costs £85.
Saxenda treatment has a monthly cost of £260, which includes all injections during that month. At the end of your first 12 weeks of Saxenda treatments, your pharmacist will invite you in for an evaluation to discuss your progress.
Our Saxenda service is available whenever required.
Availability
Pop into your preferred pharmacy at a time convenient to you to enquire in person about our Saxenda service. Alternatively, select your preferred pharmacy branch below to visit their page and enquire about weight loss injections.
