Get a Saxenda® (liraglutide) prescription online for weight management

The price of Saxenda will vary depending on whether you are getting the brand-name or the generic liraglutide. If you are using your insurance, medication costs and coverage vary by plan.

If you are paying cash, Saxenda starts at $1,349 per month. You may also be able to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for your medication.

Yes, Saxenda belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications help manage diabetes and promote weight loss.

Other GLP-1 medications include:

• Ozempic
• Mounjaro
• Wegovy
• Zepbound

Saxenda starts to work with the first injection, but you likely won’t see results for several weeks. Your prescriber will gradually increase your dosage each week until you reach the target dose of 3 mg daily. This will allow your body to adjust to the medication and help reduce side effects.

In the Saxenda clinical trials, participants were asked to follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise at least 150 minutes each week, in addition to using the medication. You may start to see weight loss around 2 weeks, but for some, it may take longer. By 56 weeks of treatment, 56% of people taking Saxenda lost at least 5% of their body weight.

Saxenda can cause GI-related side effects, so you should avoid eating foods that could exacerbate this discomfort. This includes spicy foods, high-fat foods, foods high in sugar, and processed foods. You should also limit alcohol and acidic foods such as citrus fruits or tomatoes.

Saxenda can decrease your appetite, so it’s important that when you do eat, you are eating nutrient-dense foods. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy in your diet. This can help preserve muscle and prevent constipation.

Saxenda may not be safe for everyone. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and all medications you take. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not take Saxenda:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer
• Family or personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Gastroparesis (chronic disorder of delayed stomach emptying)
• History of pancreatitis
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

New, used Saxenda pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If kept in the refrigerator, Saxenda pens will last until their expiration date.

Once a pen has been opened and used, it can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. If you still have medication left in the pen after 30 days, it should be thrown away.

Avoid storing Saxenda in the freezer and keep it away from excess heat or light. Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children and pets.

If you miss a dose of Saxenda, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra doses or double up.

If you have missed more than 3 days of Saxenda, call your provider. You may need to be restarted at the lowest dose to avoid GI upset.

Certain GLP-1 therapies such as semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) may increase the likelihood of developing thyroid gland tumors, including MTC, a type of thyroid cancer. This conclusion is based on studies where laboratory animals given semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 medications developed tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed if these medications pose the same risk to humans. You can find additional information about the risks of FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide here.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you or any family member has ever had MTC or MEN. If this is the case, your doctor will likely advise against taking GLP-1 medications.

If you are prescribed a GLP-1 medication and exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Severe abdominal pain

Before taking GLP-1 medications, you should also discuss the following with your provider:

Allergies: Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any allergies you have to semaglutide (including under brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) or similar medications such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon BCise, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, or in Xultophy) and lixisenatide (Adlyxin, or in Soliqua).

Personal and family medical history: Be sure to disclose if you have a history of medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, or thyroid cancer. Inform your doctor about recent episodes of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or any inability to consume liquids, which could lead to dehydration.

Current medications and supplements: Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This is crucial as GLP-1 medications can alter how your body absorbs oral medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon.

Surgical procedures: In the event of surgery, including dental procedures, inform the medical or dental professional that you are on GLP-1 medication.

It's essential to thoroughly discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and consider your personal and family medical history when deciding whether to use these medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action based on your specific health situation.