Considering GLP-1 Injections for Weight Loss? Here Are 8 Things to Know Before You Start
GLP-1 injections can be great for weight loss, but they aren’t for everyone. Learn more about GLP-1 injection options, side effects, and more with this guide.
liraglutide
Used for Management with Incretin-based Therapies, Weight loss
Used for Management with Incretin-based Therapies, Weight loss
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is Saxenda (liraglutide)?
What is Saxenda (liraglutide) used for?
- To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
- Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI
How Saxenda (liraglutide) works
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means that it works similar to GLP-1, which is a hormone that your body makes to control appetite.
Saxenda (liraglutide) helps with weight loss by acting like GLP-1 in your body. It slows down your gut, which causes you to feel less hungry.
When does Saxenda (liraglutide) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Saxenda |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | GLP-1 agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) essentials
Side effects of Saxenda (liraglutide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Adults:
- Nausea (39%)
- Diarrhea (21%)
- Constipation (19%)
- Vomiting (16%)
- Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)
- Headache (14%)
- Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
- Indigestion (10%)
Children 12 years of age and older:
- Nausea (42%)
- Vomiting (34%)
- Diarrhea (22%)
- Low blood sugar levels (15%)
- Dizziness (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Heartburn
- Burping
- Passing gas
- Leg or arm pain
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Feeling weak
- Fever
Saxenda (liraglutide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Pancreas or gallbladder problem: stomach or back pain that won't go away, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, anxiety blurred vision, feeling very hungry
- Kidney problem: changes in urination, blood in your urine, swollen feet or ankles, smaller appetite, muscle cramping
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; itching; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
When do Saxenda (liraglutide) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Indigestion
Dizziness
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) side effects
The following Saxenda (liraglutide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
Get your GoodRx coupon
$1538.09
GoodRx discount
$372.45
Pros and cons of Saxenda (liraglutide)
Pros
- Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
- Can take with or without food
- Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)
Cons
- Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin
- Can cause stomach upset
- Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer
Pharmacist tips for Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide) by itself might not be enough to keep the weight off for good. Make sure to continue to follow your healthcare professional's (HCP) or nutritionist's recommendations for eating lower-calorie meals and regularly exercising.
- Saxenda (liraglutide) commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting as side effects. This is because the medication can slow down muscle movements in your gut, causing food to stay in your stomach longer. Make sure to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated.
- Let your HCP know if any side effects you experience while you're taking Saxenda (liraglutide) are very bothersome or if they start affecting your daily life. Your HCP can adjust your Saxenda (liraglutide) dose or recommend ways to manage these side effects.
- Call your healthcare team if you have symptoms of depression or worsening mood while you're using Saxenda (liraglutide). In cases of serious depression, your HCP might ask you to stop taking this medication.
- Let your HCP or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. They can check for drug interactions and make sure your medications are safe for you to take together. Saxenda (liraglutide) slows down your gut, which can affect how other medications get absorbed.
Tips on how to use Saxenda (liraglutide):
- Don't inject Saxenda (liraglutide) by yourself or help with your child's injections until you understand how to properly prepare and inject the medication. Your HCP or pharmacist will show you how to use the medication for the first injection.
- Before you inject Saxenda (liraglutide), wipe the area that you'll be injecting into with an alcohol swab and let it dry fully. Attach a new needle onto the pen before each injection.
- Each time you use a new pen, check that it isn't blocked. You should see a drop of medication appear at the needle tip when you press and hold the dose button until the number "0" lines up with the dose pointer on the pen.
- Once you've selected your dose on the Saxenda (liraglutide) pen, insert the needle into your skin with the dose counter on the pen facing towards you. Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter says "0" and you hear or feel a click. Slowly count to 6 before taking the pen away from your skin. Remove the needle from the pen and place the used needle in a sharps container right away.
- Throw away all used Saxenda (liraglutide) pens and needles in a sharps container. This helps prevent accidental needle-sticks. Visit the FDA webpage for more information about disposing your sharps.
- Store Saxenda (liraglutide) in the refrigerator when you first pick it up from the pharmacy. After you start using the pen, you can store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Throw the pen away 30 days after you first use it.
- Keep Saxenda (liraglutide) away from too much heat or sunlight, which can cause the medication to not work. Don't use the medication if it's cloudy or if it has solid chunks (particles) in it.
- Only use the Saxenda (liraglutide) pens and needles that your pharmacy provides you. Don't share or reuse needles or pens. Otherwise, you might be at risk for getting or spreading infections.
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) tips
Risks and warnings for Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible risk for thyroid cancer
- Risk factors: History of MTC | History of MEN 2
Animal studies showed that Saxenda (liraglutide) can raise the risk for thyroid cancers. It's not clear whether this medication has the same risk in humans.
To be safe, don't use Saxenda (liraglutide) if you or a family member has ever had a thyroid cancer, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). If necessary, your healthcare professional (HCP) might ask you to get blood work or an ultrasound done to check for signs of thyroid cancer.
Speak with your HCP if you have concerns about the risk for thyroid cancer with Saxenda (liraglutide). Let your HCP know right away if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice that doesn't go away, and trouble breathing.
Inflamed pancreas
Although rare, people who took Saxenda (liraglutide) have reported sudden inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Sometimes, this happened several months after stopping the medication. Some common symptoms of an inflamed pancreas are upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Contact your HCP right away if you start to feel any of these symptoms. You might need to stop taking Saxenda (liraglutide).
Gallbladder problems
- Risk factor: Losing weight very quickly
In rare cases, people who used Saxenda (liraglutide) during clinical studies developed gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder. Some needed to have surgery to take out the gallbladder. The risk for gallbladder problems is higher if you've had a sudden and drastic weight loss. Call your HCP right away if you have nausea, vomiting, fever, or sudden severe upper belly and back pain while you're taking this medication.
Low blood sugar
- Risk factor: Also taking insulin or medication that raises insulin in your body
Taking Saxenda (liraglutide) by itself or together with certain other diabetes medications, such as insulin or glipizide, can sometimes cause low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar can be life-threatening.
If you have diabetes and you're taking diabetes medications, your HCP might adjust your treatment plan to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. Your HCP might also recommend that you check your blood sugar while you're taking Saxenda (liraglutide).
Watch out for symptoms of low blood sugar, including feeling shaky, weak, or confused; being nervous or anxious; having a fast heartbeat; sweating or body chills; and feeling very hungry. Make sure you know how to quickly bring your blood sugar level back up when it drops too much.
Faster heart rate
People who use Saxenda (liraglutide) can sometimes experience a faster heart rate, even while they're resting. Your HCP will check your heart rate during regular follow-up visits with you to make sure your heart is healthy and that the medication is safe for you. Let your HCP know if you have a racing heartbeat or if you feel like your chest is pounding when you're at rest. In rare cases, you might need to stop this medication if your heart rate stays high.
Kidney problems
- Risk factors: Low fluids in the body | History of kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
People who've taken GLP-1 agonists like Saxenda (liraglutide) have reported serious kidney problems that were sometimes life-threatening. These problems can happen in people with or without any known kidney conditions. Your risk for kidney problems might be higher if you've lost a lot of body fluid from side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Tell your HCP about your medical history and whether you have kidney problems before you start Saxenda (liraglutide). And contact your HCP if you're urinating less than usual while you're taking this medication. This can be a symptom of kidney problems. You might need to stop treatment.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factor: History of allergy to GLP-1 agonists
Some people have had serious allergic reactions to Saxenda (liraglutide). These allergic reactions can include rash, swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, or wheezing. The risk is higher if you've had a history of an allergic reaction to other GLP-1 agonists, such as Victoza (liraglutide) or Ozempic (semaglutide). Before you start using Saxenda (liraglutide), make sure to tell your healthcare team about any allergies or allergic reactions you've had. Stop using Saxenda (liraglutide) and get medical care right away if you have an allergic reaction to the medication.
Possible risk for self-harm
Although the link between the risk for self-harm and Saxenda (liraglutide) isn't clear, a few people who took this medication during clinical studies reported having thoughts of self-harm. Make sure to let your healthcare team know if you experience symptoms of depression or changes in your mood or behavior. Get medical help right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Saxenda (liraglutide) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 5 pens of 18mg/3ml of Saxenda (liraglutide) is $372.45 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75.78% off the average retail price of $1,538.09. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 pens of 18mg/3ml | 1 carton | $372.45 | $372.45 |
Typical dosage for Saxenda (liraglutide)
The usual starting dose of Saxenda (liraglutide) is 0.6 mg injected under the skin once daily. Your healthcare professional (HCP) will raise your dose every week until you reach a maintenance dose of 3 mg daily.
The usual dosing schedule is listed below.
- Week 1: Inject 0.6 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 2: Inject 1.2 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 3: Inject 1.8 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 4: Inject 2.4 mg under the skin once daily.
- Week 5 and after: Inject 3 mg under the skin once daily.
More on Saxenda (liraglutide) dosage
How much does Saxenda (liraglutide) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Saxenda (liraglutide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Saxenda (liraglutide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Currently pregnant
What are alternatives to Saxenda (liraglutide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Saxenda (liraglutide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Saxenda (liraglutide)
What Are GLP-1s Used For? More Than Weight Loss
GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are often used for weight loss or diabetes management. Learn more about GLP-1s and how they work with this guide.
The Latest Updates: 15 New Weight-Loss Drugs on the Horizon
There are several weight loss drugs currently in the works. Learn which weight-loss medications are being studied in clinical trials and how they work.
5 GLP-1 Trends to Expect in 2026: Expanded Uses, Oral Options, and More
We may see expanded use of GLP-1 drugs in 2026, as well as increased access through direct-to-consumer programs. Review the predicted GLP-1 trends here.
Semaglutide for Weight Loss: How It Works and Compares to Other Weight-Loss Medications
Semaglutide is the first once-weekly medication in its class FDA approved for weight loss. Here’s how it works and how it compares to other options.
Fills for Weight-Loss Medications Like Wegovy and Mounjaro Rise Despite High Out-of-Pocket Costs
Weight-loss medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have seen a surge in fills despite poor insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs.
Can’t Fill Your Mounjaro Prescription? Consider These 9 Mounjaro Alternatives
Can’t get Mounjaro? Here are several Mounjaro alternatives to choose from for both weight loss and Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic, Trulicity, and More: 11 GLP-1 Drugs and How to Navigate Your Options
GLP-1 agonist drugs treat diabetes by balancing blood glucose levels. Here’s our list of GLP-1 agonists, how they work, similarities and differences, and more.
GLP-1 Agonists vs. SGLT2 Inhibitors: 6 Differences Between These Diabetes Medications
GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways. Learn more about the differences between GLP-1’s vs. SGLT2’s with GoodRx.
A GoodRx Savings Guide to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and More
With or without insurance coverage, there are ways to save on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Learn more about ways to save on GLP-1 drugs with this guide.
Saxenda (liraglutide) images
