Saxenda is an injectable medicine used for the weight loss of people with obesity or overweight, as it helps to decrease appetite and control body weight, and can cause a reduction of up to 10% of the total weight when associated with a healthy and practical diet of regular exercise.
The active principle of this medicine is Liraglutide, the same as it is already used in the composition of medicines for the treatment of diabetes, such as Victoza. This substance acts in the regions of the brain that regulate the appetite, making you feel less hungry and, therefore, the weight loss happens by reducing the number of calories consumed throughout the day.
Price and where to buy
Saxenda is produced by Novo Nordisk S / A laboratories, and can be purchased at conventional pharmacies with a prescription. The price ranges between 668 and 742 reais, and each box contains 3 pens, sufficient for 3 months of treatment, when using the recommended minimum dose.
Who can use
Saxenda is indicated for the treatment of:
- Obesity in adults with BMI greater than 30 kg / m2 or
- Adults with BMI over 27 kg / m2 with associated diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia or high cholesterol.
Classification of body mass index (BMI) helps to calculate and indicate which should be the ideal weight, which can aid in the planning of diet and weight loss. Find out what your BMI is by using our online calculator:
How to use
Saxenda is used as directed by a doctor, but is usually applied once a day under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or arm, at any time, regardless of meal times. The maximum recommended dose for adults is 3mg per day, however, the starting dose is 0.6mg, which is gradually increased as follows:
Week | Daily Dose (mg) |
1 | 0.6 |
2 | 1.2 |
3 |
1.8 |
4 | 2.4 |
5 et seq. | 3 |
It is important to remember that it is important to follow the treatment plan indicated by the doctor, and the doses and the duration of the treatment must be respected.
In addition, treatment with Saxenda will only be effective if a balanced diet plan is followed, preferably in conjunction with regular physical exercise. Check out the healthy weight-loss tips guided by our nutritionist in weight loss program in 10 days.
How to apply
To apply the Saxenda correctly on the skin, follow the steps:
- Remove the pen cap;
- Place a new needle on the tip of the pen, screwing until it is tight;
- Remove the outer and inner needle guard by throwing away the inner shield;
- Turn the top of the pen to select the dose indicated by the doctor;
- Insert the needle into the skin, making a 90º angle;
- Press the pen button until the dose dial displays the number 0;
- Count slowly up to 6 with the button pressed and then remove the needle from the skin;
- Fit the outer needle cap and remove the needle by throwing it in the trash;
- Insert the pen cover.
If you have questions about how to use the sax pen, it is important to consult your doctor or a nurse for the correct instructions.
What are the unwanted effects
The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, gastritis, poor digestion, dry mouth, flatulence, weakness, fatigue, change in taste, dizziness, gallstones and hypoglycemia. However, most of these effects are transient and disappear after the first use of the drug.
Although it is less common this drug can also cause dehydration, inflamed kidney stones, skin rash, malaise and rapid heartbeat, and very rarely can cause pancreatitis or kidney failure.
Who can not take
Saxenda is contraindicated for patients with liraglutide allergy or any other component of the drug in children and adolescents under 18 years of age during pregnancy and should not be used by anyone taking other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, like the Victoza.
Get to know other medicines used to treat excess weight:
- Sibutramine
- Xenical
