This page has been reviewed by
Dr. Nicolette Lammers.
Possible side effects of Saxenda
The correct use and dosing of Saxenda are important. Always use this medicine exactly as agreed with your doctor. On this page you will find information on possible Saxenda side effects from the patient information leaflet, along with guidance on what to do if warning signs occur. This information does not replace individualized medical advice. If you experience acute, severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately. If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.Serious side effects
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported rarely in patients using Saxenda®. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or face, and a rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported uncommonly in patients using Saxenda®. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Stop treatment with Saxenda® and contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects: severe and persistent pain in the abdominal area (upper abdomen) that may radiate to your back, along with nausea and vomiting, as this may be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).
Other side effects
Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache. These usually disappear after a few days or weeks.
Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Gastrointestinal complaints such as indigestion (dyspepsia), inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), stomach pain, upper abdominal discomfort, heartburn, feeling of fullness, gas (flatulence), belching, and dry mouth
- Feeling weak or tired
- Changes in taste
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances. These occur mainly during the first 3 months of treatment.
- Gallstones
- Rash
- Injection-site reactions (such as bruising, pain, skin irritation, itching, and rash)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Increases in pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and amylase.
Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Fluid loss (dehydration). This is more likely to occur at the beginning of treatment and may be due to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Allergic reactions, such as rash
- General feeling of unwellness
- Increased pulse rate.
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Impaired kidney function
- Acute kidney failure. Signs may include decreased urine output, a metallic taste in the mouth, and rapid development of bruising.
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Intestinal obstruction. A severe form of constipation with additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, etc.
- Lumps under the skin may be caused by the buildup of a protein called amyloid (cutaneous amyloidosis; it is not known how often this occurs).
Here you will find common questions about Saxenda side effects, use, and warning signs. The answers are based on the patient information leaflet. If symptoms are severe, persist, or worsen, seek medical advice.
What is Saxenda and what is it used for?
Saxenda® is a weight-loss medicine that contains the active substance liraglutide. Saxenda® is used in addition to a diet and physical activity for weight loss in adults aged 18 years and older with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or with a BMI of 27 kg/m² and less than 30 kg/m² and weight-related health problems. Saxenda® may be used as an adjunct to a healthy diet and increased physical activity in adolescents aged 12 years or older with obesity (as diagnosed by a doctor) and a body weight above 60 kg.
When should treatment be continued?
You should only continue treatment with Saxenda® if you have lost at least 5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose. For adolescents, you should only continue treatment with Saxenda® if you have lost at least 4% of your BMI after 12 weeks on the 3.0 mg/day dose or the maximum tolerated dose. Talk to your doctor before continuing treatment.
Which side effects are very common?
Very common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache.
Which side effects are common?
Common side effects include gastrointestinal complaints (e.g., dyspepsia, gastritis, stomach pain, upper abdominal discomfort, heartburn, feeling of fullness, flatulence, belching, dry mouth), feeling weak or tired, changes in taste, dizziness, sleep disturbances, gallstones, rash, injection-site reactions, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and increased pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase).
Which side effects are uncommon, rare, or not known?
Uncommon side effects include dehydration, delayed gastric emptying, inflammation of the gallbladder, allergic reactions such as rash, a general feeling of unwellness, and increased pulse rate. Rare side effects include impaired kidney function and acute kidney failure. Not known: intestinal obstruction and lumps under the skin due to cutaneous amyloidosis.
Which symptoms may indicate pancreatitis?
Severe and persistent pain in the abdominal area (upper abdomen) that may radiate to your back, along with nausea and vomiting. Stop treatment with Saxenda® and contact a doctor immediately if you notice such symptoms.
Which symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction?
Difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and face, and a rapid heartbeat. In this case, seek medical attention immediately.
Which warning signs of low blood sugar are mentioned?
Cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, intense hunger, vision changes, tiredness, weakness, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and shaking (tremor). Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you forget a dose and notice this within 12 hours after the time you usually use your dose, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if more than 12 hours have passed since you were supposed to use Saxenda®, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose the following day at the usual time. Do not use a double dose or increase the dose the following day to make up for the missed dose.
Can I stop Saxenda on my own?
Do not stop using Saxenda® without talking to your doctor.
Can I drive or operate machines?
It is unlikely that Saxenda® will affect your ability to drive or use machines. Some patients may experience dizziness, especially during the first 3 months of treatment. If you feel dizzy, be particularly cautious.
How can I report side effects?
Side effects can also be reported directly to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Pharmacovigilance Division, Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, D-53175 Bonn, website: www.bfarm.de.
Sources
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Saxenda (INN: liraglutide): EPAR overview page. Page.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Saxenda: EPAR product information (SmPC and package leaflet, DE, PDF). Document.
Note on the side effects section: The content in the “Possible side effects of Saxenda” section was taken from the package leaflet and edited only for formatting (headings and lists).