How does Saxenda come? Saxenda (liraglutide) is supplied as a pre-filled, multi-dose injection pen for subcutaneous use in weight management. Each pen contains 3 ml of solution (18 mg liraglutide total) and is presented in cartons of one, three, or five pens. The clear, colourless solution is designed for single-patient use only. Pens feature a dose counter, selector dial, and injection button, delivering doses from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg. Compatible pen needles are prescribed separately. Understanding Saxenda's presentation, storage requirements, and proper use is essential for safe, effective treatment as part of a comprehensive weight management programme under specialist supervision.

How Does Saxenda Come: Packaging and Presentation

Saxenda (liraglutide 6 mg/ml) is supplied as a pre-filled, multi-dose injection pen designed for subcutaneous administration. Each pen contains 3 ml of solution, delivering 18 mg of liraglutide in total. The medication comes in a clear, colourless or almost colourless solution that should be inspected before each use—any cloudiness, discolouration, or visible particles indicate the pen should not be used.

The Saxenda pen is presented in a carton containing either one, three, or five pre-filled pens, depending on your prescription, though not all pack sizes may be marketed at all times. Each pen is individually sealed and accompanied by patient information leaflets detailing proper use, storage, and safety information. The pens are designed for single-patient use only and must never be shared, even if the needle is changed, due to infection risk.

Key features of Saxenda packaging include:

• A dose counter window displaying the selected dose

• A dose selector that clicks as you turn it

• A dose button for injection

• A pen cap to protect the medication

• Space to record the date of first use

Saxenda pens do not come with needles included. You will need to obtain compatible pen needles separately, typically NovoFine or NovoTwist needles, which are prescribed alongside your Saxenda. Each injection requires a new, sterile needle to ensure safety and proper dosing. The pen device is engineered to deliver doses ranging from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg in 0.6 mg increments, allowing for the gradual dose escalation protocol as specified in the Saxenda Patient Information Leaflet.

Understanding Saxenda Pen Devices and Dosing

The Saxenda pen is a sophisticated delivery system that enables precise, self-administered subcutaneous injections. Liraglutide, the active ingredient, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works primarily by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness and satiety. This mechanism helps reduce caloric intake, supporting weight management goals.

Dosing with Saxenda follows a structured escalation schedule to minimise gastrointestinal adverse effects, which are the most commonly reported side effects. The standard titration protocol begins at 0.6 mg once daily for the first week, increasing weekly by 0.6 mg increments until reaching the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. This gradual approach allows the body to adapt to the medication and significantly reduces the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

If you experience significant side effects during dose escalation, your healthcare provider may advise delaying the next dose increase by an additional week at the current dose level. If you miss 3 or more consecutive days of Saxenda, you should restart at 0.6 mg and follow the dose escalation schedule again.

Each pen contains sufficient medication for several days, depending on your current dose. For example, at the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily, one pen lasts approximately six days. These are approximations, as priming the pen and dose escalation will affect how long each pen lasts. It is essential to track your usage and ensure you have adequate supplies, as interruptions in treatment may necessitate restarting the dose escalation process.

Important dosing considerations:

• Inject at the same time each day for consistency

• Can be administered with or without food

• Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to prevent lipodystrophy

• If a dose is missed and more than 12 hours have passed, skip it and resume the next day

For people with diabetes who are also taking sulfonylureas or insulin, dose adjustments of these medications may be needed to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia when starting Saxenda. Patients should never attempt to adjust doses beyond the prescribed schedule without consulting their healthcare provider, as this may increase the risk of adverse effects or compromise treatment efficacy.

What's Included in Your Saxenda Prescription

When you receive a Saxenda prescription, typically initiated within an NHS specialist weight management service, the package includes several essential components beyond the medication itself. Understanding what to expect helps ensure you can begin treatment safely and effectively.

Your prescription will specify the number of Saxenda pens required, usually calculated based on your treatment phase and the duration until your next review appointment. Initial prescriptions often cover the dose escalation period (typically five weeks to reach maintenance dose) plus additional pens for ongoing treatment. Your pharmacist will dispense the appropriate quantity and may provide guidance on injection technique.

Standard prescription components include:

• Pre-filled Saxenda pen(s) in sealed cartons

• Separate prescription for compatible pen needles (usually 4 mm, 6 mm, or 8 mm length)

• Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) detailing usage, side effects, and contraindications

• Instructions for Use booklet with illustrated injection technique

• Sharps disposal container (may be provided by your pharmacy or GP surgery)

The pen needles are prescribed separately and are single-use only. You will need one needle per injection, so ensure your prescription covers the full treatment period. Most patients use 4 mm or 6 mm needles, though needle length may be adjusted based on body composition and injection site preference.

Additionally, your healthcare provider should supply you with information about dietary advice, physical activity guidance, and behavioural support resources. NICE guidelines specify that Saxenda should only be prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

According to NICE guidance, treatment should be discontinued if at least 5% weight loss has not been achieved after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. For adults, treatment is typically limited to a maximum of 2 years. Your healthcare team will schedule regular reviews to assess your progress and determine whether continued treatment is appropriate.

Storage Requirements for Saxenda Pens

Proper storage of Saxenda is crucial to maintain medication stability, efficacy, and safety. Liraglutide is a peptide-based medication that can degrade if exposed to inappropriate temperatures or conditions, potentially rendering it ineffective or unsafe for use.

Before first use (unopened pens):

Unopened Saxenda pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Keep the pens in their original carton to protect them from light. Do not freeze Saxenda—if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded, even if it subsequently thaws. Frozen medication may have altered pharmaceutical properties that compromise safety and efficacy. Store pens away from the freezer compartment and ensure they are not in direct contact with refrigerator cooling elements.

After first use (in-use pens):

Once you begin using a Saxenda pen, it may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days. Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient and comfortable for injections, as cold medication can cause injection site discomfort. Always replace the pen cap after each use to protect the medication from light and contamination.

Additional storage guidance:

• Record the date of first use on the pen label

• Keep pens out of reach of children

• Never store pens with a needle attached, as this may cause leakage or air bubbles

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources

• Do not store in car glove compartments or other areas with temperature fluctuations

• Discard any pen that has been in use for more than 30 days, regardless of remaining medication

If you are travelling with Saxenda, use an insulated cool bag with ice packs (ensuring pens do not come into direct contact with ice) or a medication travel cooler, following the guidance in the Patient Information Leaflet. For air travel, carry Saxenda in hand luggage with supporting prescription documentation. If storage conditions have been compromised, consult your pharmacist before using the medication, as potency may be affected.

Getting Started with Saxenda: First Steps

Beginning treatment with Saxenda requires careful preparation and understanding of the injection technique to ensure safe, effective use. Before administering your first dose, familiarise yourself with the pen device and injection procedure, ideally with guidance from your prescriber, practice nurse, or pharmacist.

Pre-injection preparation:

Remove a new Saxenda pen from the refrigerator approximately 15–30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature, which reduces injection discomfort. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Check the medication by holding the pen up to the light—the solution should be clear and colourless. If it appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, do not use it and return it to your pharmacy.

Attach a new pen needle by removing the protective tab, pushing the needle straight onto the pen, and twisting until secure. Remove both the outer and inner needle caps. Before your first injection with a new pen, you must perform a flow check to ensure the pen is working correctly and to remove any air bubbles. Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol (not to 0.6 mg), hold the pen with the needle pointing upward, and tap gently to move air bubbles to the top. Press the dose button fully until the dose counter returns to 0—you should see a drop of medication at the needle tip. If no droplet appears, change the needle and try again. If you still cannot see a droplet after trying with a new needle, do not use the pen.

Injection technique:

Select an injection site on your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites to prevent lipodystrophy. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe if recommended by your healthcare provider (though this is not always necessary for home injections). Pinch the skin gently, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and press the dose button fully. Keep the button pressed and count slowly to six before withdrawing the needle—this ensures complete dose delivery.

After injection:

Carefully remove the needle using the outer needle cap and dispose of it immediately in a sharps container. Never recap needles by hand. Replace the pen cap and store the pen appropriately. Monitor for injection site reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling, which are usually mild and transient.

Important safety information:

• Saxenda must not be used during pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant, stop using Saxenda and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Saxenda is not recommended during breastfeeding.

• People with a history of pancreatitis should discuss this with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

When to seek medical help:

• Call 999 immediately for signs of severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling of face/throat) or collapse

• Contact NHS 111 or go to A&E for severe, persistent abdominal pain (especially if radiating to the back), which could indicate pancreatitis

• Contact your GP for:

• Persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms that interfere with daily activities
• Symptoms of gallbladder disease (upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice)
• Unexplained rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Persistent injection site reactions

Report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

Your healthcare provider will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor weight loss progress, assess tolerability, and evaluate continuation criteria. Treatment will be discontinued if less than 5% weight loss is achieved after 12 weeks at the maintenance dose, as continued treatment is unlikely to provide clinically meaningful benefit. Successful Saxenda treatment requires commitment to lifestyle modifications alongside medication, with ongoing support from your healthcare team to achieve sustainable weight management outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions