How It Works

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for weight management. It works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. Liraglutide increases feelings of fullness, reduces hunger, and slows gastric emptying, helping individuals to eat less and lose weight. Additionally, Saxenda has beneficial effects on blood sugar control and can improve glycemic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

List of Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Hypoglycemia (in patients with type 2 diabetes)
• Pancreatitis (rare)
• Gallbladder disease

List of Indications

• Chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

List of Contraindications

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the product components
• Pregnancy
• Severe gastrointestinal disease
• History of pancreatitis