Saxenda
liraglutide — GLP-1 receptor agonist by Novo Nordisk
GLP-1subcutaneous injectionOnce dailyFDA Approved
Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 2 sources cited
FDA-Approved Indications
- Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
- Chronic weight management in patients aged 12-17 with body weight >60 kg and BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m² for adults
Dosing
| Route | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Starting Dose | 0.6 mg daily |
| Maintenance | 3.0 mg daily |
| Max Dose | 3.0 mg daily |
| Titration | 0.6 mg x 1 week → 1.2 mg x 1 week → 1.8 mg x 1 week → 2.4 mg x 1 week → 3.0 mg. Discontinue if 5% weight loss not achieved by 12 weeks on 3.0 mg. |
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39% | 3/5 |
| Diarrhea | 21% | 2/5 |
| Constipation | 19% | 2/5 |
| Vomiting | 16% | 3/5 |
| Headache | 14% | 1/5 |
| Decreased appetite | 10% | 1/5 |
| Dyspepsia | 10% | 2/5 |
| Fatigue | 8% | 1/5 |
| Dizziness | 7% | 2/5 |
| Abdominal pain | 5% | 2/5 |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <1% | 5/5 |
| Gallbladder events | 2.5% | 4/5 |
Cost
| List Price | $1,349/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited) |
| Savings Card | $25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients) |
Pricing last updated 2026-04-14. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and location.
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Boxed Warning
Thyroid C-cell tumors: In rodents, liraglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether liraglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
Sources
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.