Saxenda Injections

Saxenda has been approved by the MHRA in the UK, which means it has undergone rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. It is prescribed for weight loss in adults who meet specific criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with certain weight-related health conditions.

Like any medication, Saxenda can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. It's important to discuss your health history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting Saxenda to ensure it's the right option for you.

Saxenda should be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

In a nutshell, Saxenda helps to support weight loss by:

• Reducing appetite: it helps you feel less hungry, which decreases your overall caloric intake.
• Curbing cravings: it makes it easier for you to choose healthier food options.
• Adjusting your 'set point': it helps to lower the body weight your brain strives to maintain, allowing for more significant weight loss before you reach a plateau.

While weight loss medications like Saxenda have evolved over the years to become more effective and produce fewer side effects, it's important to remember that they work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

With Saxenda, you can expect to lose around 8%-10% of your body weight within the first six months of treatment when combined with a calorie-reduced diet and increased physical activity. However, individual results may vary.

Weight loss with Saxenda is more of a marathon than a sprint—it takes time and commitment. You might notice some weight loss within the first four weeks of starting treatment, but the full benefits of Saxenda usually become clear over several weeks or months.

In clinical trials, patients who combined Saxenda with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise lost up to 10% of their body weight within a year.

Before using Saxenda to treat weight loss, you should be aware of potential side effects. Rest assured that these are usually mild and temporary as your body adjusts, especially during the initial stages of using the medication or when you increase your dose.

The most common side effects of Saxenda are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Gas, heartburn or indigestion
• Fatigue, weakness or dizziness
• Insomnia
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

It's normal for these effects to ease up as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if they don’t go away or if they really bother you, it’s a good idea to talk to our clinicians. They can help you determine what to do and whether to adjust your treatment.

Saxenda contains the following ingredients:

• Liraglutide (active ingredient)
• Disodium phosphate dihydrate
• Propylene glycol
• Phenol
• Water

Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

When you start using Saxenda, it's crucial to follow the prescribed dosage schedule to allow your body to adjust to the medication and minimise the risk of side effects. Here is a breakdown of the dosage increments:

• Week 1: Start with 0.6mg once a day.
• Week 2: Increase to 1.2mg once a day.
• Week 3: Increase to 1.8mg once a day.
• Week 4: Increase to 2.4mg once a day.
• Week 5 and onward: Reach the maintenance dose of 3mg once a day.

It is important to monitor your progress and any potential side effects through follow-up appointments with your clinician. The maintenance dose of 3mg a day is the maximum recommended dose. Your health coach will also provide guidance on maintaining your weight loss and managing your lifestyle after completing the Saxenda course.

Saxenda should be injected into one of the following areas, making sure you rotate the injection site each time to reduce discomfort:

• Abdomen: At least 5 cm away from your belly button.
• Thighs: Choose a spot in the upper thigh.
• Upper arms: If accessible for self-injection.

We recommend you vary the injection site within these areas to help minimise irritation and discomfort. If you have any concerns or questions about how to self-inject, please reach out to our Voy clinicians.

Using Saxenda involves a daily self-injection. Be sure to follow the steps below to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Prepare for the injection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Inspect the pen to ensure it is not damaged and that it has not passed its expiry date.
• Remove the pen lid and verify that the solution is colourless and clear.
• Attach the needle, removing the inner cap and keeping the outer cap for later disposal.

Only inject if the solution is clear and colourless. If it appears cloudy or has particles, do not use it and contact your healthcare provider for a replacement.

Check the flow:

• Set the dial on your Saxenda pen to the flow check symbol. Perform this step with each new pen.
• With the needle pointing up, press the dose button until it lines up with “0mg”.
• A drop should appear at the needle tip. If not, repeat up to six times. If still unsuccessful, do not use the pen and seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Select your dose:

• Dial the pen to your prescribed dose. If incorrect, adjust the dial as needed without exceeding your prescribed amount.

Inject your dose:

• Clean your chosen injection site (abdomen, upper arm or thigh).
• Insert the needle while keeping the dose counter visible.
• Press and hold the dose button until it aligns with “0mg”, then continue to hold for an additional 6 seconds after injecting to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Withdraw the needle while still pressing the button, then release it once the needle is fully removed.

Discard your needle:

• Cover the needle with the outer cap and unscrew safely.
• Dispose of it in a sharps bin (never in household rubbish).
• Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a cotton ball if there is any bleeding.

Remember, always inject into the sites recommended in the patient information leaflet and rotate the injection site with each dose to reduce discomfort. Keep used needles out of reach of children and pets.

If you forget to take your dose of Saxenda, here’s what you should do:

• If it's been less than 12 hours since your scheduled dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it's been more than 12 hours since your scheduled dose: Skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Take your next dose at the usual time.

Important: Do not take a double dose or increase your next dose to make up for the one you missed. This helps to avoid potential side effects from too much medication at once.

If you frequently forget doses, it might be helpful to set reminders on your phone or keep your medication in a visible spot as a prompt.

You should not use this drug if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are trying to conceive
• You have cancer
• You have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease
• You have a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2
• You suffer from liver, kidney or congestive heart failure
• You suffer from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• You suffer from type 1 diabetes or diabetic retinopathy
• You have a history of an eating disorder (e.g. anorexia, bulimia)
• You have a history of gallbladder problems
• You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or gastroparesis

Saxenda is a prescription medication, so it must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. You can obtain Saxenda through several avenues:

• Your GP or a specialist clinic: They can assess your suitability for Saxenda based on your health needs and medical history.
• Online clinics: Licensed online clinics in the UK can provide you with a prescription after an online consultation to ensure Saxenda is appropriate for you.
• Pharmacies: Once you have a prescription, any pharmacy can fill it, including high street pharmacies and online pharmacies that are registered and regulated.

Before purchasing Saxenda, it’s important to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source. In the UK, check that the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which ensures they meet strict standards for safety and quality.

Storing Saxenda properly is crucial to maintain its effectiveness. Follow these guidelines for storage:

Before use:

• Keep unused Saxenda pens refrigerated at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.

After first use:

• Once you start using a pen, it can be kept at room temperature as long as the environment does not exceed 30°C.
• The pen is usable for up to 4 weeks outside of the fridge. Always replace the pen cap after each use to protect the medication from light.

General storage tips:

• Do not attach needles to the pen for storage.
• Dispose of any pen in use after 30 days, regardless of remaining Saxenda.
• Avoid storing the pen in extreme temperatures; do not leave it in places that can become too hot or too cold, such as a car glove compartment or near a heat source. Never freeze the medication.

Safety precautions:

• Store the pen in a location out of reach of children and pets.
• Ensure the medication is not exposed to direct sunlight or stored in damp or wet areas.
• By adhering to these storage instructions, you can ensure that your Saxenda medication remains safe and effective throughout its use.

Yes, Saxenda pens can be kept out of the fridge after you start using them, but with some important conditions:

• Before first use: Store Saxenda pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
• After first use: You can keep the pen at room temperature, up to a maximum of 30°C, for up to 4 weeks.

Always replace the pen cap after each use to protect the medication from light. Avoid exposing the pen to extreme temperatures, and do not freeze it. Remember to dispose of the pen 30 days after you first use it, even if there is still some medication left.