Saxenda Side Effects: A Complete Guide

GLP-1 drugs are becoming increasingly popular to help control blood sugar and to support weight loss. Currently, seven FDA-approved Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RAs) medications are available today, so it can be difficult to determine which, if any, are right for you. In this article, we’ll highlight Saxenda or liraglutide. This particular GLP-1 receptor agonist was created by Novo Nordisk and was approved in 2014, so it has been on the market longer than some of its competitors. Let’s dive into the benefits and side effects associated with this weight loss drug.¹

More About Saxenda

Saxenda is a subcutaneous prescription drug and is approved for weight management in the following patient populations:

• Adults with a BMI>27 who also have a weight-related medical problem
• Adults who have obesity (BMI>30)
• Children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds and obesity

Unlike some other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic that are meant to treat type 2 diabetes, Saxenda was purposefully created to be a weight loss drug and has proven to be quite effective. In clinical trials, 85% of patients taking the drug lost weight, and 56% of patients could maintain that weight loss after one year of being on the drug.³

Saxenda works by acting on your body’s GLP-1 receptors. These receptors regulate hunger (among other things), and when Saxenda binds to these receptors, it significantly reduces your appetite. By consuming a reduced-calorie diet, patients can achieve weight loss. 

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=what-is-glp-1>Glp-1 Agonists: What You Need to Know</a>.</div>

What Are the More Common Side Effects of Saxenda?

All medications can cause unwanted side effects, and Saxenda is no exception. Studies have shown that the frequency and severity of unwanted side effects increase as the dose of Saxenda increases. Discussing potential risks and getting medical advice regarding dosage from your healthcare provider before starting any new medications is important. Below are the most common side effects associated with liraglutide:²

Common side effects: 

• Injection site reaction
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia, Indigestion, or Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Fever
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines)

Serious side effects:

• Increased heart rate
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Thyroid c-cell tumors (thyroid cancer)
• Kidney failure
• Jaundice
• Hepatitis
• Depression and suicidal thoughts 
• Severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis 

How Can I Manage Side Effects of Saxenda?

The most common reasons patients stop taking these types of medications before reaching their weight loss goals are the side effects. Therefore, having strategies to help mitigate common side effects is important. Here are our top tips for managing common side effects of Saxenda:

Nausea

Nausea is the most common side effect when first starting Saxenda. Here are some tips for reducing nausea:

• Eat small portions and eat more often (think snacks, not meals)
• Eat bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, and rice
• Eat foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin
• Don't lie down after you eat
• Go outside to get some fresh air and light physical activity

Low Blood Sugar

Patients taking medication to manage blood sugar need to be particularly careful of hypoglycemia when starting Saxenda. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels and look for symptoms like paleness, sweating, shakiness, or dizziness. 

Kidney Problems

Extreme dehydration can cause renal impairment, so make sure you are always drinking enough water. Staying adequately hydrated can also help mitigate symptoms like headache and fatigue.

What Are the Precautions You May Have With Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription medication, and unlike over-the-counter drugs, it is intended to be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional because it can have serious and potentially life-threatening side effects or drug interactions. There are increased risks associated with Saxenda when you have certain medical conditions, so be sure to talk to your doctor about your full medical history before starting the medication. 

Below are health issues that can increase complications associated with Saxenda:

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Pregnant or breastfeeding 
• History of gallbladder disease or gallstones
• Taking insulin or sulfonylurea
• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Hepatic (liver) impairment
• Gastroparesis
• Depression or suicidal thoughts

Learn More About the Signos CGM Program

Signos incorporates cutting-edge research and the proven power of continuous glucose monitoring. The data gleaned from the Signos app can help guide your health journey. Not sure if Signos is right for you? Take this quiz to find out! Interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating habits? Check out more articles on our blog.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=supplements-and-foods-that-increase-glp-1>Supplements and Foods That Increase GLP-1 Naturally</a>.</div>