Saxenda Injection

Saxenda Injection, containing the active ingredient Liraglutide, is a prescription medication provided in a 6mg/ml solution for injection. It is primarily used as a weight loss treatment for adults who are obese or overweight and have weight-related medical problems.

Uses:

1. Weight Loss Treatment: Saxenda Injection is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m² or greater) or overweight (BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater) and at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.
2. Management of Obesity-Related Conditions: It helps reduce body weight and improve glycemic control in individuals with obesity or overweight, thereby reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.

Mechanism of Action:

Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda Injection, belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of naturally occurring GLP-1 hormones, which regulate appetite, food intake, and glucose metabolism. Liraglutide acts on specific receptors in the brain, increasing feelings of fullness and satiety, which leads to reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss.

Dosage and Administration:

• Saxenda Injection is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily.
• The recommended starting dose is 0.6 mg per day for the first week, followed by weekly dose increases of 0.6 mg until the maintenance dose of 3 mg per day is reached.
• The injection should be administered at any time of the day, with or without food, and at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness.
• The injection site should be rotated to different areas of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to minimize the risk of injection site reactions.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Saxenda Injection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, dyspepsia (indigestion), headache, dizziness, fatigue, and injection site reactions (such as redness, itching, or swelling). These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to improve over time.

Precautions:

• Saxenda Injection should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, thyroid disorders, or renal impairment.
• It is important to monitor blood glucose levels regularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving Saxenda Injection, as adjustments to antidiabetic medications may be necessary.
• Saxenda Injection is not recommended for use in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

When Not to Use:

Saxenda Injection should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the excipients in the formulation. It is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of MTC or MEN 2.

FAQs:

1. How long does it take to see results with Saxenda Injection? Weight loss results with Saxenda Injection may vary among individuals, but significant weight loss may be observed within the first few months of treatment when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
2. Can Saxenda Injection be used for long-term weight management? Saxenda Injection is indicated for chronic weight management and can be used long-term if tolerated and if weight loss goals are being achieved.
3. Is Saxenda Injection safe for use in older adults? Saxenda Injection can be used in older adults; however, dosage adjustments may be necessary based on age, renal function, and overall health status.
4. Can Saxenda Injection be self-administered at home? Saxenda Injection is designed for self-administration by subcutaneous injection. Patients should be instructed on proper injection technique and site rotation by a healthcare professional.
5. Does Saxenda Injection interact with other medications? Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and dietary supplements, before starting treatment with Saxenda Injection to avoid potential drug interactions.