Saxenda online prescription

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Saxenda (or Saxenda liraglutide) is a prescription medication used for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with weight-related health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss ^[1]. 

Saxenda works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which targets specific areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. By stimulating these areas, Saxenda helps reduce appetite, increases feelings of fullness, and slows down the digestive process. As a result, patients feel fuller for longer periods, which leads to a reduction in calorie intake and subsequent weight loss.

Saxenda is primarily used to support weight loss and weight management in individuals who are experiencing obesity or are overweight, and have at least one weight-related health condition. This includes high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels. It’s best suited for:

• Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, which is considered obese by Health Canada ^[2]
• Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9, which is classified as overweight by Health Canada ^[2], who are experiencing multiple health conditions at once, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes

By helping to suppress appetite and slow digestion, Saxenda assists patients in consuming fewer calories, which leads to weight loss over time. It’s important to note that Saxenda is most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

This makes Saxenda part of a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management, rather than a quick fix for weight loss. The medication in Saxenda targets areas of the brain responsible for appetite control, making it easier for patients to consume fewer calories.

While Saxenda can be effective for many people, it’s not suitable for everyone. There are certain individuals who should avoid using Saxenda due to the potential risks. These include people who:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer that produces excess of the hormone calcitonin
• Have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing tumors in the endocrine glands
• Are allergic to the ingredient liraglutide or any other ingredients found in Saxenda
• Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Before starting treatment with Saxenda, it’s essential to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider. Additionally, patients should inform their doctor about any other medications they are taking, as Saxenda may interact with other drugs, including insulin and other diabetes medications.

Common side effects of Saxenda include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

These side effects are generally mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication over time. However, Saxenda also comes with some more serious risks, which may require immediate medical attention. These risks include:

• Pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, that may lead to abdominal pain and discomfort
• An increased heart rate, which should be monitored, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, particularly in patients who are also taking medications for type 2 diabetes
• Kidney problems, including a decrease in kidney function

Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash ^[1]

One of the most important things to know about Saxenda is its potential link to thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which produces excess amounts of the hormone calcitonin. Due to this risk, Saxenda should not be taken by individuals who have a personal or family history of MTC or those who have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Patients should also be aware that Saxenda can cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis and hypoglycemia, especially when used with other medications that lower blood sugar. 

Saxenda is administered as a subcutaneous, or under the skin, injection once a day. The injection can be given under the skin in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The recommended dosing schedule for Saxenda allows patients to gradually increase their dosage over five weeks to minimize the risk of side effects and allow the body to adjust. The dosing schedule is often as follows:

• Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
• Week 2: 1.2 mg daily
• Week 3: 1.8 mg daily
• Week 4: 2.4 mg daily
• Week 5 and onward: 3.0 mg daily (a maintenance dose) 

It’s important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Saxenda can be administered at any time of day, with or without food, depending on your preference.

Saxenda has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, which allows for once-daily dosing. After about two to three days of consistent use, Saxenda reaches steady-state levels in the body. This means that the effects of the medication remain consistent throughout the day, helping to regulate appetite and promote fullness. When taken as prescribed, Saxenda’s effects on appetite suppression can be observed consistently over time, making it easier for patients to manage their weight effectively ^[1].

When Saxenda is taken regularly as prescribed, it can lead to significant weight loss and long-term weight management. Clinical studies have shown that patients using Saxenda, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, lost an average of 5-10% of their body weight over 56 weeks. In addition to helping patients lose weight, regular use of Saxenda can improve overall health by reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Even after reaching weight loss goals, some healthcare providers may recommend patients to continue taking Saxenda as directed to maintain the results and prevent weight regain.

Like all medications, Saxenda has an expiration date. Before the first use, Saxenda should be stored in the refrigerator and used before the expiration date listed on the packaging. After the pen is opened, it can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but it must be used within 30 days. Proper storage is important to ensure the weight loss medication remains effective throughout its use.

There are several other medications available for the treatment of obesity, in addition to Saxenda. Some of the commonly prescribed alternatives include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide), another GLP-1 receptor agonist that is administered once weekly
• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), which affects areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and reward
• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), a combination of two medications that work together to promote weight loss
• Xenical (orlistat), which blocks fat absorption in the digestive system
• Ozempic (semaglutide), which helps lower blood sugar production

Saxenda isn’t available over the counter. It’s a prescription-only medication, which means that it can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. If you’re interested in taking Saxenda, you’ll need to consult with your doctor or a healthcare provider who can assess whether it’s suitable for you based on your medical history and current health condition, at their discretion.

In Canada, Saxenda can be prescribed by licensed healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, endocrinologists, and other specialists who manage obesity care. To obtain Saxenda, you’ll need a valid prescription from a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider. 

Once you talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner on Maple and they determine an online prescription for Saxenda is right for you, you can get a prescription sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home for free. We connect you with our network of doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes online, any time, 24/7, for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. 

Sources:

1. Liraglutide (Saxenda^®) as a Treatment for Obesity
2. Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults