Generic Saxenda (Liraglutide) Is Now Available In The U.S. Here's What You Need To Know.
Key takeaways
- Teva has released the first FDA-approved generic Saxenda (liraglutide), offering the same weight loss benefits as the brand-name version at a lower price.
- The generic version costs around $1,165/month, compared to $1,350 for Saxenda, making it slightly more accessible for patients.
- Generic Saxenda’s side effects are similar to Saxenda’s and include GI upset (nausea, diarrhea, bloating) and rarer risks like thyroid tumors, so it’s important to consult a provider before starting this medication
If you've been struggling to afford Saxenda for weight loss, or even to find it in stock due to ongoing liraglutide shortages, you’re not the only one!
The brand-name injectable medication has helped many people on their weight loss journey, but its price tag ($1,350 per month) and supply issues have made it difficult to access.
Luckily, there's now a more affordable and accessible option. In August 2025, Teva Pharmaceuticals officially launched the first FDA-approved generic version of Saxenda, making it easier for more people to access the benefits of GLP-1-assisted weight loss treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about generic Saxenda’s price, how it works, side effects and more.
What is generic Saxenda (liraglutide)?
The generic version of Saxenda is essentially a rebranded version of the brand-name medication liraglutide. Approved by the FDA in 2025, Teva’s version is the first-ever generic GLP-1 drug indicated for chronic weight management.
Generic Saxenda contains the exact same active ingredient as Saxenda and works the same way in your body. Like brand-name Saxenda, it also comes in the form of a pre-filled, 3mg injectable pen.
Liraglutide (Saxenda’s active ingredient) has faced ongoing supply shortages over the past few years, which has limited access for many patients. With Teva now manufacturing a generic option, availability could improve (though demand for GLP-1s remains high).
How much does generic Saxenda (liraglutide) cost?
Generic Saxenda’s list price is $1,165 per month, compared to Saxenda’s list price of $1,350 per month.
While generic Saxenda isn’t dramatically cheaper than its brand-name counterpart, that’s still a savings of nearly $200 per month, which can add up quickly if you’re using it long-term. And as competition increases or more generics enter the market, there’s potential for prices to drop even further.
It’s also worth noting that $1,165 is just the list price for generic Saxenda, so your out-of-pocket cost could be even lower depending on your pharmacy, insurance, or discount programs.
Where can you get generic Saxenda (liraglutide)?
One of the biggest advantages of generic Saxenda is wider availability, since retail pharmacies and mail-order pharmacies can stock and deliver it. That means:
- If you have health insurance that covers weight loss medications, you can likely fill the prescription at your local pharmacy
- If you’re paying cash, you now have more flexibility in where and how to purchase it
- And for added convenience, mail-order pharmacies like Amazon Pharmacy may be able to ship it directly to your door
This change should make it easier for more people to access liraglutide, whether through insurance or by paying in cash.
How does generic Saxenda (liraglutide) work?
Just like the brand-name version, generic Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. That means it mimics a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Liraglutide works by slowing digestion, reducing hunger, and increasing feelings of fullness. All of these mechanisms can help support long-term weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
What’s the difference between generic Saxenda (liraglutide) and brand-name Saxenda (liraglutide)?
Both generic and brand-name Saxenda work identically in your body. Both versions contain liraglutide as the active ingredient, in the same dosage and delivery system. This is because generic drugs are approved by the FDA as bioequivalent, meaning they are required to perform in the same way as their brand-name versions.
In other words, the only differences between the two medications lie in branding (generic vs Saxenda) and price ( $1,165/month for generic Saxenda vs $1,350 per month for brand-name Saxenda).
In other words, when you switch to the generic, you're not compromising on quality or effectiveness – just saving money.
What are the side effects of generic Saxenda (liraglutide)?
Just like the brand-name version, generic Saxenda (liraglutide) can cause side effects. Most are mild and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication, especially in the first few weeks.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
These side effects are often temporary and may be managed by adjusting your eating habits (such as avoiding heavy or greasy meals) or by gradually increasing your dose under the guidance of your provider.
Less common but serious side effects include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems (including gallstones)
- Kidney issues (especially if you become dehydrated)
- Increased heart rate
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, or trouble breathing)
- Risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
Because of the potential thyroid risk, generic Saxenda should not be used by people with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Before starting treatment, be sure to discuss your full medical history with your provider to determine if liraglutide is safe for you.
How to get generic Saxenda (liraglutide)
Getting access to the generic version of Saxenda involves a few key steps:
1. Talk to a healthcare provider
You’ll need a prescription for liraglutide, just like you would for brand-name Saxenda. A licensed provider will review your health history, weight loss goals, and determine if you’re a good candidate based on FDA-approved guidelines (typically for adults with a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure).
You can speak to:
- Your primary care doctor
- An obesity medicine specialist
- A telehealth provider (like through Sesame)
2. Ask specifically for the generic
Not all pharmacies automatically switch to the generic version unless it's requested or available. When you speak to your provider or pharmacist, be sure to ask for “liraglutide injection, 3 mg” or generic Saxenda rather than the brand name version.
3. Fill your prescription at a participating pharmacy
Once you have a prescription, you should be able to fill it at most major retail or online pharmacies, like Amazon pharmacy. Availability may vary during the initial rollout, so if one pharmacy is out of stock, check others nearby or online.
How Sesame can help
If you're interested in starting generic Saxenda (liraglutide) or switching from another weight loss medication, Sesame’s online weight loss program, Success by Sesame, makes it easy and affordable. Your monthly subscription includes:
- A video consultation with a licensed weight loss doctor or specialist
- Access to prescriptions for weight loss medications, including generic Saxenda, if appropriate
- Unlimited messaging with your provider
- Ongoing lifestyle support tailored to your goals
Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your Sesame provider.
