Saxenda® Weight Loss Injection Overview
Learn about the use of Saxenda injection as a medication for weight loss, including dosage, administration, and expected outcomes. Especially, anyone who has tried knows that losing weight and keeping it off is tough. Moreover, at times, diet and exercise are not enough. As a matter of fact, that is where medical weight loss medications can be helpful. It is equally important that doctors supervise the prescription of weight loss medications. Nevertheless, individuals need medical assistance to lose weight and keep it off successfully. Thus, Saxenda® shots may be the answer to the weight loss woes.
What is Saxenda® Injection?
In particular, Saxenda is a brand name for the prescription drug. Evidently, Liraglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Furthermore, doctors have been using it in the United States to treat type 2 diabetes since 2010. However, the FDA approved it in 2014. Especially to treat obesity and weight management with a 3 mg daily dose. When using Saxenda for weight loss, doctors prescribe a dose about twice the amount prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes.
How Does Saxenda® Injection Work?
Although, Saxenda is a daily injection. Eventually, works by stimulating the body’s release of insulin and inhibiting the secretion of glucagon. Similarly, slowing down the rate of gastric emptying helps patients feel full longer. In addition to this, it helps patients lose weight by controlling their appetites. Ultimately, this leads to the intake of fewer calories. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise program. Therefore, Saxenda injection can be an effective tool for weight loss and achieving optimal results.
How Do Doctors Administer Saxenda Injection?
Doctors instruct patients to administer Saxenda® as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day. The injection comes in a pen-type dispenser. That holds several doses that the doctor will show how to use. During the first five weeks of treatment. Later, the doctor will gradually increase the dose weekly. Until it reaches the full 3 mg which will continue ongoing.
Saxenda® Injection Pen Overview
The Saxenda® pen contains 18 milligrams of Liraglutide and 3 milliliters of solution pre-filled. The pen has dose settings for 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3 mg. Patients use a new disposable needle every time to administer the Saxenda medication. The Saxenda® pen is very easy to use and has clear markings.
Saxenda Injection Implications
The patient administers the Saxenda injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once a day. Never inject the medication into a vein or muscle. Injecting the medication at the same time every day is recommended for best results.
Saxenda Injection Dosing Schedule
Who is a Candidate for Saxenda® Injection?
Children aged 12-17 years old weighing 132+ lbs can use Saxenda injections. Adults with a BMI over 26 who have weight-related health issues or a BMI over 30, on the other hand. Saxenda® intended to accompany a low-calorie diet and exercise regime.
Who is not a Candidate for Saxenda® Injection?
Saxenda® is NOT a good choice for individuals if:
- Currently pregnant, or wish to become pregnant, breastfeeding.
- Have an allergy to any elements contained in Saxenda including liraglutide.
- Have ever experienced MTC, MEN 2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia), or have a family history condition.
- Other factors that may exclude individuals from candidacy for Saxenda®. Including health issues related to the pancreas, kidneys, or liver. Besides this, struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues.
What are the Benefits of Saxenda® Injection?
- Helps suppress appetite to control calorie intake.
- Slows down digestion so the patient feels full longer.
- Helps control insulin levels which can encourage fat storage and inhibit the body from burning fat.
What are the Side Effects of Saxenda® Injection?
Saxenda injection side effects that are most common for adults include:
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Headache,
- Constipation.
- Stomach Pain.
- Low Blood Sugar.
- Reaction at the Injection Site.
While children may experience fever and gastroenteritis. Additional associated side effects listed on Saxenda® Website.
How Much Does Saxenda® Injection Cost?
The cost of Saxenda will vary by patient and the dose required. The patient’s actual cost influenced by insurance coverage, geographical location, and the pharmacy used. Indeed, insurance companies may require pre-authorization before covering the expense of Saxenda injections. However, some patients may be eligible for a 90-day supply of Saxenda® weight loss injections. Hence, may reduce the cost as well as trips to the pharmacy.
Where Can I Get the Saxenda Injection?
Nonetheless, IBI Healthcare Institute offers medical weight loss medication therapies. As a part of our medical weight loss program in Georgia and Florida. Above all, weight loss injections intended to complement a complete weight loss program. Including customized diet and exercise plans. In any event, call us or set up a consultation today to determine the candidacy for Saxenda. Lastly, you can also take various weight loss quizzes and try calculators on our resources page.
