How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda, which is a brand name for liraglutide, belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Saxenda works by mimicking a hormone that occurs naturally in the body to help control blood sugar, insulin levels, and the digestive process. The medication helps people lose weight by decreasing appetite and slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs the feeling of fullness. This typically results in reduced caloric intake, which leads to significant weight loss.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With Saxenda?

In clinical studies, three of five people taking Saxenda lost 5% or more of their body weight, one in three people lost 10% or more, and 6% of people lost 20% or more. The patients studied in these trials lost an average of between 12 and 47 lbs while taking Saxenda.

How Soon Can I Expect to Lose Weight?

It may take approximately eight weeks of taking Saxenda before you start to notice significant weight loss. In clinical studies, many patients had achieved weight loss of 5% or more after eight weeks.

How Often Is Saxenda Taken?

Saxenda injections are meant to be taken once daily at any time of the day, with or without a meal.

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How Do I Take Saxenda?

When taking Saxenda, follow all instructions on the prescription label. Saxenda in NYC & New Jersey will be given to you in a prefilled injection pen, which you will use to inject yourself once each day. Your doctor will inform you of the best places on your body to inject the medication, but typically, the ideal areas are your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. You should rotate the injection site with each usage.

You should only use each needle one time to inject Saxenda. After you’ve used a needle, dispose of it in a puncture-proof sharps disposal container. Your unopened Saxenda injection pens should be stored in your refrigerator.

Is Saxenda Safe?

Generally, if you follow your doctor’s instructions and use the medication properly, Saxenda is a safe medication to take for weight loss. However, you should not take Saxenda if:

  • You’re pregnant
  • You’re allergic to liraglutide
  • You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • You have diabetic ketoacidosis

Risks and Side Effects of Saxenda

Before taking Saxenda in NYC & New Jersey, you should be aware that the medication has a boxed warning from the FDA about its potential to cause thyroid cancer. Saxenda can also cause multiple side effects, including:

  • Nausea
  • Increased heart rate
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling tired

In rare cases, patients may experience more severe side effects. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Pounding or racing heartbeat
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Swelling or a lump in your neck
  • Fever
  • Severe upper stomach pain
  • Jaundice
  • Symptoms of severely low blood sugar
  • Issues with urination

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

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Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

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Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

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Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

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Eileen

Lost 99lbs