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Saxenda (Liraglutide)

What is it?

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This medication was initially approved for diabetic patients in 2009 to help control their blood sugar and their diabetes. One of the side effects noted was weight loss. This prompted the manufacturer to carry out clinical trials using the drug for weight loss. Following excellent results, the medication was re-branded and re-licensed for weight loss in 2017. It has recently been approved by NICE as safe to use by the NHS.

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How does it work?

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The medication mimics a natural hormone already found in your body (GLP-1). It works in three key ways to reduce your appetite.

 

  1. It blocks a key hunger hormone telling your brain that you are hungry, whilst also helping to reduce leptin resistance (a hormone which can help off-set weight gain by increasing satiety aka fullness, and speed up your metabolism to help regulate the levels of fatty tissue in your body). This also helps stop the weight from coming straight back on when you stop the jab.

  2. It slows down the gastric emptying process, meaning that your body takes longer to process food and it is fuller for longer. This means your body does not need as much intake as normal as it works off the food it has.

  3. The medication helps to speed up your metabolism and increase fat burning by reducing glucogen & reducing insulin resistance. This promotes normal blood glucose levels, the liver metabolism of glucose and helps adipose tissue burn fat in a safe and controlled method without causing a sugar-crash. This avoids the urges for quick-fix sugary foods.

 

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How do I use it?

 

The medication comes as a pre-filled injectable pen. You inject yourself in an area where you can pinch a good amount of meat (aka subcutaeneous fat). This can be the stomach area, the notorious love handle areas, top of the thighs or even the bottom! You use a CLEAN and NEW needle every day, disposing of the needle after each injection. Your starting dose is discussed during consultation and any changes in your dosing will be reviewed regularly as your body adjusts to the medication.

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What about side effects?

 

Like any new medication introduced to your body, your body will have to adjust to it. Some people get mild side effects, such as headaches, nausea, dry mouth or tiredness. These side effects are generally mild and are transient - which means they will go after a few days once your body has adjusted.

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We will send you aftercare information on how to deal with any potential side effects, along with the Patient Information Leaflet which goes into greater detail.

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Everyone is different. You may not experience any side effects, you may experience one side effect or several side effects.

 

Common Side Effects:

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  • Nausea

  • Headaches

  • Dry Mouth

  • Constipation

  • Loose Stool

  • Tiredness

  • Stomach Cramps

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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any support on dealing with side effects. We are more than happy to advise you.

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Adverse Effects:

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Adverse effects are rare but they are something you should be aware of.

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Adverse effects may include:

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  • Palpitations / Fast Heart Rate

  • Pancreatitis

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If you experience or feel that you may be experiencing these adverse effects, please stop using the medication & contact 111. When you are safe to do so, please contact us.

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Anaphylaxis:

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There have been no documented cases of an anaphylactic reaction to Liraglutide, Dulaglutide or Semaglutide but as this is a new medication being introduced to your body, we want to make you aware of the possible signs of anaphylaxis.

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If you experience swelling of the lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, a severe rash or severe itching, discontinue use immediately and call 999.

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Who can use it?

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The medication can be used for those with a BMI over 25 but we take into account a range of factors such as:

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  • BMI

  • Medical History

  • Current Medication

  • Body measurements

  • Eating habits

  • Past diets

  • Current exercise levels

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The programme is not suitable for:

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Under 18's

Ladies who are breastfeeding, pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant.

Type 1 diabetics

Anyone with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid tumours

Anyone with direct family members who have had thyroid cancer

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How much weight will I lose?

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During the current initial clinical trials by the manufacturer, the average weight loss has been calculated as between 8lbs and 15lbs. Everyone is different, so your weight loss may be more or less. Try not to compare yourself to others losing weight - focus on yourself, your goals and your progress. - your safety is paramount.

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How many pens will I need?

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This depends on what dose you are on, how well you take to the medication and your overall target weight.

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If you only wish to lose around 13lbs, then one pen should be sufficient. For further weight loss, you may require more pens. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by our pharmacist to ensure continuing safety & suitability under our medical duty of care to you.

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What are the prices?

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Please see our prices page (below).

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