Saxenda For Weight Loss: Uses, Side Effects, And Alternatives

Many healthcare experts and doctors prescribe Saxenda for weight loss. It is an injectable prescription medicine that cures obesity and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. Basically, Saxenda is like a hormone that is naturally present in the human body to balance insulin levels and helps to control blood sugar. It is an adjunct therapy to a less-calorie diet. 

There is a growing occurrence of overweight and type2 diabetes in spite of numerous government-led interventions and diets. This simply shows that awareness of a healthy diet and stretching activities does not help. There has been rapid growth in research looking into effective weight loss remedies. People have dissimilar hunger and digestion patterns; hence any new cure, treatment process, or medication may not suit everyone. 

As earlier weight-loss treatment procedures have not been successful or have not been maintained, people look for modern medications. Over the years, individuals have shown a huge interest in Saxenda for weight loss. 

Saxenda helps obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems and youngsters aged 12 to 17 with a bodyweight of more than 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity lose weight and keep it off. Saxenda for weight loss is prescribed in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How To Use Saxenda? 

• Saxenda for weight loss is normally taken once a day. Follow your prescription’s instructions carefully. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use it in bigger or lesser amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Saxenda and Victoza should not be taken together. The active substance in these two brands is the same; however, they should not be used together.
• Read all of the patient information, prescription guidelines, and instruction sheets you’ve been given with the medicine. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor or pharmacist straight away.
• If the medicine has discolored or has changed its color, do not use it and ask your pharmacist for new medication. 
• Saxenda for weight loss is given as an injection under the skin on any day, with or without food. You will be taught how to inject yourself at home. If you don’t understand something, don’t self-inject it.
• Consuming alcohol, skipping meals, stress, illness, or exercise may affect blood sugar levels. So, while taking medicine, make sure you don’t have symptoms of high blood pressure like headache, blurred vision, increased thirst, and urination. 
• If you have one of the symptoms indicating high blood sugar, visit your doctor to change doses or schedule. 
• To inject Saxenda for weight loss, only use a single disposable needle. Follow any applicable state or municipal rules regarding the disposal of spent needles and syringes. Use a “sharps” disposal container that is puncture-proof (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Children and dogs should not have access to this container.
• Your healthcare expert will show you the best places on your body to inject Saxenda for weight loss. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
• Diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar monitoring, and specific medical care may all be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes Saxenda. Pay strict attention to your doctor’s recommendations.
• Injection pens that have not been used should be kept in the refrigerator. Saxenda should not be frozen, and if it is, it should be thrown away. If the expiration date on the label has passed, do not use an unopened injection pen.
• After the initial use, you can store “in-use” injection pens in the fridge or at room temperature. Moisture, heat, and sunlight should all be avoided when using the pens. Use within 30 days of purchase. When storing an injectable pen, remove the needle and retain the cap on the pen when not in use.

Dosing Information 

Increasing the dose quantity of Saxenda for weight loss is significant to reduce the possibility of nausea, food poisoning, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 

Week 1: Inject 0.6mg under the skin in a day
Week 2: Inject 1.2mg under the skin in a day 

Week 3: Inject 1.8mg under the skin in a day 

Week 4: Inject 2.4mg under the skin in a day 

Week 5: Inject 3 mg under the skin in a day

Maintenance dose: Inject 3 mg under the skin in a day

• To reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, consider lowering the Saxenda dosage; on the other hand, when stopping the treatment of a patient with type 2 diabetes, keep an eye on blood sugar levels.
• If a daily dose of 3 mg is not tolerated, discontinuation is advised as efficacy for chronic weight management at lesser levels has not been shown.
• Assess weight reduction in 16 weeks; if at least 4% of body weight has not been dropped, the patient is unlikely to achieve and maintain clinically meaningful weight loss with prolonged treatment.

Probable Side Effects of Saxenda 

Using Saxenda for weight loss may cause some severe side-effects mentioned below, if you have any of these symptoms, get medical assistance or visit your doctor straight away.   

• Increasing and fast heartbeats 
• Self-destructive thoughts, instant change in behavior and mood 
• Severe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. 
• Symptoms of a thyroid tumor include difficulty breathing, swelling in the neck, and swallowing problems. 
• Gallbladder issues such as fever, abdominal pain, yellowish eyes, and skin. 
• Severe abdominal pain moving to the back
• Symptoms of low sugar level include increased heartbeat, sweating, weakness, speech trouble, fainting, confusion, and more.
• Kidney issues such as problems in urination, body fatigue, breathing issues, swelling in the feet. 

Semaglutide: An Alternative To Saxenda For Weight Loss 

Semaglutide is one of the most suitable alternatives to Saxenda. This medication comes under the trade name Ozempic, available as tablets as well as injections for Type-2 Diabetes. 

Difference Between Saxenda And Semaglutide 

• Both Saxenda and Semaglutide are GLP-1 analogs, which means they act like the naturally occurring hormone called Glucagon-Like Peptide(GLP-1). However, Semaglutide has a longer course of action.
• Semaglutide is not an authorised medication like Saxenda for weight loss. When Semaglutide gets a license as a weight-loss medication, it will not be named Ozempic. 
• While Saxenda is an injection to be taken once a day, Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection due to a longer course of action. 
• The Maximum dose of Saxenda for weight loss is 3mg, while Semaglutide’s maximum dose for weight loss is 2.4mg.  
• There were more side complexities with Semaglutide when compared to Saxenda, particularly nausea and diarrhea.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What if I missed a dose? 

If you forget to take your daily dosage of Saxenda for weight loss, inject the dose as soon as you remember. Don’t take the dose twice the following day to cover the previous missed dose. 

What if I take an overdose? 

Look for emergency medical care or make a call to the poison helpline. 

What should I avoid while taking Saxenda for weight loss? 

Never share the injection pen or syringe with anyone, even if the needle is replaced, to avoid the infection or disease that can pass from one person to another.