Saxenda
Saxenda is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is specifically designed for weight management. Unlike weekly injections, Saxenda is a daily injection medication containing liraglutide that provides continuous appetite control throughout the day.
Controls blood glucose
Decreases appetite
Improves insulin response
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is specifically designed for weight management. Unlike the weekly injections of Wegovy or Ozempic, Saxenda is a daily injection medication. This means you'll inject it every day, similar to insulin injections that many diabetic patients already use. Saxenda contains liraglutide, which also mimics the GLP-1 hormone. For Indians who prefer more frequent but smaller doses, or who want continuous appetite control throughout the day, Saxenda offers a different approach to weight management.
- Daily injectable medication for weight loss (must be taken every day)
- Manufactured by Novo Nordisk
- Contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 hormone mimic
- Provides continuous appetite control throughout the entire day
- Requires pen-style injector similar to insulin pens
Why It Helps
The daily dosing of Saxenda provides continuous appetite suppression throughout the day, which some patients find more effective than weekly injections. By maintaining consistent hormone levels, it helps prevent hunger spikes and mid-day cravings that often derail weight loss efforts. For those who struggle with afternoon snacking or late-night eating—very common patterns in Indian lifestyles with evening chai and snacks—the continuous suppression can be particularly beneficial. The daily routine also helps reinforce healthy habits through consistent medication use.
- Provides continuous, round-the-clock appetite suppression
- Helps prevent mid-day and evening cravings
- Reduces overall daily calorie intake more consistently than weekly alternatives
- Particularly effective for those who snack between meals
- Helps normalize eating patterns through daily routine
- Effective for preventing late-night eating and stress-related snacking
- Often results in good long-term weight management with adherence
Prescribed Usage
Saxenda requires a gradual increase over five weeks, starting with a very low dose and building up to the therapeutic dose. This slow titration helps your body adjust and minimizes side effects. Once you reach the maintenance dose, you'll continue injecting daily for as long as you're using the medication. The daily injection routine becomes part of your morning or evening routine, similar to taking daily oral medications.
General Precautions and Side Effects for All Medications
Common Side Effects (Temporary and Usually Manageable)
Most side effects from these medications are mild to moderate and tend to improve within the first few weeks as your body adjusts. The most common side effects across all these medications include nausea (especially when starting or increasing doses), constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite (beyond the intended effect), and mild headaches. Some people experience taste changes or mild fatigue. These symptoms are typically manageable and don't require stopping the medication.
- Nausea or mild vomiting (most common in first 2-4 weeks)
- Constipation or diarrhea (often improves with adequate water intake)
- Loss of appetite or food aversions
- Mild headaches or dizziness
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Fatigue or low energy (temporary)
- Stomach bloating or gas
- Changes in taste perception
Management tips: Stay well-hydrated, eat slowly, avoid greasy foods, and inform your doctor if side effects persist beyond 3-4 weeks.
Serious Warning Signs (Seek Medical Attention Immediately)
While rare, some serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen (possible pancreatitis), vomiting that doesn't stop, signs of thyroid cancer (lump in neck, difficulty swallowing), rapid heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting, or allergic reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling of face and tongue. These medications are not suitable for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2.
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
- Lump or swelling in the neck area
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness in voice
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion
- Allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat/lips
- Signs of low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, severe fatigue
Important Restrictions and Precautions
These medications are absolutely contraindicated (not recommended at all) in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they can harm the fetus or newborn. If you're planning to conceive, discuss stopping the medication at least two months before trying to get pregnant. They're also not suitable for anyone with insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes or a history of thyroid cancer. Those with a family history of thyroid cancer should discuss risks with their doctor before starting. Additionally, if you're taking insulin or certain other diabetes medications, your doses may need adjustment.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Absolutely not safe; discuss family planning with your doctor
- Thyroid cancer: Not safe if you have personal or family history
- Type 1 diabetes: Not suitable; insulin-dependent diabetes requires different management
- Insulin use: May require insulin dose reduction; must be monitored by doctor
- Pancreatitis history: Discuss with doctor; may not be suitable
- Gallbladder disease: Report to your doctor; may need extra monitoring
- Severe kidney or liver disease: May require dose adjustments or different medication
Drug Interactions and Lifestyle Considerations
These medications can interact with other medicines you're taking, particularly other diabetes medications, blood pressure medications, and certain psychiatric medications. Alcohol consumption should be minimized as it can cause dangerous blood sugar drops when combined with these medications. These medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes including balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Sudden discontinuation can lead to rapid weight regain, so any changes should be discussed with your doctor first.
- Inform your doctor of all other medications and supplements you're taking
- Limit alcohol consumption to prevent blood sugar complications
- Continue healthy eating habits; medication works best with proper nutrition
- Maintain regular physical activity for optimal results
- Manage stress, as stress hormones can interfere with the medication
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
- Get adequate sleep, as poor sleep affects weight and appetite hormones
- Regular follow-up appointments are essential for dose adjustment and monitoring
When to Contact Your Doctor
Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial for safe and effective use of these medications. You should schedule follow-up appointments every 4-6 weeks initially to monitor how your body is responding and adjust doses if needed. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if side effects become unbearable and don't improve after the first few weeks. Additionally, if your weight loss plateaus or if you develop new health concerns, discuss these with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
- First follow-up: 2-4 weeks after starting
- Ongoing: Every 4-6 weeks for dose adjustments and monitoring
- Discuss any persistent side effects lasting more than 4 weeks
- Report any new health concerns or medication interactions
- Annual: Comprehensive health check including blood work
- Before conception: At least 2 months before trying to get pregnant
- Immediately: Any serious symptoms listed in the warning signs section