Saxenda ratings & reviews

Liraglutide
Company: Novo Nordk
Brand: Saxenda
+1 more
Saxenda, VICTOZA
Drug class: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
+2 more
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism, Agents for Obesity, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists for Obesity

Sermo AI Overview

  • Physicians generally trust Saxenda’s safety, with an average safety rating of 4.4. Despite its effectiveness, adherence can be a challenge due to its injectable form and associated costs, leading to lower recommendation rates when alternatives are available.
  • Saxenda is widely recognized for its efficacy in weight loss, achieving high ratings from physicians (average 4.5/5). However, accessibility is a significant concern due to high costs and limited insurance coverage, affecting patient willingness to use it.
  • Patients often experience noticeable weight loss on Saxenda, although gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and reflux are common. Healthcare professionals suggest combining it with diet and exercise for optimal results.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Saxenda contains liraglutide, an analog of human GLP-1, which acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is formulated as a sterile, aqueous, clear, colorless solution for subcutaneous use, with each milliliter containing 6 mg of liraglutide. The pre-filled pen delivers a total of 18 mg of liraglutide. Key inactive ingredients include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, and phenol.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin of your upper leg, stomach area, or upper arm. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your dose for 3 days or more, call your care team to talk about how to restart this medicine.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store unopened pen in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. After you first use the pen, it can be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Throw away your used pen after 30 days or after the expiration date, whichever comes first. Do not store your pen with the needle attached. If the needle is left on, medication may leak from the pen.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine -Fast or irregular heartbeat -Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting -Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression -Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Constipation -Diarrhea -Loss of appetite -Nausea -Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Gallbladder disease -Have or have had depression -Have or have had pancreatitis -Having surgery -Kidney disease -Liver disease -Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors -Personal or family history of thyroid cancer -Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt -An unusual or allergic reaction to liraglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Insulin and other medications for diabetes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your condition does not start to get better or if it gets worse. Tell your care team if you are taking medication to treat diabetes, such as insulin or glipizide. This may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to treat it. Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication. If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Your care team may suggest other options.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may increase the risk of thyroid tumors or cancer. Do not take this medication if you or a family member has or have had multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or hoarseness.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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