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What Is Saxenda & How Does It Work?
- Posted On:
- 11 Jun, 2026
- 13 min read
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Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a prescription medication that helps people with obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep it off.Starting From $514.99
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Injectable weight loss medication has been on the rise for the past several years. Studies show that the number of GLP-1 medication users grew by over 650% from 2020 to 2023 alone. This number continues to grow. Saxenda is one of these weight loss medications. This has led many patients to wonder about what Saxenda is and how this medication works. Saxenda is one of a few approved medications used for managing patients’ weight. It works by helping patients regulate their appetite and uses an active ingredient called “liraglutide.”
- Saxenda (Liraglutide) is a prescription medication that helps people with obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep it off.Starting From $514.99
10% Off On Your First Order
Click on the Copy Code button to copy your code.
No Expiry
Exclusive On Duty Free Meds Only
- Saxenda is a daily injectable GLP-1 medication (liraglutide) approved for long-term weight management, helping regulate appetite and slow gastric emptying.
- It is typically prescribed to adults with a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related conditions, and some adolescents ≥12 years old and ≥132 lbs.
- Clinical studies show significant weight loss, with some patients losing 10–20% of their body weight when combined with diet and exercise.
- Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and fatigue; serious risks (though rare) include thyroid tumors and pancreatitis.
- Saxenda differs from other GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro in dosage frequency, active ingredient, and primary approved use.
- The cost varies widely, from ~$25 with insurance to over $1,300 without; cheaper or alternative medications may be available.
What Is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. It is one of the name-brand options for liraglutide. This medication was first created under the name “Victoza.” This was a type 2 diabetes medication. Saxenda is the repurposed version that was later created to help with long-term weight loss. Patients taking Saxenda do not necessarily have to have type 2 diabetes. This is different from those taking Victoza. Saxenda is also a higher-strength medication than Victoza. Both medications are still used today.
Saxenda comes in the form of a once-daily injectable pen. It is specifically approved for adult patients who have a BMI of 30 or higher. It may also be prescribed to patients with a BMI of 27 or higher if they also have a weight-related health condition. It may also be used in some patients who are aged 12 years or older if they have a weight of more than 132 lbs.
How Does Saxenda Work?
Saxenda primarily works by mimicking the patient’s GLP-1. This is a hormone in the body that is responsible for regulating digestion and appetite. This medication mimics this hormone to slow down the patient’s gastric emptying and reduce their appetite. This medication also helps patients get a feeling of fullness faster when eating. This can add up to a huge reduction in caloric intake over time. However, this medication does not work in the same way as a stimulant or traditional appetite suppressant.
Saxenda for Weight Loss
Saxenda has proven in several different studies to be very effective for weight loss. Many patients using this medication may already notice 5-10% weight loss within the first six months or sooner of taking the injections. Sometimes this weight loss has occurred in as little as a few months in clinical trials after consistent use of the medication. This medication is not meant to be used to do all of the work on its own. This medication is designed to be combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. This medication was also designed for long-term use. It is not meant for cosmetic weight loss and should be taken long-term after starting.
Benefits Of Saxenda
Patients have experienced many benefits from using Saxenda. One of the biggest benefits has been the weight loss. Studies have shown that patients who take Saxenda lose double or triple the amount of weight compared to those who take other prescription drugs used for weight loss. Studies also show that about 6% of people taking the medication lose 20% or more of their weight and one out of every three people lose 10% of their weight.
Saxenda can also help with other issues besides weight loss. This medication is also known to help with other weight-related problems. This includes helping improve patients’ blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This medication can also help patients manage their blood sugar levels. This medication may also have the ability to help prevent patients from developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Saxenda vs. Other Weight Loss Medications
| Medication | Price with Insurance | Price Without Insurance | Tolerability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda | About $25 for a 28-day supply (depends on coverage) | About $1,349.02 per 5-pen package |
|
| Wegovy | $0 per month or more (depending on coverage) | About $1,350 for a 28-day supply |
|
| Ozempic | About $25 for 3 months (depends on coverage) | About $997.58 per fill |
|
| Mounjaro | About $25 per 1-3 months (depends on coverage) | About $1,079.77 per fill |
|
Saxenda vs. Wegovy
Saxenda and Wegovy are both GLP-1 agonist medications. They both come in injectable forms and are used for weight loss. One of the biggest differences between the medications is that Saxenda is a medication that is taken every day. Wegovy is a medication that is only injected once per week. Saxenda is a liraglutide. Wegovy is a liraglutide. Wegovy was not officially approved until 2021. Saxenda has been approved since 2014. Saxenda is also available in higher doses.
Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Saxenda and Ozempic are also both known for causing weight loss and are GLP-1 medications. However, these medications do have some key differences. Ozempic is a more popular drug used for weight loss. This medication is a type of semaglutide. It is not a type of liraglutide medication like Saxenda. Its main purpose is to help patients with type 2 diabetes management. It is not approved to be prescribed to patients for strictly weight loss purposes. Ozempic injections are also taken weekly instead of daily—like Saxenda.
Saxenda vs. Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another medication that causes weight loss. It is only approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and is given to the patient weekly rather than daily. Mounjaro is also not a liraglutide. This medication is a tirzepatide. Both medications still stimulate GLP-1. Mounjaro has a dual function that makes it better for lowering blood glucose levels for patients.
How To Use Saxenda: Saxenda Dosage & Administration
Saxenda comes in the form of prefilled injectable pens. Patients are typically given a 0.6 mg dose to start with. This dose may be increased gradually over time until meeting the full 3.0 mg dose.
| Dose | Week Number |
|---|---|
| 0.6 mg | 1 |
| 1.2 mg | 2 |
| 1.8 mg | 3 |
| 2.4 mg | 4 |
| 3.0 mg | 5+ |
These doses are given to the patient each day through injection into the upper leg or stomach. It can also be given to the patient by being injected into their upper arm. This medication may be taken at any time of the day. Food does not need to be consumed in preparation for this medication.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Patients may experience one or more of several common side effects while taking Saxenda. These side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Fatigue
Patients also sometimes experience swelling or itching in the area where they injected the medication. Some might also develop a rash or begin to feel tightness in their throat. This could be an indication of an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. Other more common serious side effects include dizziness and low blood sugar. It also includes fever and fainting.
There are also some other very serious risks of taking Saxenda. These issues only occur on rare occasions but should be looked out for. These include the risk of developing:
- Thyroid tumors (black box warning)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
All patients should monitor and keep track of any symptoms they experience. Patients with a family history or a history themselves of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 may be at higher risk for developing serious thyroid tumors and should avoid the medication.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Use Saxenda?
Saxenda is only approved to be used by adult patients who have a BMI of at least 30 or are in at least the 95th percentile for their weight. It may also be used by adults with a BMI of at least 27 who have at least one weight-related health condition. This medication has also been approved for some children aged 12 years or older who have a weight of more than 132 lbs.
This medication should not be taken by anyone with MTC or MEN 2. It should also not be taken by patients with certain endocrine or gastrointestinal conditions. Saxenda should also not be used by those who are pregnant. Patients should discuss their medical history with their healthcare provider before taking this medication to make sure the medication is right for them. The healthcare provider will need to prescribe this medication and monitor how it is impacting the patient for the duration that they are taking the medication.
Conclusion
Saxenda is one of many different weight loss medications available to patients today. It has been proven to be highly effective for weight loss and long-term weight management. Patients should never take this medication without medical supervision and recommendation. All patients should talk to their healthcare provider before starting their first dose to see if Saxenda is right for them.
Visit Duty Free Meds to order Saxenda and other prescription medications online at more affordable Canadian prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Saxenda and Ozempic?
Ozempic is a type of semaglutide and Saxenda is a type of liraglutide. Both cause weight loss and come in the form of an injection. Saxenda is specially for weight loss and is given in daily doses. Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes and is given in weekly doses.
How does Saxenda act in the body?
Saxenda mimics one of the body’s hormones—the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone helps with appetite regulation and allows patients to have a healthier food intake. It works by slowing stomach emptying and makes the patient feel fuller after eating. This helps minimize their appetite and causes a decrease in calorie consumption. This is why patients lose weight on the medication.
How much weight can be lost by patients on Saxenda?
Studies show that about 6% of patients lose 20% or more of their body weight. This averaged to about 47 lbs. Some patients may lose more.
How much does Saxenda cost?
This medication can cost anywhere from about $25 to over $1,300 per month. The exact amount depends on the patient’s coverage and where they choose to fill their prescription.
Are there any cheaper alternatives to Saxenda?
Wegovy is another weight loss medication that can sometimes be cheaper than Saxenda. There may be other options—like Zepbound and Contrave—as well. There are a couple of other oral alternatives that are less popular. This includes medications like Qsymia and Xenical.
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Disclaimer: The information presented here is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or specific treatment recommendations. It does not imply endorsement of any particular medication or therapy. Health conditions and treatment responses can differ significantly between individuals; thus, this information is not a guarantee of safety, suitability, or effectiveness for anyone in particular. Always seek the guidance of a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and consult them before making any health or treatment decisions.
