• Weight Management

Saxenda Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed and edited by Gidget Black MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Drugs like Saxenda have become powerful tools for helping overweight individuals take control of their health and well-being.

Among its many benefits, Saxenda has shown promising results in patients treated for overweight conditions and appetite control. However, this medication also has some unpleasant side effects.

Although many of these side effects can be managed, knowing what adverse reactions to expect can help you make informed decisions about using this drug.

Understanding the side effects of Saxenda can help you recognize critical situations and seek medical assistance during emergencies.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication used to treat conditions like obesity and other weight-related issues.

It contains liraglutide — an active ingredient that mimics the naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This makes Saxenda a GLP-1 agonist.

GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels and controls feelings of hunger and fullness. As a GLP-1 agonist, Saxenda can help the body regulate insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.

Once injected, Saxenda also stimulates GLP-1 receptors in the brain to create a sense of satiety. Over time, this can reduce your appetite and help you achieve a healthy weight.

Saxenda is typically recommended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of over 27 and children between the ages of 12 and 17 who weigh more than 132 pounds.

This medication should also be used in conjunction with increased physical activity and weight loss strategies that promote a calorie deficit.

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Does Saxenda Have Side Effects?

Saxenda is known to cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. It’s important to know when your reactions are serious to ensure you get proper medical attention.

Common side effects

Mild side effects are commonly caused by Saxenda. These may include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Indigestion

• Gastroenteritis

• Injection site reactions

• Nausea and vomiting

These side effects are temporary and tend to last up to a few weeks. As the body adjusts to the medication, mild side effects will start to resolve.

If you experience persistent adverse reactions, contact your doctor. They may have to adjust your dosage or prescribe alternative medication.

Serious side effects

Saxenda may also cause serious side effects, although these are rare. They may include:

• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones

• Severe abdominal pain

• Muscle aches

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Jaundice

• Heart palpitations

• Chest pain

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Severe burning pain in the abdomen

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts and behaviors

• New or worsening depression

• Severe mood or behavioral changes

• Kidney failure

• Low blood sugar

• Severe allergic reactions, including facial swelling and breathing difficulties

If you develop any of these while using the medication, get emergency medical attention.

Serious side effects can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it’s important to speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-listed effects.

Tips for Managing Adverse Reactions

Follow dosage instructions

Following your healthcare provider’s instructions on injecting Saxenda is essential for managing the side effects.

This helps you maintain a consistent dosage, which allows the body to adjust to the medication. Injecting Saxenda correctly can also help minimize adverse reactions.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

If you experience nausea or indigestion while taking Saxenda, eating smaller and more frequent meals may help alleviate this.

This strategy makes it easier for the body to digest food and move it through the stomach faster.

Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication

OTC medications may be a good option for relieving mild to moderate discomfort caused by Saxenda. Your doctor may recommend the following:

• Antacids for gastrointestinal issues or heartburn

• Anti-nausea medications

• Pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil

• Antidiarrheal medications

• Stool softeners or laxatives

• Oral rehydration solutions

Before using any OTC options, be sure to check how they interact with Saxenda. Some drugs can worsen side effects and even make certain medications less effective.

Be patient

Many side effects associated with Saxenda — especially gastrointestinal discomfort — tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

It’s important to be patient and allow Saxenda to work as intended before you give up completely.

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Common Questions About Saxenda Side Effects

Will side effects resolve when you stop using Saxenda?

You may experience a few mild side effects after you stop taking Saxenda.

This medication suppresses your appetite, so when you stop taking it, you may feel more hungry than before.

Over a short period of time, this can cause indigestion and weight gain as your body readjusts.

Be sure to speak to your doctor before you stop using Saxenda. They can help you understand what to expect and how to reduce the risk of prolonged side effects.

How long do Saxenda’s side effects last?

In most cases, side effects can last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. They typically don’t have a significant effect on your daily life and will improve over time.

If you do experience symptoms that interfere with day-to-day activities, make an appointment with your doctor to determine their cause.

Your doctor may also recommend alternative weight management options that cause less discomfort.

Does Saxenda cause hair loss?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Saxenda causes hair loss. However, when you lose weight too quickly or your diet isn’t rich in nutrients, you may start losing hair.

Notify your doctor if you experience any hair loss while taking Saxenda, as you may need your dosage to be adjusted to reduce unpleasant drug interactions.

When Should You See a Doctor About the Side Effects of Saxenda?

It’s generally advisable to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking Saxenda:

• Severe or persistent side effects: If you experience severe side effects that interfere with your daily life or continue for an extended period, you must seek medical attention. Serious side effects may include uncontrolled vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or severe allergic reactions.

• Worsening side effects: If any side effects initially seemed mild but have worsened or become more frequent, consult your healthcare provider.

• Unusual symptoms: If you experience unusual or unexpected symptoms that you suspect may be related to Saxenda, contact your doctor for an evaluation.

• Signs of allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties.

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): If you have diabetes or are at risk of hypoglycemia, closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking Saxenda. Consult your health care provider to adjust your diabetes management plan if you experience frequent or severe hypoglycemia.

If you have any other concerns, questions, or uncertainties about your side effects, it's always a good idea to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

They can guide you, adjust your medication dosage, or explore alternative weight management options.

Where Can You Learn More About Saxenda and Similar Medications?

If you’re concerned about weight management or want to know more about medications like Saxenda, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD also offers a Weight Management Program, designed to help you get started on a personalized weight loss journey.

Make an appointment today to learn more about weight loss strategies and alternative options to help you reach your health goals.

Gidget Black MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Gidget is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2014. Gidget began as a nurse practitioner in an orthopedic surgery practice where she managed clinical patients and assisted in the operating room. She established a weight management and integrative wellness program to improve outcomes for overweight orthopedic patients. Patients who participated in this program demonstrated improved post-op healing and pain scores. More importantly, the patients were empowered with health literacy for long term-health maintenance. Gidget approaches patient care from a root cause perspective, understanding that we treat the person and not the disease — and that vitality creates longevity. She has also served as an adjunct clinical professor and guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.

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