Weight loss

Saxenda (liraglutide) treatment guide

Everything you need to know about your Saxenda treatment — how to inject, your daily dose schedule, managing side effects, and when to contact your doctor.

3 min readDaily GLP-1 (Liraglutide)Pathway

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01 / 10

How to use

01
Step 1
Choose your injection site
Rotate between abdomen, thigh, or upper arm each week. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
02
Step 2
Inject at the same time each week
Pick a day that works for you. If you forget a dose, take it within 4 days of the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that dose and take your next one on the regular scheduled day.
03
Step 3
Use a new needle each time
Remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Never reuse needles.
04
Step 4
Once-daily injection
Saxenda is injected once daily, any time of day, with or without food. Choose a time that fits your routine and try to stay consistent. Do not share pens.

Monitoring

Before you start

Tell the medical team about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid disease or diabetic retinopathy.
List every diabetes medicine you take — doses of insulin or sulfonylureas may need adjusting to avoid low blood sugar.
Confirm you are not pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

While on treatment

Weigh yourself weekly, at the same time of day, and record it in your account so your prescriber can review your response.
At each dose review, report nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation — persistent symptoms may mean staying longer at the current step.
Seek urgent care for severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to your back (possible pancreatitis), or signs of dehydration.

Every 3 months

Your prescriber reviews total weight change: continuing usually requires at least 5% loss after 3 months on the maintenance dose.
Review whether side effects are acceptable and whether the dose should change.

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Treatment pathway

Your Saxenda pathway

Week 1
- Start at 0.6 mg once daily
  Inject at any consistent time of day, with or without food.
Weeks 2-5
- Weekly increases
  1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, then the 3.0 mg maintenance dose — one step per week as tolerated.
  - Hold a step longer if side effects persist
After 12 weeks on 3.0 mg — have you lost at least 5% of your starting weight?
Yes
Continue treatment
Stay on 3.0 mg with regular reviews.
No
Stop and reassess
The SmPC advises stopping if 5% is not reached at 12 weeks on the full dose — your doctor discusses alternatives.
After 12 weeks on 3.0 mg — have you lost at least 5% of your starting weight?
Yes
Continue treatment
Stay on 3.0 mg with regular reviews.
No
Stop and reassess
The SmPC advises stopping if 5% is not reached at 12 weeks on the full dose — your doctor discusses alternatives.

Every dose change is doctor-reviewed. Never change your dose without confirmation.

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Dose schedule

0.6 mg daily
Week 1
1.2 mg daily
Week 2
1.8 mg daily
Week 3
2.4 mg daily
Week 4
Maintenance dose
3.0 mg daily
Week 5+

Starting dose. Your body is adjusting.
First increase.
Continue escalating.
Penultimate step.
Maintenance dose.

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How it compares

Prescription weight-loss medicines at a glance
Prescription weight-loss medicines at a glance	How it works	Dosing	Route	Dose steps
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)	Dual GIP + GLP-1 receptor agonist	Once weekly	Injection under the skin	2.5 to 15 mg over 5+ months
Wegovy (semaglutide)	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Once weekly	Injection under the skin	0.25 to 2.4 mg over 4+ months
Saxenda (liraglutide)	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Once daily	Injection under the skin	0.6 to 3.0 mg over 4+ weeks
Rybelsus (semaglutide)	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Once daily, empty stomach	Tablet by mouth	1.5 to 9 mg over 2+ months

All four require the same lifestyle foundation: reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Your prescriber chooses based on your history, preferences and response. Rybelsus is licensed for type 2 diabetes and may be prescribed off-label for weight management where your doctor judges it appropriate.

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Side effects

Nausea

Very common in the first weeks. Eat smaller meals, avoid fatty or fried foods, and eat slowly. Nausea usually improves within 1-2 weeks.

Constipation or diarrhoea

Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses a day). Include fibre-rich foods like vegetables and whole grains. Gentle movement like walking can help.

Fatigue

Some patients feel tired in the first weeks. This usually passes. Rest when needed and keep your meals light.

When to seek help

Contact your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, persistent vomiting, signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling), or any symptom that worries you.

06 / 10 · Do not use if

Allergy to liraglutide or any ingredient of Saxenda
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome
History of pancreatitis
Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding
Severe kidney or liver impairment
Heart failure that is severe or recently worsened

This list is not exhaustive — your questionnaire and prescriber review decide whether Saxenda is safe for you.

07 / 10 · When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor if

Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea that prevents you from eating or drinking
Severe abdominal pain that does not go away
Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat)
Any symptom that worries you or feels unusual

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Storage

Store unused pens in the refrigerator (2-8°C). Once opened, keep at room temperature below 30°C for up to 30 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from direct heat and light.

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What to expect

Saxenda works daily to help control appetite. Weight loss is assessed at 3 months. A loss of 5% or more of your starting weight is considered a good response. Your doctor will monitor your progress.