Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related conditions. Whilst Saxenda commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea, some patients wonder whether it can cause numbness or tingling sensations. Numbness is not listed as a recognised side effect in the UK Summary of Product Characteristics, but understanding potential causes of such symptoms during treatment is important. This article examines the relationship between Saxenda and numbness, explores alternative explanations, and provides guidance on when to seek medical advice.

Understanding Saxenda and Its Common Side Effects

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. Saxenda is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection and is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The mechanism of action involves slowing gastric emptying, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing hunger signals in the brain. This helps patients consume fewer calories and achieve gradual weight loss. According to clinical trials documented in the European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessment, Saxenda can help achieve weight reduction when used as part of a comprehensive weight management programme.

Like all medications, Saxenda can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most commonly reported adverse effects include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain

• Injection site reactions: redness, itching, or bruising at the injection site

• Headache and dizziness

• Fatigue

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly in patients also taking insulin or sulfonylureas

Most gastrointestinal side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication, typically within the first few weeks of treatment. According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), treatment should be discontinued after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose if patients have not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.

Can Saxenda Cause Numbness or Tingling?

Numbness and tingling sensations (medically termed paraesthesia) are not listed among the side effects of Saxenda in the official UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) approved by the MHRA. The clinical trials that led to Saxenda's approval did not identify numbness as a frequent adverse reaction directly attributable to liraglutide.

However, it is important to recognise that individual responses to medications can vary considerably. While there is no established causal link between Saxenda and numbness or tingling, these symptoms could potentially relate to other factors during treatment.

It's worth noting that tingling can sometimes be a symptom of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly in patients also taking insulin or sulfonylureas. If you experience tingling and are on diabetes medications, checking your blood glucose level is advisable.

The Yellow Card Scheme, operated by the MHRA, allows patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects. If you experience numbness whilst taking Saxenda, you can report this at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or via the Yellow Card app. This contributes to ongoing pharmacovigilance and helps regulatory authorities monitor medication safety in real-world use.

It is crucial to understand that numbness can arise from numerous causes unrelated to Saxenda. These include nutritional deficiencies (particularly vitamin B12 or thiamine), nerve compression, diabetes-related neuropathy, or other underlying medical conditions. Therefore, any new or persistent neurological symptoms warrant proper medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate management.

Possible Causes of Numbness While Taking Saxenda

If you experience numbness whilst taking Saxenda, several potential explanations should be considered, many of which relate to the metabolic and dietary changes associated with weight loss treatment rather than the medication itself.

Nutritional deficiencies represent a significant consideration. Rapid weight loss or severely restricted calorie intake can lead to inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 deficiency is particularly associated with peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. This risk may be higher if you also take metformin for diabetes, as long-term use can reduce B12 absorption. Similarly, deficiencies in thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, and folate can affect nerve function. However, excessive vitamin B6 supplementation can itself cause neuropathy, so supplementation should be clinically guided.

Diabetic neuropathy is another important consideration, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Peripheral neuropathy develops gradually due to prolonged elevated blood glucose levels damaging peripheral nerves. If you have diabetes or are at risk, numbness may reflect pre-existing or developing neuropathy rather than a medication effect.

Some patients may experience nerve compression symptoms during weight loss. Changes in physical activity levels or exercise routines might contribute to musculoskeletal issues affecting nerve function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Other potential causes include:

• Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances from gastrointestinal side effects (your doctor may check your kidney function and electrolytes if significant)

• Hypoglycaemia, particularly if you take other diabetes medications

• Anxiety or hyperventilation, which can cause peripheral tingling

• Unrelated medical conditions that coincidentally develop during treatment

A thorough medical assessment is essential to identify the specific cause and implement appropriate management strategies.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Numbness

Whilst mild, transient tingling sensations may not always require urgent attention, certain warning signs indicate that you should contact your GP or healthcare provider promptly for proper evaluation.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening numbness that does not resolve within a few days

• Numbness affecting both sides of the body or progressing from one area to another

• Weakness or difficulty moving affected limbs

• Loss of coordination or balance problems

• Numbness accompanied by pain, burning sensations, or hypersensitivity

• Changes in bladder or bowel function

• Numbness affecting the face, particularly if sudden or one-sided

If you have diabetes: Check your blood glucose if you experience tingling, as this can be a symptom of hypoglycaemia. Follow your care plan for treating low blood sugar if needed.

Seek immediate emergency care (call 999 or attend A&E) if numbness is accompanied by:

• Sudden severe headache

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Vision changes or loss

• Facial drooping

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Sudden confusion or altered consciousness

These symptoms could indicate a stroke (remember the FAST test: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999) or other serious conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.

For non-emergency situations, arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment, including:

• Detailed medical history and medication review

• Physical and neurological examination

• Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies (including B12, especially if on metformin), diabetes control (HbA1c), thyroid function, and other metabolic parameters

• Consideration of nerve conduction studies or imaging if indicated

Your healthcare provider can determine whether the numbness relates to nutritional factors, an underlying condition, or requires specialist referral to neurology or another appropriate specialty. Never stop taking Saxenda without consulting your prescriber, as abrupt discontinuation should be discussed with your healthcare team to ensure safe management of your weight loss treatment.

Managing Side Effects and Supporting Your Treatment

Successfully managing your Saxenda treatment involves proactive strategies to minimise side effects and optimise your overall health during weight loss.

Nutritional support is fundamental. Work with your healthcare team or a registered dietitian to ensure your reduced-calorie diet remains nutritionally complete. Consider:

• Balanced meal planning incorporating adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates

• Vitamin and mineral testing if you have symptoms suggesting deficiencies, particularly B12 (especially if you take metformin)

• Appropriate supplementation if recommended by your doctor based on test results

• Regular monitoring of nutritional status through blood tests

• Adequate hydration, aiming for 6-8 glasses of water daily

Managing gastrointestinal side effects can improve treatment tolerance. Strategies include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat or spicy foods, and gradually increasing your Saxenda dose as prescribed to allow your body to adjust.

Regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare team is essential. Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to:

• Review weight loss progress and treatment effectiveness

• Discuss any side effects or concerns

• Adjust treatment plans as needed

• Monitor blood glucose levels if you have diabetes

• Check blood pressure and cardiovascular health

According to the Saxenda SmPC, treatment should be discontinued after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose if you have not lost at least 5% of your initial body weight.

Lifestyle modifications enhance treatment outcomes. Saxenda should be used alongside behavioural interventions, including structured diet and exercise programmes aligned with NICE obesity management guidance. Regular physical activity not only supports weight loss but also improves metabolic health and circulation.

Keep a symptom diary to track any unusual sensations, including numbness, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors. This information helps your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential causes.

Finally, maintain realistic expectations. Weight loss with Saxenda is gradual. If you experience persistent side effects that significantly impact your quality of life, discuss alternative weight management strategies with your doctor. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the benefits and risks of continuing treatment and explore other evidence-based options if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions