Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist used for chronic weight management alongside reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It works by mimicking an intestinal hormone that helps regulate appetite and gastric emptying. CanadianInsulin® is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.
Who Saxenda is for
In adults, Saxenda is indicated for chronic weight management when one of the following applies:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity), or
- BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or dyslipidemia.
In some regions, it’s also approved for adolescents (12–17 years) with obesity who weigh at least 60 kg. Pediatric criteria and monitoring thresholds differ from adults; clinicians typically evaluate response by BMI change at a defined timepoint on the maintenance dose.
Important limitations:
- Not for treatment of type 1 diabetes and not a substitute for insulin.
- Not to be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonists (for example, semaglutide) or for combination therapy with other weight-loss products unless your prescriber specifically directs otherwise.
- Victoza (liraglutide 1.8 mg) is a different indication and dose; do not substitute products or doses.
Assessing response: In adults, if at least 4% of baseline body weight has not been lost after 16 weeks on Saxenda (typically on 3.0 mg/day), continuing treatment is unlikely to result in meaningful weight loss and clinicians often discontinue. For adolescents, the decision point is earlier and uses BMI-based criteria; your prescriber will advise.
How dosing and titration work
Saxenda is given subcutaneously once daily, at any time of day, with or without food, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce skin reactions. A common adult titration plan to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects is:
- Week 1: 0.6 mg once daily
- Week 2: 1.2 mg once daily
- Week 3: 1.8 mg once daily
- Week 4: 2.4 mg once daily
- Week 5 and beyond: 3.0 mg once daily (maintenance)
If side effects occur during titration, your prescriber may hold at the current dose longer or step back temporarily. Do not increase faster than advised. If you miss a dose and it’s more than 12 hours until the next scheduled dose, take it when remembered; if less than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. If you miss Saxenda for more than 3 days, contact your prescriber—restarting at a lower dose and re-titrating is often recommended to reduce nausea risk.
Storage basics: Unused pens should be refrigerated (2–8°C) and never frozen. During use, most pens can be kept refrigerated or at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 30 days; keep the cap on, protect from light, and remove the needle after each injection. Never share a pen, even if a new needle is used.
Considering access and prescriptions
Saxenda is a prescription medication and requires clinician oversight before starting and while on therapy. If you are exploring options for buying saxenda online, ensure the service verifies your prescription and offers clear channels for pharmacist counseling and follow-up questions.
We collaborate with licensed, vetted pharmacy partners to supply authentic brand medications with a broad selection and value-focused pricing.
Common side effects
Most adverse effects are gastrointestinal and tend to be most noticeable during dose increases:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, or gas
- Headache, fatigue, dizziness
- Injection-site redness or irritation
- Transient increases in heart rate
Many people find that side effects lessen as the body adjusts. Eating smaller, simpler meals; slowing eating pace; staying well hydrated; and avoiding large, high-fat meals can help.
Serious warnings and who should not use Saxenda
Speak with your clinician before starting. Key safety points include:
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: Liraglutide has a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent data. Do not use if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Report neck masses, hoarseness, dysphagia, or persistent cough.
- Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting, requires urgent evaluation. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected.
- Gallbladder disease: Rapid weight loss and GLP-1 therapy can be associated with gallstones or cholecystitis. Seek care for right-upper-quadrant pain, fever, or jaundice.
- Kidney effects and dehydration: Persistent vomiting/diarrhea can lead to dehydration and kidney injury; maintain fluid intake and contact your clinician if unable to keep fluids down.
- Hypoglycemia: More likely when used with insulin or sulfonylureas; dose adjustments and monitoring may be needed.
- Suicidal thoughts: Monitor mood; report new or worsening depression or suicidal ideation.
- Hypersensitivity: Stop and seek care for anaphylaxis or angioedema.
- Delayed gastric emptying: Saxenda can affect the absorption of oral medications. Your clinician may monitor certain drugs (for example, warfarin/INR) more closely.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Weight-loss medications are not recommended in pregnancy; discontinue when pregnancy is recognized. Discuss if breastfeeding is planned or ongoing.
- Gastroparesis: Use caution if you have significant gastric motility disorders.
The safety and efficacy of combined use with other weight-loss medications (including OTC/herbal products) have not been established; avoid unless your prescriber advises otherwise.
Practical tips for day-to-day use
- Set a consistent daily injection time you can keep on weekends and holidays.
- During titration, advance weekly only if the current dose is well tolerated; communicate with your care team if symptoms persist.
- Rotate injection sites and allow pens to reach room temperature briefly before injection to reduce discomfort.
- Keep backup needles and proper sharps disposal available; never share pens.
- Track weight, waist measurements, and how clothes fit; note any side effects and bring these to follow-ups.
Alternatives and how they compare
Other options for chronic weight management include:
- Other GLP-1–based therapies (for example, weekly semaglutide at a weight-management dose) and dual-agonists (such as tirzepatide for weight management in certain regions). These can offer greater average weight loss in trials but differ in dosing frequency, side effects, and availability.
- Oral agents (e.g., naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate in some jurisdictions). Efficacy and tolerability vary; each has specific risks and contraindications.
- Metabolic/bariatric surgery for eligible patients, which generally produces the largest and most durable weight loss and comorbidity improvement, but involves perioperative risks and long-term follow-up.
Choice of therapy depends on medical history (including diabetes, hypertension, psychiatric history, and reproductive plans), contraindications, prior treatments, preferences (daily vs weekly dosing), and access. Availability may vary by region and supply conditions. Discuss with your clinician which option aligns best with your goals and safety profile.
What patients say
Experiences vary—some people achieve steady weight loss with manageable nausea, while others discontinue due to side effects or limited response. Real-world perspectives can be helpful alongside clinical data; see customer testimonials for patient stories shared with permission.
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