< Back

Saxenda

MED-000017

Saxenda® (liraglutide) is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in eligible adults and adolescents when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide and is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

Medication Overview

Generic Name:

Medication Class:

Manufacturer:

Route:

Dosing Frequency:

Liraglutide

GLP-1

Novo Nordisk

Injection

Daily

Status:

Draft

Medication Summary

Aliases

Liraglutide, Saxenda

Search Keywords

saxenda, liraglutide, weight loss injection, GLP-1

Medication Uses

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Medication Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed reference covering every GLP-1-class medication.

Saxenda® (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management when used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Approved uses include:

• Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).

• Adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

• Adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity who meet the prescribing criteria.

Saxenda is not approved for treating type 1 diabetes or as a substitute for insulin. Patients should use Saxenda only as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Dosage

Saxenda is injected once daily.

The recommended dose is increased gradually to reduce gastrointestinal side effects:

• Week 1: 0.6 mg once daily

• Week 2: 1.2 mg once daily

• Week 3: 1.8 mg once daily

• Week 4: 2.4 mg once daily

• Week 5 and beyond: 3.0 mg once daily (maintenance dose)

Dose adjustments should always follow the prescribing information and your healthcare provider's guidance.

Administration

Saxenda is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection.

Injection sites include:

• Abdomen

• Thigh

• Upper arm

Rotate injection sites regularly to reduce skin irritation. Saxenda may be administered with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

Patients should receive proper injection training before self-administering the medication.

Benefits

When prescribed appropriately and combined with healthy lifestyle changes, Saxenda may help:

• Support long-term weight management

• Reduce appetite

• Increase feelings of fullness

• Decrease calorie intake

• Promote clinically meaningful weight loss

• Improve weight-related health markers in eligible patients

Results vary between individuals, and treatment success depends on consistent use together with nutrition and physical activity.

Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Headache

• Decreased appetite

• Fatigue

• Injection-site reactions

These side effects are often most noticeable during dose escalation and may improve as treatment continues.

Warnings

Important Safety Information

Saxenda carries an FDA boxed warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies.

Do not use Saxenda if you have:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Other important warnings include:

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder disease

• Kidney injury

• Increased heart rate

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior

• Serious allergic reactions

Patients experiencing severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat should seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

Before starting Saxenda, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Special attention should be given when Saxenda is used with:

• Insulin

• Sulfonylureas

• Other glucose-lowering medications

Because Saxenda slows stomach emptying, it may affect the absorption of certain oral medications.

Storage

Before first use:

Store Saxenda pens in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.

After first use:

Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions. Protect the pen from excessive heat and direct sunlight, and always replace the pen cap after use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information for Saxenda®

• DailyMed prescribing information

• American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) obesity management guidance

• Obesity Medicine Association clinical resources

• Novo Nordisk Healthcare Professional prescribing information

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.

Track Your Progress

Weight management is a long-term journey, and tracking your progress can help you stay consistent and informed.

With DietApp.com, you can:

• Record daily Saxenda injections

• Track body weight and BMI over time

• Monitor waist measurements and body composition

• Log meals, physical activity, and hydration

• Record side effects and symptoms

• View progress charts and trends

• Prepare for healthcare appointments with organized treatment history

DietApp.com is designed to help patients build healthy habits while monitoring progress throughout GLP-1 treatment.

Download DietApp.com

Related Resources

Continue exploring GLP-1 education on DietApp.com:

• Liraglutide Medication Guide

• Victoza Medication Guide

• GLP-1 Medication Library

• Weight Management Resources

• GLP-1 Injection Guide

• Medication Safety Information