Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription-only, once-daily injection approved in the UK to aid weight loss and sustainability when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity. Suitable for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI 27–30 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related health concern. The active ingredient mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. Treatment begins with a gradual dose escalation over five weeks, reaching the 3.0 mg maintenance dose. Dosing and administration should follow guidance from a qualified UK prescriber.
Warnings
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Prescription requirement: Only available via a qualified UK prescriber and dispensed through a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Avoid obtaining from unauthorised online sources due to risk of fake or unsafe products.
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Counterfeit risk: The MHRA has warned about falsified Saxenda pens, some found to contain insulin—not liraglutide—and linked to serious adverse events including hypoglycaemic shock and coma.
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Contraindications: Not recommended for patients with known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients; those with MTC or MEN 2; severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 ml/min); end-stage renal disease; or severe hepatic impairment. Use with caution or avoid in patients ≥ 75 years, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroparesis, or congestive heart failure NYHA Class IV.
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Serious risks:
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Pancreatitis: Discontinue if suspected.
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Gallbladder issues: Weight loss may increase risk of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis; inform patients of symptoms.
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Thyroid tumours: Preclinical studies (in rodents) noted thyroid tumours; avoid in those with personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
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Other precautions: Monitor for signs of dehydration due to GI side-effects; monitor heart rate during treatment; adjust doses of insulin or sulfonylureas if co-administered to reduce hypoglycaemia risk.
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Administration: Subcutaneous injection only (abdomen, thigh, upper arm), rotate sites, once daily at any time, independently of meals.
Directions
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Starting dose: Begin with 0.6 mg once daily for at least one week.
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Titration: Increase the dose by 0.6 mg each week until the recommended daily maintenance dose of 3.0 mg is reached.
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Week 1: 0.6 mg
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Week 2: 1.2 mg
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Week 3: 1.8 mg
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Week 4: 2.4 mg
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Week 5 and onwards: 3.0 mg (maintenance dose)
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Administration:
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Inject once daily under the skin (subcutaneous injection) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
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Rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of irritation.
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Can be injected at any time of day, with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day.
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Do not exceed the 3.0 mg daily dose.
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If a dose is missed:
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If less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as possible.
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If more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled injection. Do not double dose.
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Pen usage:
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Each pre-filled pen contains multiple doses (18 mg in 3 mL).
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Use a new needle for each injection.
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Do not share pens with others.
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Duration of treatment:
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After 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg dose, treatment should be reviewed.
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If the patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, discontinuation should be considered, as continued treatment may not be beneficial.
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⚠️ Important: Always follow the treatment plan given by your UK prescriber. Never adjust your dose without medical advice.
Ingredients
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Active ingredient: Liraglutide (6 mg/mL); each pre-filled pen contains 18 mg in 3 mL.
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Excipients (inactive ingredients): As per Saxenda labels, include disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, water for injection;
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to reduce over time as the body adjusts.
Very Common Side Effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
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Nausea (feeling sick)
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea
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Constipation
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Headache
Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
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Indigestion, bloating, or stomach pain
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Dizziness
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Tiredness or low energy
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Loss of appetite
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Injection site reactions (redness, itching, bruising)
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Low blood sugar (especially if taken with insulin or sulfonylureas)
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Gallstones
Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
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Increased heart rate
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Allergic reactions such as rash or itching
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Dehydration (linked to vomiting/diarrhoea)
Rare but Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Stop treatment and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
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Signs of pancreatitis: severe stomach pain (sometimes radiating to the back), persistent nausea and vomiting
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Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing
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Gallbladder problems: sudden stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice)
Long-term risks under investigation
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Studies in rodents showed thyroid tumours with liraglutide. Although relevance to humans is uncertain, people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2 should not use Saxenda.
Important Notes
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Most people experience mild nausea at the start of treatment, which usually improves within a few days to weeks.
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Always stay hydrated, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
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Report any unexpected or concerning side effects to your prescriber or through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).





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