Saxenda Pen

Description

A prescription drug, Saxena belongs to a group of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and contains the active ingredient, liraglutide. It is a self-injectable liquid solution in a pre-filled injection pen. Saxenda allows adults with BMI > 27 facing obesity-related medical issues to manage weight. The medicine helps obese children between 12-17 years of age with body weight above 60kg/132 pounds to lose weight. Not only does Saxenda promote weight loss, but it also helps maintain weight. This medicine requires dietary changes and exercises for full efficacy. Saxenda is not appropriate for type 1 or type 2 diabetes treatment. It is still unknown whether children under 12 years or children between 12-17 years with type 2 diabetes can use this medication.

KEY DETAILS

1. Drug class- glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 antagonist)
2. Drug form- colorless liquid solution in a pre-filled injection pen (to be taken subcutaneously)
3. Generic availability- No
4. Prescription requirement- Yes
5. Controlled substance- No
6. FDA approval year- 2010

Uses of Saxenda

This FDA-approved weight loss drug enables patients to control weight after shedding a few kgs too. In other words, it can be incorporated into a long-term weight management plan after consulting with the doctor. Once the doctor and the patient agree that Saxenda is safe and effective, it can be included in long-term treatment.

Adults

• Obesity with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more
• Overweight adults with 27kg/m2 or greater BMI who face weight-related health issues like dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or hypertension

Children (12 years and older)

• Body weight of more than 60 kg
• Initial BMI of 30kg/m2 or more

After using Saxenda for 16 weeks, the patient has to undergo a body weight change evaluation by the doctor. If the patient has not even lost 4% of their original weight since Day 1, the doctor is likely to stop this treatment with Saxenda.

How Saxenda Works

By slowing down the emptying of the stomach and decreasing appetite, Saxenda reduces the need for calorie intake. This process brings down weight slowly but significantly. Like a natural hormone in the body, Saxenda works to control digestion, blood sugar, and insulin levels.

Dosage

Available in one strength of 6mg/ml, each injection pen has 3 ml of solution. It can administer doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3mg. So, for a 3mg daily dose, the patient must inject 0.5 ml of solution per day. Consulting a doctor is recommended for the right Saxenda dosage. Generally, doctors prescribe a low dosage in the initial course. Then, the dosages are gradually adjusted according to the patient’s requirements. For reference, some commonly used dosages are as follows: Adults

• The starting dosage for adults is 0.6mg per day to be continued for a week.
• During week 2, the dosage limitation should be 1.2mg/day.
• The third and the fourth weeks must not exceed 1.8mg per day and 2.4 mg per day respectively.
• After that, the patient can opt for the minimum dosage of 3mg per day.

Children For children with concerning side effects, doctors may delay the next scheduled dose. Sometimes doctors may wait for 8 weeks to prescribe the long-term maintenance dosage, 3 mg per day for a child. In some other cases, the doctor may even limit this dose to 2.4 mg per day if 3mg does not suit the child.

How to Use Saxenda

Saxenda is a once-daily injection given under the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen subcutaneous skin. This medicine should not be injected into a muscle or a vein. It is necessary to rotate the injection spot for every dosage. For instance, if a patient injects a dose into one side of the abdomen, they should choose a different area the next day. Alternatively, they may inject the medicine into the upper arm or thigh. While the medicine can be injected at any time during the day, the doses must be taken around the same time daily. Thus, a steady level of the drug is maintained for it to work effectively. The Saxenda pen should have a clear and colorless solution. Under no circumstances should a patient use it if the solution has solid bits, is thickened, or colored. After 30 days, the pen has to be safely disposed of even if some solution is left inside. Some pharmacies offer medicine levels with a scannable code to be converted into audio braille or large print. In addition, talking to a doctor will help understand how to administer the drug with the injection pen.

Side Effects

Ranging from mild to severe, Saxenda has a list of potential side effects. 3 things impacting a patient’s side effects due to Saxenda are their age, other health concerns, and other medicines they are on.

Common Side Effects

A short list of some mild side effects a patient may experience after taking Saxenda are: Nausea It happens during the initial courses of the medicine. A patient may feel a lack of strength or fatigue linked to such gastrointestinal symptoms. These side effects are reported to decrease with extended usage and adjusting doses accordingly. Diarrhea During clinical trials, about 68% of individuals were diagnosed with this kind of gastrointestinal disorder due to slowing down of digestion. Constipation Another common side effect in up to 1 in every 10 users may be constipation which is not bothersome in most cases. Vomiting Arising due to gastrointestinal infections is often experienced in patients taking Saxenda injections. These side effects last for a few days or weeks and do not usually require medical attention. However, if they persist for long or become more serious, one should talk to the doctor.

Severe Side Effects

Serious health issues are rare in the case of Saxenda injections. Here’s a list of the most serious ones that one might experience: Pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas leads to pancreatitis from Saxenda usage. One should immediately stop using the drug and contact their doctor if they face severe pain in the upper belly or other symptoms. Gallbladder Problems Though uncommon, Saxenda can cause gallbladder-related health issues. It may even lead to gallstones. Symptoms like fever, upper stomach pain, clay-colored stool, and jaundice should be immediately reported to the doctor. Kidney Problems Saxenda usage can cause kidney damage. Some of the noticeable indications are reduced need to pee, seizures, nausea, unusual weakness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and swelling in feet, legs, and ankles. Increased Heart Rate A fast heart rate or tachycardia makes a patient feel like their heart is racing even if they are not exerting themselves. This issue needs expert medical advice too.

Warnings and Precautions

Patients having allergies to Victoza, Liraglutide, other medicines with liraglutide, and specific ingredients in the product should avoid its use. Talk to the doctor or the pharmacist before using or purchasing it to be sure of its ingredients.

Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

A severe potential risk, this disease, particularly medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) was reported in animal studies. Unfortunately, these studies do not predict how Saxenda impacts humans. So, it is unclear whether Saxenda can pose a danger to human beings. Saxenda injection packs come with boxed warnings for thyroid cancer. Also, people who wish to start this treatment must talk with the doctor about their thyroid cancer risks. Generally, this drug is not prescribed if you or any close relative has had certain kinds of thyroid tumors/cancers like MTC.

Acute Pancreatitis

If a person experiences symptoms of acute pancreatitis, consulting medical help is the only solution. Also, maintaining open communication with the doctor regarding what to do and how to avoid it if one has a previous history is the best remedy.

Acute Gallbladder Disease

Acute diseases causing gallstones require immediate stoppage of the medication followed by doctor’s consultations.

Hypoglycemia

Saxenda may lower the blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, patients with diabetes must discuss in length about the treatment before taking any dose. The doctor will help in understanding if Saxenda will adversely react with other medicines. Additionally, they will offer suggestions on how often to check your blood sugar levels and what to do if the situation gets out of hand.

Acute Kidney Injury

If Saxenda worsens existing kidney injuries, patients must seek medical help then only. To avoid such situations, one must talk to their doctor to know if Saxenda will suit them. Drinking plenty of fluids will help patients stay hydrated.

Hypersensitivity

An uncommon effect, hypersensitivity is likely to happen in patients with previous history. So, informing the doctor before starting Saxenda injection doses would help in avoiding it altogether.

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation

Though unusual, people may have depressing or suicidal thoughts during Saxenda treatment. It may be likely to occur if one has a history of any mental illness. In such a scenario, doctors do not recommend this treatment. Also, patients have to report their mental health history to the doctor for the best treatment suited to their condition. An individual having suicidal thoughts or displaying such signs needs to be placed in the care of a reliable person till they receive professional help. Listening to them or comforting them would be the best option. Another thing to take care of is to remove all harmful objects and medicines from their reach. For serious suicidal behavior, it’s best to call the local emergency number.

Drug Interactions

Since Saxenda’s mechanism works by slowing the movement of food inside the body, it can impact the functioning of other oral medicines. So, it is essential to inform the healthcare professional about the herbal products, supplements, and vitamins/minerals one’s consuming. The patient must also tell them about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs they are on at the moment or in the recent past. The most common checked interactions may be as follows:

• Antidepressants- Fluoxetine, Phenelzine, Selegiline
• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists- Dulaglutide, Semaglutide, and other types of liraglutide
• Bismuth subsalicylate

Allergic Reactions

Besides liraglutide, Saxenda contains several other ingredients. So, discussing any allergic reaction with the doctor is important. According to reports, 0.7% of treated patients were diagnosed with urticaria. Moreover, asthma, anaphylactic reactions, facial swelling, type IV hypersensitivity, edema, hypotension, palpitations, and dyspnea are some commonly reported allergic reactions. Certain anaphylactic reactions with more symptoms may be life-threatening.

Pregnancy

Saxenda does not act as a contraceptive. So, unprotected sex may lead to unwanted pregnancies even while taking the injection doses. Saxenda does not affect fertility, but the highest doses may cause a tiny decrease in embryos implanted for pregnancy. However, it is not harmful. Once a patient conceives while she’s taking Saxenda for weight loss, she should end the treatment. It is applicable to all cases, even the ones with positive Saxenda results. During this period, doctors address any health concerns about body weight or overall health (due to Saxenda) Losing sufficient weight can be complicated for the baby leading to premature birth or low birth weight of the baby. Newborn babies weighing less than 5.5 lbs at birth require neonatal care and an incubator which proves to be worrisome. Liralutide present in Saxenda may be passed into the mother’s breastmilk. This is why doctors do not prescribe the drug unless one finished breastfeeding or using formula feeding for different reasons. Once the patient decides to resume the Saxenda treatment, she should seek expert medical advice to follow a safe and effective treatment.

Overdose

The patient must contact their doctor or visit the Accident and Emergency Department at the nearest hospital with the medicine pack right away. It has to be followed even if one’s body does not show indications of poisoning or discomfort.

Missed Dose

In case of a forgotten dosage within 12 hours of the daily timing, the medicine should be injected immediately. However, if more than 12 hours have passed since the normal timing of the dosage, skipping that dose is the only option. The patient must inject the normal dosage at the same time the next day. No extra doses or increased doses should be taken to compensate for the missed one. Talking to a healthcare expert may also help in this situation.

Storage

When it is being used, the pen must be stored with its cap on at room temperatures between 59F-86F. Or, it may even be kept in the refrigerator 36F-46F for 30 days. For storing in the refrigerator, caution must be undertaken to keep it away from the cooling element. However, it should not be stored with the needle on it. Never should the medicine be in direct contact with heat and sunlight or frozen.

Disposal

The used Saxenda needles must be disposed of with an FDA-approved sharps disposal container or a plastic container having a tight lid. It should not be thrown away in the household trash.

Ingredients

Each ml of the solution has 6 mg liraglutide as the active ingredient. Every pre-filled Saxenda injection pen consists of a 3ml liquid with free-base and anhydrous liragutide (18 mg). In addition, Saxenda also has phenol, disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, and water for injection as inactive ingredients. The quantity for each of these elements is:

• Disodium phosphate dihydrate: 1.42 mg
• Propylene glycol: 14 mg
• Phenol: 5.5 mg

Frequently Asked Questions for Saxenda

How do I order Saxenda online?

Buying Saxenda online requires a prescription from a medical expert. TigerMeds is a reputable platform to buy it online. Other trustworthy options include Plushcare, Calibrate, Noom Med, etc.

Do most insurance companies pay for Saxenda?

The Community Drug Schemes (CDS), especially the General Medical Services (GMS) and Drugs Payment (DP) reimburse Saxenda payments.

How do I store Saxenda?

New and unused Saxenda pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 2 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius. After the first usage, it needs to be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperatures between 15-30 degrees Celsius. However, the medicine should not be frozen.

What are the dosages of Saxenda?

The minimum dosage limit is 3 mg per day.

Where is the best injection site for Saxenda?

Saxenda is injected under the skin in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area according to the doctor’s instructions.

How do you feel after the first shot of Saxenda?

Some patients feel a nauseating effect on the first day.

How long does it take for Saxenda to start working?

It starts working after the first dose, but its peak effect for plasma concentration happens in around 8-12 hours. After a few weeks, significant changes are visible in the patient’s weight.

Does Saxenda cause organ failure?

It can lead to kidney failure even in people without prior symptoms or a history of kidney issues.

Does Saxenda cause hair loss?

No hair loss was reported during clinical trials of this medication.

What medications should be avoided with Saxenda?

It should not be used when a patient is taking drugs containing ASA, androgens, atypical antipsychotics, bortezomib, buserelin, and so on.

What if there is blood after the injection?

If blood oozes out of the site, it should not be rubbed but pressed lightly.

How do I dispose of the injection pen?

After using it fully, the needle is to be removed from the pen carefully. The needle cap must not be placed back on the needle which should be instantly put in a sharps container. Also, nobody should discard the needles in recycling or trash bins.

What if I took more than the prescribed dose?

If an overdose occurs, the patient must immediately reach out to a healthcare expert.

What is the difference between Saxenda and other weight loss medications?

Saxenda proves to be more effective and can be taken long-term, unlike other weight loss medicines such as Wegovy.

Related Products

Apart from Saxenda, several drugs are available in the market for weight loss or weight control. Before choosing an alternative drug to Saxenda, it is crucial to get in touch with a doctor for expert medical advice. Other weight management medications Some examples of other weight loss/management medications are mentioned below for initial guidance:

• Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira)
• Semaglutide (Wegovy)
• Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
• Bupropion/ Naltrexone (Contrave)
• Topiramate/ Phentermine (Qsymia)

Diabetes management supplies

While Saxenda is used for weight loss/control treatment, Victoza is a diabetes management drug with the same active ingredient. Primarily Victoza is used to cure type 2 diabetes and reduce heart ailments. Type 2 diabetes patients looking for oral medications instead of injectable ones may opt for Rybelsus with Semaglutide as its main ingredient.

Administer Saxenda by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once daily. Always use a new needle for each injection and follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage. Start with a low dose, which your doctor will gradually increase to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.