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.
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.
- READ TIME
- 3 min read
- PATHWAY
- Daily GLP-1 (Liraglutide)
- DOSE RANGE
- 0.6 mg → 3.0 mg
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How to use
- Choose your injection site
Rotate between abdomen, thigh, or upper arm each week. Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- 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.
- Use a new needle each time
Remove the needle after each injection and dispose of it safely in a sharps container. Never reuse needles.
- 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.
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.
Treatment pathway
- 0.6 mgWeek 1
- 1.2 mgWeek 2
- 1.8 mgWeek 3
- 2.4 mgWeek 4
- 3.0 mgWeek 5+
Every dose change is doctor-reviewed. Never change your dose without confirmation.
See the full decision 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.
Every dose change is doctor-reviewed. Never change your dose without confirmation.
Dose schedule
| Dose | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6 mg daily | Week 1 | Starting dose. Your body is adjusting. |
| 1.2 mg daily | Week 2 | First increase. |
| 1.8 mg daily | Week 3 | Continue escalating. |
| 2.4 mg daily | Week 4 | Penultimate step. |
| 3.0 mg daily | Week 5+ | Maintenance dose. |
How it compares
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
Sources
Questions while you're on treatment?
Message your doctor in your private chat about side effects, doses or anything that worries you. Replies in under 2 hours on average.
- Log your weight and doses
- Download your e-prescription
- Renewals reviewed by your doctor
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