What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA in December 2014 for chronic weight management. It was the first injectable GLP-1 drug approved specifically for obesity treatment, paving the way for the entire obesity pharmacotherapy field. Unlike weekly GLP-1 injections, Saxenda requires daily dosing due to liraglutide's shorter 13-hour half-life.

Formulation: Once-daily subcutaneous injection (6 mg/mL multi-dose pen)

Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist

Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk official patient site ↗

FDA Approved: 2014 — Key Trial: SCALE ↗ (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Who Is Saxenda For?

FDA-Approved Indication: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidity; also approved for adolescents 12+ with obesity

Adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) or BMI ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Also FDA-approved for adolescents age 12+ with initial body weight >60 kg and obesity. Saxenda is often used when weekly injectables are not covered or tolerated.

Eligibility criteria: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with ≥1 weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, T2D, dyslipidemia)

Dosing & Titration Schedule

The standard titration protocol for Saxenda (Liraglutide) allows your body to adjust gradually to the medication, minimizing GI side effects. Each dose is typically maintained for 4 weeks before escalation, though your prescriber may modify this based on tolerability.

Dose	Approx. Weeks	Frequency	Phase
0.6 mg	Wk 1–4	Daily	▶ Starting dose
1.2 mg	Wk 5–8	Daily	→ Escalation
1.8 mg	Wk 9–12	Daily	→ Escalation
2.4 mg	Wk 13–16	Daily	→ Escalation
3.0 mg	Wk 17–20	Daily	★ Maintenance

Data source: FDA Prescribing Information for Saxenda. Individual titration may vary based on tolerability and clinical response.

Weight Loss & Glycemic Outcomes

Clinical trial evidence (SCALE): 8.0% mean body weight reduction (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial, 56 weeks)

These figures are based on clinical trial populations meeting specific inclusion criteria. Real-world results may differ due to adherence, diet, activity level, and individual biology. Calculate your projected weight loss →

Side Effect Profile

The most commonly reported side effects of Saxenda are GI-related, typically most pronounced during dose escalation. They generally improve within 2–4 weeks at a stable dose.

•Nausea
•Diarrhea
•Constipation
•Vomiting
•Headache
•Injection Site Reaction
•Fatigue

For detailed guidance on managing specific side effects, see the Liraglutide side effects hub →

Cost Overview

Scenario	Estimated Monthly Cost
Cash pay (no insurance)	$1,300–$1,400/month
Commercial insurance	$25/month with Novo Nordisk savings card for eligible commercially insured patients
Manufacturer savings program	Novo Nordisk Saxenda Savings Program

Estimated based on Q1 2026 data. Prices vary by pharmacy, region, and insurance plan. Always verify current pricing with your pharmacy or plan.

Visit Novo Nordisk’s savings program ↗ | Estimate your monthly cost →

Safety & Contraindications

Saxenda carries a Boxed Warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (based on animal studies). The clinical relevance in humans is unknown, but the following contraindications apply:

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
MEN type 2 syndrome
Hypersensitivity to liraglutide
Pregnancy

Pregnancy: Saxenda is not recommended during pregnancy. Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy when possible. Discuss contraception and family planning with your prescriber.

Drug interactions: Delayed gastric emptying; hypoglycemia risk with insulin/sulfonylureas.

How Does Saxenda Compare to Other Options?

See all brand comparisons →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Saxenda different from Victoza?

Saxenda and Victoza both contain liraglutide but are approved for different purposes. Saxenda (3.0 mg max) is for weight management; Victoza (1.8 mg max) is for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda uses a higher dose range optimized for weight loss.

How much weight can I lose with Saxenda?

In the SCALE trial (N=3,731, 56 weeks), adults on Saxenda lost an average of 8.0% body weight (vs 2.6% placebo). About 63% lost ≥5% and 33% lost ≥10% body weight. Results are lower than newer weekly GLP-1 medications.

Why is Saxenda injected daily instead of weekly?

Liraglutide has a shorter half-life (~13 hours) compared to semaglutide (~168 hours). Daily injections are needed to maintain consistent drug levels. Novo Nordisk's once-weekly obesity medication is Wegovy (semaglutide).

What is the Saxenda titration schedule?

Start at 0.6 mg daily for week 1 → 1.2 mg (week 2) → 1.8 mg (week 3) → 2.4 mg (week 4) → 3.0 mg (week 5 onward). If a dose is poorly tolerated, remain at that dose for 1 additional week before escalating.

Is Saxenda FDA-approved for teenagers?

Yes — Saxenda received approval for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile for age/sex) and body weight >60 kg (132 lbs). This approval is based on the SCALE Teens trial.

Can I get Saxenda covered by insurance?

Commercial insurance coverage for Saxenda varies by plan. Prior authorization is typically required. Medicare Part D does not cover anti-obesity medications. Check your plan's formulary.

Is Saxenda still relevant with newer drugs?

Saxenda showed 8% weight loss vs 14.9% for Wegovy and 22.5% for Zepbound. However, Saxenda remains valuable for patients who: (1) tolerate daily injections, (2) are adolescents (where Saxenda has pediatric labeling), or (3) need a medication at a different price point.

Saxenda: Complete Guide to Liraglutide (2026)