Saxenda side effects: What you need to know
Thinking about starting Saxenda? Understand the potential side effects before you begin and how to manage them.
Key highlights
- Saxenda (liraglutide) is a brand name GLP-1 agonist drug prescribed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, and children over the age of 12 with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2.
- When taking Saxenda for weight loss, patients experience numerous common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, and injection site reactions. You can manage these side effects by taking the medication along with food or getting an OTC antacid or antiemetic.
- Long-term use of Saxenda may lead to serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney failure, increased heart rate, and serious allergic reactions. This prescription drug also comes with a boxed warning for thyroid c-cell tumors.
- The common side effects of semaglutide usually go away in a week, but some side effects like increased heart rate may continue even after you stop the medication. If the symptoms persist, speak with your healthcare provider for immediate medical advice.
- Prolonged pain in the abdomen (with or without vomiting), jaundice, breathing issues, fast heartbeat, itching and redness, lumps or swelling in the neck may indicate serious side effects and must be immediately reported to a medical professional.
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist injection approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults and children over the age of 12. It is prescribed to individuals with obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 30) or overweight (BMI equal to or greater than 27) with at least one weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It should be used alongside increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet to manage body weight effectively.
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar, headache, upset stomach, tiredness, dizziness, and stomach pain. Serious side effects are less common and include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, increased heart rate kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, and depression or thoughts of suicide. Saxenda also has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
Understanding the side effects of Saxenda will help you make an informed decision about taking the medication and what you can do to manage the symptoms.
How Saxenda causes side effects: the science explained
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for body weight management. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone and reduce appetite by slowing digestion and increasing the time food remains in the stomach.
Changes in the digestive process can cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain until your stomach adjusts to the delayed stomach emptying.
Saxenda also lowers glucagon secretion in the body that reduces blood sugar levels and may cause hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylurea.
Common side effects of Saxenda
Patients might observe these common side effects of Saxenda when using the drug for weight loss. Some common side effects that affect more than one in ten people taking Saxenda include:
- Nausea (39.3%)
- Diarrhea (20.9%)
- Constipation (19.4%)
- Vomiting (15.7%)
- Injection site reactions (13.9%)
- Headache (13.6%)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes (12.6%)
Less common side effects
The following less common side effects are also reported by people taking Saxenda:
- Dyspepsia (9.6%)
- Fatigue (7.5%)
- Dizziness (6.9%)
- Abdominal pain (5.4%)
- Increased lipase (5.3%)
- Upper abdominal pain (5.1%)
- Gastroenteritis (4.7%)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD (4.7%)
- Abdominal distension (4.5%)
- Eructation (4.5%)
- Urinary tract infection (4.3%)
- Flatulence (4.0%)
- Viral gastroenteritis (2.8%)
- Insomnia (2.4%)
- Dry mouth (2.3%)
- Asthenia (2.1%)
- Anxiety (1.0%)
Children taking Saxenda for obesity may also have fever and gastroenteritis besides other side effects. Most GI-related side effects are mild and resolve in a week or two as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you feel any unusual changes in the body or experience adverse effects, immediately talk to your healthcare worker.
Serious side effects of Saxenda
Although rare, Saxenda may cause serious side effects affecting body organs like the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and the heart. These side effects must not be ignored and should be reported to a medical professional immediately for adequate treatment.
- Gallbladder problems: Saxenda may cause gallbladder issues like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and cholelithiasis (gallstones) in users. Clinical trials have shown cholelithiasis (gallstones) in 2.2% of Saxenda-treated patients compared to 0.8% in the placebo group. If you experience upper abdominal pain on the right side, fever, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or clay-colored stools, report these symptoms to your healthcare provider as they might indicate gallbladder issues.
- Pancreatitis: Prolonged stomach pain with or without vomiting during Saxenda use can be a sign of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Liraglutide has been associated with fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients, leading to cessation of the treatment. Seek medical attention for continuous pain in the abdomen and stop taking Saxenda if pancreatitis is diagnosed.
- Kidney problems: Saxenda does not directly harm kidneys but GI-related side effects of Saxenda like vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, causing damage to the kidneys, including kidney failure. These kidney problems can occur in individuals with healthy kidneys, and those with existing kidney problems are at a higher risk. Studies have shown an increased risk of acute renal failure and worsening of chronic renal failure, sometimes requiring hemodialysis. Staying hydrated when taking Saxenda for weight loss can help prevent dehydration and kidney damage. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away.
- Severe allergic reactions: Allergic reactions are a serious side effect of Saxenda and must not be ignored. If taking Saxenda causes itching, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, rash, hives, rapid heartbeat, breathing issues, or dizziness, immediately call your healthcare provider. It could be due to hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or the excipients in the medication.
- Increased heart rate: Saxenda can increase resting heart rate by 2.6 beats per minute. Studies show that 6% of participants taking Saxenda experienced at least one resting heart rate exceeding 100 bpm. It is suggested to monitor heart rate at regular intervals and report palpitations or racing heartbeat when resting while taking Saxenda. Patients with a continuously high heart rate must stop the treatment.
- Thyroid C-Cell tumors: Saxenda has a boxed warning for C-cell thyroid tumors. During animal studies on rats and mice, Saxenda and other medicines with a similar mechanism of action caused thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in rodents. However, the occurrence of dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent tumors in humans using liraglutide has not been established yet. Saxenda is not prescribed to patients with a personal or family history of MTC or those who have had Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). If you observe swelling or a lump in your neck during Saxenda treatment, report it to your healthcare provider immediately. It could be a symptom of medullary thyroid cancer. Other symptoms of C-cell tumours include shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, and persistent hoarseness.
When to seek help from a healthcare provider
The common side effects of Saxenda usually go away with time, but prolonged side effects including vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, and swelling or lump in the neck must be reported immediately to a healthcare professional. If you observe signs of any serious side effects or anaphylaxis (allergic reactions) like swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat, difficulty in breathing, fainting or dizziness, or rash and itching, stop using the medication and reach out to your doctor immediately.
Managing Saxenda side effects
Some of the common side effects of Saxenda like nausea, vomiting, and constipation go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, if you feel uncomfortable, you can manage these side effects and start feeling relief. Here are some tips for reducing symptoms:
General tips for reducing symptoms
- Always start taking Saxenda as prescribed by your doctor. Taking a higher dose than prescribed can result in more serious GI side effects.
- Healthcare providers suggest taking Saxenda with food or right after a meal to reduce nausea.
- Eat small, low-calorie meals to maximize the effects of the medication and reduce nausea.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to relieve nausea and prevent kidney damage.
- When experiencing severe constipation or diarrhea, take over-the-counter medication to manage these symptoms.
Nausea
Nausea is the most common side effect of Saxenda and must be managed adequately. If you or your child experiences nausea when taking Saxenda, you can manage the symptoms by:
- Taking Saxenda with food
- Eating bland and low-fat foods like toast, rice, and crackers
- Consuming foods that contain water, like gelatin and soup
- Avoiding lying down after you eat
- Going out to get some fresh air
- Administering the medication before you go to sleep
You can also chew ginger or take an OTC antacid or antiemetic like Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea relief if the above-mentioned tips do not help much.
Injection site reactions
13.9% of people taking Saxenda reported injection site reactions which are common when you administer injection pens at the same spot every day. When injecting Saxenda, make sure you follow the proper injection technique and use a new needle every time. Do not inject the needle at the same location every time and rotate the site of injection (upper arm, abdomen, or upper thigh) at the time of administration to avoid injection site reactions.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
People taking Saxenda can experience hypoglycemia, especially when taking other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylurea. You can prevent it by monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and working closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your health changes. Also, keep a source of fast-acting glucose like glucose gel or granulated sugar near you in case of hypoglycemia.
Allergic reactions
Some people might be allergic to one or more ingredients in Saxenda, leading to hypersensitivity reactions. If you experience serious allergic reactions while taking Saxenda, stop taking the weight loss medicine and call your healthcare provider immediately to inform them of the symptoms. You can take an anti-histamine drug after consulting your doctor.
Risk of thyroid cancer
GLP-1 medications, including Saxenda, are known to cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rats and mice, indicating a drug-associated cancer risk. Saxenda is not safe for patients with MEN2 or those with (or a family history of) MTC. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you see a lump or swelling in your neck, or have trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath; these symptoms could indicate thyroid tumors.
Risk of kidney failure
Side effects of Saxenda like vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can cause kidney failure. Individuals without any kidney problems may experience these issues, sometimes needing dialysis. Patients with an existing kidney disease must inform their doctor before taking Saxenda to prevent worsening of the condition. Drink plenty of fluids when taking the medication and report prolonged diarrhea and vomiting to your healthcare advisor.
When to contact your doctor
GI-related side effects of Saxenda like vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain typically subside within a few days of starting the treatment or escalating the dose and might not require medical intervention. However, some side effects of Saxenda require immediate medical intervention. Talk to your doctor if:
- Diarrhea and vomiting do not relieve within a few days
- You experience prolonged abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever
- You experience signs of an allergic reaction like rashes, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.
Long-term Saxenda side effects
While most common side effects of Saxenda like vomiting, nausea, and constipation go away after some time, other side effects may stay for longer.
Research shows that side effects like mood changes and increased heart rate may remain even when you stop taking the drug. Users might experience depression and suicidal thoughts when taking Saxenda for a long time.
Sudden weight loss can also increase the risk of gallbladder disease. Using Saxenda for an extended period may cause cholelithiasis (gallstones). Report your symptoms to a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have constant abdominal pain, vomiting, or jaundice.
Saxenda side effects vs. other weight loss drugs
Like Saxenda, other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist drugs, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound, along with Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) are also used for weight loss. These drugs have similar side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, and increased heart rate. However, the percentage of percentage of these side effects reported in clinical trials may vary among these drugs.
Here is a comparison of side effects between Saxenda and other drugs used for chronic weight management:
Saxenda vs. Wegovy side effects
The FDA has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss. It belongs to the same class of GLP-1 drugs as Saxenda. It helps with weight loss by delaying digestion and increasing the transit time of food in the stomach. Saxenda and Wegovy have many similar side effects in varying frequencies:
| Side effects | Frequency with Saxenda | Frequency with Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39.3% | 44.2% |
| Vomiting | 15.7% | 24.8% |
| Diarrhea | 20.9% | 29.7% |
| Constipation | 19.4% | 24.2% |
| Headache | 13.6% | 14% |
| Fatigue | 7.5% | 11.4% |
| Dizziness | 6.9% | 8% |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.4% | 20% |
| Hypoglycemia in T2DM | 12.6% | 6% |
| Dyspepsia | 9.6% | 9% |
| Gastroenteritis | 4.7% | 6% |
| GERD | 5% | 4.7% |
| Flatulence | 4.0% | 6% |
| Eructation | 4.5% | 7% |
People taking Saxenda may also experience other side effects like dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain, dry mouth, insomnia, urinary tract infection, and increased lipase. Wegovy users might also experience eructation, flatulence, and hair loss.
Saxenda vs. Ozempic side effects
Ozempic (semaglutide) is FDA- for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but it is also used as a weight loss drug off-label. Ozempic has the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide, and patients might experience similar side effects with this GLP-1 drug. The percentage of occurrence of these side effects may vary between different strengths of Ozempic (more common in higher strength), as compared below:
| Side effects | Frequency with Saxenda | Frequency with Ozempic 0.5mg | Frequency with Ozempic 1mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39.3% | 15.8% | 20.3% |
| Vomiting | 15.7% | 5% | 9.2% |
| Diarrhea | 20.9% | 8.5% | 8.8% |
| Constipation | 19.4% | 5% | 3.1% |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.4% | 7.3% | 5.7% |
| Hypoglycemia in T2DM | 12.6% | 17.3% | 24.4% |
| Dyspepsia | 9.6% | 3.5% | 2.7% |
| GERD | 5% | 1.9% | 1.5% |
| Flatulence | 4.0% | 0.4% | 1.5% |
| Eructation | 4.5% | 2.7% | 1.1% |
Aside from the above-mentioned side effects, headache, dizziness, and fatigue are also commonly reported side effects of Saxenda and Ozempic. However, the incidence of these side effects in Ozempic is lower than in Saxenda.
Saxenda vs. Zepbound side effects
Eli Lilly’s Zepbound is another widely used chronic weight management drug. It is a dual-action molecule that mimics the GIP and GLP-1 receptors in the body to promote weight loss along with low-calorie diet and physical activity.
| Side effects | Frequency with Saxenda | Frequency with Zepbound 5mg | Frequency with Zepbound 10mg | Frequency with Zepbound 15mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 25% | 29% | 28% | 39.3% |
| Vomiting | 15.7% | 8% | 11% | 13% |
| Diarrhea | 20.9% | 19% | 21% | 23% |
| Constipation | 19.4% | 17% | 14% | 11% |
| Fatigue | 7.5% | 5% | 6% | 7% |
| Dizziness | 6.9% | 4% | 5% | 4% |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.4% | 9% | 9% | 10% |
| Dyspepsia | 9.6% | 9% | 9% | 10% |
| GERD | 5% | 4% | 4% | 5% |
| Flatulence | 4.0% | 3% | 3% | 4% |
| Eructation | 4.5% | 4% | 4% | 5% |
| Injection site reactions | 13.9% | 6% | 8% | 8% |
| Hair loss | N/A | 5% | 4% | 5% |
| Abdominal distension | N/A | 3% | 3% | 4% |
| Hypotension | N/A | 1% | 1% | 2% |
Besides similar side effects, especially GI-related side effects, hypoglycemia is also common among both drugs, experienced by 4.2% of Zepbound users and 12.6% of Saxenda users. However, patients taking Zepbound might not experience headaches or hypoglycemia, unlike Saxenda. Similarly, hair loss and hypotension are not common among Saxenda users, compared to Zepbound.
Saxenda vs. Contrave side effects
Contrave is another FDA-approved prescription drug for weight loss. It combines naltrexone (8 mg) and bupropion (90 mg) to reduce appetite and food cravings while increasing your energy levels. The GI-related side effects of Contrave are similar to other weight loss drugs including Saxenda.
| Side effects | Frequency with Saxenda | Frequency with Contrave |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39.3% | 32.5% |
| Vomiting | 15.7% | 10.7% |
| Diarrhea | 20.9% | 7.1% |
| Constipation | 19.4% | 19.2% |
| Headache | 13.6% | 17.6% |
| Fatigue | 7.5% | 4% |
| Dizziness | 6.9% | 9.9% |
| Abdominal Pain | 5.4% | 2.8% |
| Gastroenteritis | 4.7% | 3.5% |
| Insomnia | 2.4% | 9.2% |
| Dry mouth | 2.3% | 8.1% |
| Anxiety | 2.0% | 4.2% |
Dyspepsia, flatulence, eructation, and gastrointestinal reflux disease are not reported by Contrave users as opposed to Saxenda. However, hot flush, tremors, influenza, tinnitus, hyperhidrosis, muscle strain, palpitations, muscle strain, rash, irritability, and dysgeusia (altered sense of taste) are associated with Contrave use only. Using Contrave also comes with a serious risk of seizures, high blood pressure, and suicidal thoughts. It is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and a history of seizures.
Warnings and precautions
Risk of thyroid cancer (black box warning)
GLP-1 drugs, including Saxenda (liraglutide) come with a boxed warning for thyroid c-cell tumors diagnosed in rats and mice during clinical trials. No direct relationship between liraglutide and thyroid tumors in humans has been established. However, if a patient has increased serum calcitonin or a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath, a healthcare provider may need to perform further tests.
Other precautions
Patients taking Saxenda are also at risk of other diseases. Consider these warnings and precautions when taking Saxenda for weight loss:
- Gastroparesis: Saxenda may cause gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) as a result of the GLP-1 mechanism. These changes in GI activity can lead to vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Persistent vomiting and abdominal pain may lead to kidney failure and pancreatic disease.
- Acute pancreatitis: Persistent abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, can be a sign of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal haemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. In case of these symptoms, further assessment by a healthcare provider is needed to diagnose pancreatitis. It is suggested to stop Saxenda if pancreatitis is diagnosed.
- Gallbladder disease: Jaundice has been reported in patients using Saxenda for chronic weight management. This could be a sign of acute gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis, resulting from substantial or rapid weight loss.
- Renal impairment: Long-term use of Saxenda is also associated with renal failure in patients due to dehydration as a result of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Patients without a history of kidney diseases might also need hemodialysis, yet caution is advised in patients with existing renal impairment.
- Liver problems: Some patients taking Saxenda showed very high levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which may be an indicator of liver issues. Studies show that 0.15% of Saxenda-taking patients had ALT levels at least 10 times higher than normal compared to 0.05% among the placebo group. Individuals taking Saxenda for weight loss might also experience hyperbilirubinemia, hepatitis, and cholestasis. However, a direct relationship between Saxenda and increased levels of liver enzymes hasn’t been established as gallstones may also cause the enzyme levels to spike.
- Increased heart rate: A fast heart rate is one of the long-term side effects of Saxenda that may continue even when you stop the medication. A mean increase of 2.6 beats per minute was observed in the resting heart rates of Saxenda users. Monitor your heart rate at regular intervals and inform your doctor if the pounding feeling in your chest lasts for several minutes. Saxenda should be discontinued in patients with a constantly high heart rate.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient (liraglutide) or an excipient in Saxenda may cause serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis and angioedema) that can be life-threatening. If you experience skin rash, itching, flushing, and swelling of the face or throat, stop the medication and inform your healthcare provider immediately.
- Hypoglycemia: Individuals with type 2 diabetes taking Saxenda along with prescription drugs to treat type 2 diabetes are at a high risk of hypoglycemia. Children who are 12 years of age and older, without type 2 diabetes mellitus, also have an increased risk of hypoglycemia with Saxenda. In a clinical trial, 0.7% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight or obesity experienced severe hypoglycemia (requiring another person’s assistance) with no such cases in the placebo group. At the same time, the number of patients experiencing hypoglycemia (plasma glucose less than 54 mg/dL) was 31 (out of 110) in the Saxenda group and 7 (out of 55) in the placebo group. It was also reported that 19 pediatric patients (without type 2 diabetes) taking Saxenda had hypoglycemia with blood glucose less than 70 mg/dL with symptoms compared to 5 hypoglycemia incidences in the placebo group.
- The risk can be minimized by reducing the dose of insulin secretagogues (e.g. sulfonylurea) or insulin. Patients are recommended to keep a fast-acting glucose (glucose gel, hard candies, or sugar granules) close for emergencies. If you experience the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as hunger, sweating, fast heartbeat, shakiness, tiredness, drowsiness, and confusion, inform your healthcare provider and get immediate assistance.
- Pulmonary aspiration during GA (general anesthesia) or deep sedation: Pulmonary aspiration has been seen in patients on GLP-1 drugs including Saxenda during surgeries requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation. It is related to residual gastric content due to gastroparesis despite following preoperative fasting recommendations. Patients taking Saxenda or other GLP-1 drugs must inform their healthcare professional when opting for a procedure involving GA or deep sedation.
- Suicidal behavior: Suicidal behavior is one of the most serious side effects associated with Saxenda, reported in 0.3% of patients in clinical trials. In a pediatric trial with a population of 125, one patient committed suicide. Although a direct connection has not been established, it is suggested to monitor for signs of depression or suicidal behavior in patients taking Saxenda. Patients with a history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation should avoid this drug.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Saxenda’s side effects typically last?
Saxenda’s common side effects like vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea typically last for a few days or a week, and subside with time as your body gets used to the medication. However, side effects like increased heart rate, gallbladder disease, and pancreatic disease might take longer to treat.
Are Saxenda side effects serious?
Serious side effects are possible but less common. Some side effects like pancreatitis, renal impairments, liver and gallbladder disease, hypersensitivity, hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, and thyroid c-cell tumors are serious side effects of this GLP-1 drug.
Can I take other medications with Saxenda?
Depending on the medication, you can take other prescription drugs with Saxenda. Your doctor might suggest an OTC medicine to manage nausea and vomiting. Insulin intake along with Saxenda could lead to hypoglycemia. Other brand-name liraglutide drugs like Victoza or other GLP-1 medications must not be used with Saxenda. Always consult your medical care provider before taking another medication with Saxenda.
What if I miss a dose of Saxenda?
If you miss a dose, take your next scheduled dose on the following day, and do not take an extra dose in between. If you miss 3 days of treatment, speak to your healthcare provider about potentially restarting treatment. Your provider may instruct you to start with 0.6 mg, gradually increasing the dose to 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3 mg over the next 5 weeks.
Does Saxenda cause nausea? How long does it last?
Like other GLP-1 drugs, Saxenda also causes nausea when you start taking the medication. It typically goes away within a few days to a few weeks as your body adjusts to the delayed gastric emptying.
Is Saxenda safe for diabetics?
Saxenda is safe for diabetics but must be used with precaution. While Saxenda is not approved for type 2 diabetes management by the FDA (unlike Ozempic), it can lower blood sugar levels in patients with or without diabetes. Patients taking prescription drugs for T2DM are at a high risk of hypoglycemia.
Can Saxenda lead to weight gain after stopping?
Saxenda helps reduce weight by increasing the transit time of food in the stomach and slowing down digestion. Stopping the medication will bring your metabolism back to normal, causing indigestion and weight gain, especially if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Does Saxenda cause hair loss?
People taking Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss experience hair loss, but Saxenda users did not report hair loss during clinical trials.
Will I experience any side effects after stopping Saxenda?
Once your body adjusts to Saxenda, stopping the medicine may cause GI changes, including nausea and an increased appetite. You can minimize these side effects by tapering off Saxenda instead of stopping it suddenly. Always speak with your healthcare provider before stopping the medication.
Can I drink alcohol with Saxenda?
Novo Nordisk does not provide any warning regarding alcohol use with Saxenda. However, alcohol can hinder weight loss efforts and cause dehydration, leading to kidney failure which is a risk with Saxenda as well. It is recommended to consult your doctor about drinking alcohol when taking Saxenda.
Can you use Saxenda when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Saxenda is contraindicated in females who are pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Weight loss during pregnancy offers no potential benefit and may result in fetal harm. Liraglutide exposure has been associated with early embryonic deaths in pregnant rats during organogenesis at doses that approximate clinical exposures at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3 mg/day.
When to speak with a doctor
GI-related side effects of Saxenda go away over time, but serious side effects such as allergic reactions, severe hypoglycemia, increased heartbeat, prolonged abdominal pain, and allergic reactions must be immediately addressed with your healthcare provider.
You should also consult your doctor for medical advice before taking another medication with Saxenda to avoid drug interactions and adverse effects. Your healthcare provider can also help you if you have questions about Saxenda’s mechanism of action, side effects, or dosage.
Bottom line
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist drug for chronic weight management with known common and serious side effects that must be considered before you start taking the prescription drug for weight loss and management.
Common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, and injection site reactions. Saxenda also has rare but serious side effects like gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney problems, increased heart rate, severe allergic reactions, and severe hypoglycemia. The medication comes with a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.
When you want to take Saxenda for weight loss, consider the prescribing information and talk to your doctor about the possible adverse effects of the medication. Always weigh the benefits and risks of the medication to decide if Saxenda is the right choice for you.
Follow the recommendations in this article to manage the side effects of Saxenda and avoid allergic reactions, hypoglycemia, and kidney failure. Refer to the prescribing information provided by the manufacturer and talk to your doctor before taking Saxenda as a weight loss treatment.
