Taking Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) effectively requires more than simply administering daily injections. These tips for taking Saxenda will help you optimise your treatment, manage side effects, and achieve sustainable weight loss. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management, Saxenda works by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. However, NICE guidance emphasises that liraglutide must be combined with dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Understanding proper injection technique, storage requirements, and lifestyle strategies maximises treatment success whilst minimising adverse effects.

Understanding Saxenda and How It Works

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above, or 27 kg/m² or above with weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia. It's also licensed for certain adolescents (aged 12 years and above) with obesity under specialist supervision.

Saxenda belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which were originally developed for diabetes management but have proven effective for weight loss at higher doses.

The mechanism of action involves mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which is released from the intestine after eating. Saxenda works by acting on receptors in the brain that regulate appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing hunger signals. It also slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer, which contributes to increased satiety.

It is important to understand that Saxenda is not a standalone solution. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NICE guidance emphasise that liraglutide should be used alongside a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients using Saxenda in combination with lifestyle interventions achieve greater weight loss compared to lifestyle changes alone—typically an average of 5-8% of total body weight over 12 months, which is about 5% more than with lifestyle changes alone.

Saxenda is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking Saxenda and stop the medication immediately if pregnancy occurs. In the UK, treatment is typically initiated within specialist weight management services in line with NICE criteria.

Preparing to Start Saxenda Treatment

Before beginning Saxenda, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure the medication is appropriate for you. This typically includes reviewing your medical history, current medications, and any contraindications such as hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the ingredients. They will also consider cautions such as history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or dehydration/renal impairment. Investigations may be arranged as clinically indicated.

Key preparations include:

• Dietary planning: Work with a dietitian or your GP to establish a sustainable reduced-calorie eating plan. NICE recommends a deficit of 500-600 kcal per day for gradual, healthy weight loss. Understanding portion control and nutritional balance before starting treatment helps maximise results.

• Activity baseline: Assess your current physical activity levels and set realistic goals for gradual increases. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly for adults.

• Prescription and supplies: Ensure you understand the dosing schedule and have obtained sufficient needles. Saxenda comes in pre-filled pens, and you'll need to purchase compatible needles separately from your pharmacy. Obtain an NHS sharps container for safe disposal of used needles according to local policy.

• Injection site planning: Familiarise yourself with suitable injection areas—abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotating sites reduces the risk of injection-site reactions such as redness, itching or lumps.

Your prescriber should provide clear instructions on dose escalation. Saxenda treatment begins at 0.6 mg daily, increasing weekly by 0.6 mg increments until reaching the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. This gradual titration minimises gastrointestinal side effects, and the escalation may be slowed or paused if side effects occur. Schedule your first injection for a time that suits your daily routine, as consistency improves adherence and helps your body adjust to the medication.

If you are of childbearing potential, ensure you use effective contraception while taking Saxenda, as the medication must be stopped immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Injection Technique and Best Practices

Proper injection technique is crucial for ensuring Saxenda is delivered effectively and comfortably. The medication is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. However, establishing a consistent time each day helps build routine and reduces the likelihood of missed doses.

Step-by-step injection guidance:

1. Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Pen preparation: Check the Saxenda pen for clarity—the solution should be clear and colourless. Do not use if cloudy or discoloured. For each new pen, perform a flow check (priming) as described in the Patient Information Leaflet. Attach a new needle for each injection.

3. Site selection: Choose an injection site on your abdomen (at least 5 cm from your navel) or front of thigh, which are easiest for self-injection. Upper arm injections may require assistance from another person. Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent tissue damage and maintain absorption consistency.

4. Skin preparation: Clean the area with an alcohol wipe if recommended by your healthcare provider, though this is not always necessary for home injections. Allow the skin to dry completely.

5. Injection: Pinch the skin gently, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, and press the dose button fully. Hold for at least 6 seconds to ensure complete delivery, then withdraw the needle.

6. Disposal: Remove and safely discard the needle in an NHS sharps container immediately after use. Never dispose of needles in household waste. Return full sharps containers according to local council, pharmacy or GP surgery policy. Never reuse needles, as this increases infection risk and can damage the pen mechanism.

Common mistakes to avoid include injecting into the same site repeatedly, failing to complete the full 6-second hold, or storing the pen with the needle attached (which can cause air bubbles or leakage). If you miss a dose and remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule the following day.

Managing Side Effects and When to Seek Help

Gastrointestinal side effects are the most commonly reported adverse reactions with Saxenda. According to the SmPC (Summary of Product Characteristics), very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, while common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include constipation and abdominal discomfort. These typically occur during dose escalation and diminish within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

Practical management strategies:

• Nausea: Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavily processed foods. Ginger tea or plain crackers may provide relief. If persistent, your prescriber may slow the dose escalation.

• Diarrhoea: Stay well-hydrated and consider reducing dietary fat temporarily. Probiotics may help some individuals, though evidence is limited.

• Constipation: Increase fibre intake gradually through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ensure adequate fluid intake (at least 2 litres daily) and maintain regular physical activity.

More serious but less common side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat

• Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain (particularly radiating to the back), which may indicate pancreatitis. Stop taking Saxenda immediately.
• Signs of gallbladder problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, clay-coloured stools
• Symptoms of thyroid tumours: lump in the neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing
• Signs of dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea: dizziness, reduced urination, extreme thirst
• Changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Saxenda can affect blood sugar levels, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes. If you're taking other diabetes medications, especially insulin or sulfonylureas, discuss dose adjustments with your healthcare team and monitor for hypoglycaemia symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion). Regular follow-up appointments—typically at 4, 12, and 24 weeks—allow monitoring of progress, side effects, and treatment continuation criteria.

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

Maximising Weight Loss Results with Saxenda

Whilst Saxenda effectively reduces appetite and supports weight loss, achieving optimal results requires active engagement with lifestyle modifications. NICE guidance stipulates that liraglutide should be discontinued if patients have not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight after 12 weeks at the 3 mg maintenance dose (or maximum tolerated dose), emphasising the importance of combining medication with behavioural changes.

Dietary strategies for success:

• Calorie awareness: Use a food diary or tracking app to monitor intake. Aim for a balanced deficit that promotes 0.5-1 kg weight loss weekly—sustainable and evidence-based.

• Protein prioritisation: Higher protein intake (1.2-1.6 g per kg body weight) helps preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss and enhances satiety. Note: if you have kidney disease, discuss appropriate protein intake with your healthcare provider.

• Mindful eating: Saxenda's appetite-suppressing effects work best when combined with conscious eating practices—eating slowly, recognising fullness cues, and avoiding distractions during meals.

• Hydration: Adequate water intake supports metabolism and can help distinguish between hunger and thirst.

Physical activity recommendations:

Gradually increase activity levels to support calorie expenditure and improve body composition. The UK Chief Medical Officers' Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Resistance training twice weekly helps maintain muscle mass, which is particularly important during weight loss to preserve metabolic rate.

Behavioural and psychological support:

Weight management programmes that include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, goal-setting, and problem-solving strategies significantly improve outcomes. Many NHS services offer group or individual support—ask your GP about local availability. Addressing emotional eating, stress management, and sleep quality (7-9 hours nightly) creates a foundation for sustainable change. Realistic expectations are vital: weight loss is rarely linear, and plateaus are normal. Focus on non-scale victories such as improved energy, better-fitting clothes, and health marker improvements (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose) to maintain motivation throughout your journey.

Storage, Travel, and Long-Term Use Considerations

Proper storage of Saxenda is essential to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Before first use, store the pen in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, away from the freezer compartment. Do not freeze Saxenda; if accidentally frozen, discard the pen as freezing damages the medication. Keep the pen cap on to protect from light.

After first use, the pen may be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to one month. Discard the pen 1 month after first use, even if solution remains, and do not use past the expiry date. Many users find room temperature storage more comfortable for injections, as cold medication can cause slight discomfort. Always store the pen without a needle attached, and keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. Each pen contains enough medication for several days depending on your dose, so plan refills accordingly to avoid running out.

Travelling with Saxenda:

• Air travel: Carry Saxenda in hand luggage with your prescription or a letter from your GP explaining your need for the medication and needles. Security regulations permit medical supplies, but documentation facilitates screening.

• Temperature control: Use an insulated medication travel case with cooling packs if travelling to warm climates, ensuring the pen stays below 30°C but doesn't freeze.

• Time zones: Maintain approximately 24-hour intervals between doses. When crossing time zones, adjust gradually to your new schedule.

• Supplies: Carry a spare pen and sufficient needles in case of loss or damage. Monitor storage temperatures carefully during travel.

Long-term use and discontinuation:

Saxenda is licensed for long-term use as part of ongoing weight management, with clinical trials demonstrating safety for extended periods. However, NICE recommends regular review—at least annually—and treatment should continue only if clinically beneficial and the patient maintains weight loss. Stopping Saxenda may result in weight regain, particularly if lifestyle changes haven't been sustained. Discuss discontinuation plans with your healthcare provider; there's no need to taper the dose, but having strategies in place for weight maintenance is crucial. Some patients transition to weight maintenance programmes or other interventions. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors, kidney function, and overall health should continue throughout treatment and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions