Saxenda Weight Loss Injections
What are Saxenda Pens?
Saxenda is a daily injectable medicine designed for weight loss in people who are overweight or obese (with a BMI that is over 30). They are also known as weight loss pens, weight loss injections, and the skinny jab. You can check your BMI here:
Visit the BMI calculator tab to work out your BMI
If your BMI is above 27, but less than 30, then you can use these injections if you have the following weight-related medical conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes (including pre-diabetes)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
Who can use the “skinny jab”?
This medicine is licensed for people aged 18 years and above.
DO NOT use if you are allergic to liraglutide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
It is NOT recommended for people:
- Aged over 75 years
- With heart failure
- With severe stomach or gut problems (e.g. gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease)
- Who are pregnant or breastfeeding
How do weight loss injections work?
Saxenda is designed to suppress your appetite. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Liraglutide helps regulate blood sugar by decreasing the production of insulin-opposing glucagon. This slows down the emptying of the stomach, meaning you feel fuller for longer.
Is Saxenda Effective?
The weight loss injections are shown to be very effective alongside a calorie-controlled diet.
Trials carried out by the manufacturer showed that 6 in 10 people lost 5% or more of their body weight, and 1 in 3 people lost more than 10% of their body weight.
How to use these Injections
Saxenda is injected daily into the upper arm, abdomen, or upper thigh. You can use it at any time of the day, and with or without food. The starting dose is 0.6mg, which is gradually increased at 1 week intervals until you reach 3.0mg, usually around week 5. Once you reach this dose, you can carry on using Saxenda until your treatment period ends.
Treatment should be discontinued after 12 weeks if you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight on the highest dose of 3.0mg.
| Week | Dose injected |
| Week 1 | 0.6 mg once a day |
| Week 2 | 1.2 mg once a day |
| Week 3 | 1.8 mg once a day |
| Week 4 | 2.4 mg once a day |
| Week 5 onwards | 3.0 mg once a day |
For full instructions on how to use please see the Saxenda Patient Information Leaflet
How long does each pen last?
| Lasts | |
| Pen 1 | 17 days |
| Pen 2 | 8.5 days |
| Pen 3 | 6.5 days |
| Pen 4 | 6 days at 3mg daily dose |
How to use Saxenda pens
https://youtu.be/B1kldLAX2uk
If you are unsure on how to use the pen, or have any questions please contact a member of our team at Click2Pharmacy.
Saxenda Side Effects
Like all medicines, this can have side effects too.
The most common side effects are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Feeling weak or tired
- Changes to a sense of taste
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Pain, swelling, and/or bruising at the site of injection
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
For detailed information on side effects please read the patient information leaflet at:
Saxenda Alternatives | Weight Loss Pills
This treatment may not be suitable for everyone. Xenical (Orlistat) is an oral capsule that prevents some of the dietary fat from being absorbed into the bloodstream. When taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet, you can achieve significant weight loss. Xenical is also available from Click2Pharmacy as both over-the-counter (60mg) and on prescription (120mg).
Saxenda Online | US Pharmacy
Saxenda is available for prescription only at Click2Pharmacy. You will be required to fill in a short online consultation form to check for suitability. Once this is approved by a qualified practitioner, a prescription will be issued and the medication will be dispatched the following day.
Weight Loss NHS
Weight loss can be challenging at the best of times. It is always best to try a calorie-controlled diet and exercise before considering medical treatments. You can discuss weight loss with your GP or health care practitioner, who can help devise a weight loss plan for you. Alternatively, you can access NHS weight loss information online at:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan/
