TREATMENT GUIDE
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.
How to use
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dose schedule
Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
Starting dose. Your body is adjusting.
Week 2: 1.2 mg daily
First increase.
Week 3: 1.8 mg daily
Continue escalating weekly.
Week 4: 2.4 mg daily
Penultimate step.
Week 5+: 3.0 mg daily (maintenance)
Recommended maintenance dose. Your doctor will reassess every 3 months.
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.
When to contact your doctor
- 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
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.
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.
Talk to a doctor about your treatment.
A licensed EU doctor reviews your case and, if appropriate, issues a prescription in under 24 hours.
Start consultation