Saxenda liraglutide
pronounced as (lir a gloo' tide)
FDA-approved daily injectable liraglutide for chronic weight management. Older-generation GLP-1, daily dosing.
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Saxenda vs Wegovy
Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 approved for chronic weight management; semaglutide replaced it for most patients. Comparing them shows the generational jump.
| Saxenda | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | liraglutide | semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2014 | FDA-approved 2021 |
| Clinical efficacy | 8.4% mean body-weight reduction at 56 weeks (3.0 mg dose) | 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks |
| Pivotal trial | SCALE Obesity & Prediabetes (NCT01272219) | STEP 1 (NCT03548935) |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Full page | Saxenda → | Wegovy → |
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is FDA-approved liraglutide 3.0 mg for chronic weight management. First-in-class anti-obesity GLP-1 (approved 2014). Pre-dates Wegovy. Daily injection, smaller average weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Generic liraglutide is expected as patents lapse.
How does Saxenda work?
Single GLP-1 receptor agonist. Same mechanism family as semaglutide/Wegovy but shorter half-life (~13 hours) requiring daily dosing instead of weekly.
Who can take Saxenda?
FDA indication: adults BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Adolescents 12+ with body weight >60 kg also approved. Insurance coverage often requires step therapy from older anti-obesity drugs.
How is Saxenda taken?
Titrated weekly: 0.6mg → 1.2mg → 1.8mg → 2.4mg → 3.0mg maintenance, all once daily.
| Phase | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 0.6 mg once daily | |
| Week 2 | 1.2 mg once daily | |
| Week 3 | 1.8 mg once daily | |
| Week 4 | 2.4 mg once daily | |
| Week 5+ | 3.0 mg once daily | Maintenance dose for weight management |
Saxenda weight loss over time (trial average)
- Week 83%
- Week 165%
- Week 327%
- Week 568%
Mean total body-weight reduction at the 3.0 mg daily maintenance dose, from SCALE (NCT01272219). Individual results vary widely; ~10% of trial participants lost less than 5%.
How much does Saxenda cost?
List price ~$1,350/month. Cash-pay similar. Insurance coverage variable. Cheaper coupons through Novo Nordisk savings card programs.
What side effects can Saxenda cause?
GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) common during titration and somewhat more frequent than weekly GLP-1s because daily dosing means constant exposure. Same boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors as semaglutide.
Saxenda side-effect timeline: when to expect what
- Week 10.6 mg starter
Daily dosing means daily exposure; nausea can be noticeable early but often milder than weekly drugs per dose.
- Weeks 2-5Daily escalation
Stepping up 0.6 mg per week to 3.0 mg. Each increase can bring transient nausea. Daily rhythm means side effects are more constant but lower-peak.
- Week 5+3.0 mg maintenance
Most adapt to daily dosing; GI effects become background-level for many. Injection-site reactions are possible with daily injections.
Typical timing from FDA labels and trial data. Individual experience varies; slower titration eases side effects for many patients.
What if I miss a dose of Saxenda?
Saxenda is dosed daily. If missed: skip the dose if more than 12 hours late, take next day at usual time. Do NOT double up — increases nausea and hypoglycemia risk. After 3+ consecutive missed days, restart titration from 0.6mg per the FDA label.
How should Saxenda be stored?
Refrigerate Saxenda pens between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. After first use, may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) or refrigerated, for up to 30 days. Protect from heat and direct light. Replace cap when not in use.
What if I overdose on Saxenda?
There is no specific antidote for liraglutide overdose. The half-life is shorter (~13 hours) than the weekly GLP-1s, so effects clear faster but supportive care is still required. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the ER for severe hypoglycemia, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or significant abdominal pain. The dose is reset (re-titrated from 0.6 mg) after a 3-day or longer gap; an overdose followed by a missed period also requires restart-protocol guidance from your prescriber.
Saxenda pharmacy prices
Reference monthly prices (28-day supply). Real pricing varies by zip code, dose, and changes frequently. Always check live coupons before purchase.
| Pharmacy | Monthly | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodRx coupon | $1,400Lowest | discount-card · coupon | Discount card aggregator. Free card lowers retail pharmacy cash price. |
| Costco Pharmacy | $1,450 | warehouse | Membership warehouse pharmacy with notably lower cash prices on many medications. |
| CVS Pharmacy | $1,500 | retail | Largest US retail pharmacy chain. Brand-name list price typical. |
| Walgreens | $1,500 | retail | Second-largest US retail pharmacy. Brand-name pricing in line with industry list. |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $1,500 | warehouse | Big-box pharmacy with $4 generic program. Brand prescription pricing closer to retail. |
Coupon and self-pay eligibility apply. Check each program's terms. Manufacturer self-pay programs (NovoCare, LillyDirect) typically require no commercial insurance coverage of the drug for eligibility.
Saxenda 30-day mean cash price
▼ 0.4% vs 30 days ago
Mean cash price across CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco. Snapshot refreshed weekly; individual pharmacy prices vary by zip.
Related terms
Related topics
Saxenda news & research
Recent FDA actions, trial readouts, and market developments.
- Market news
Generic liraglutide entry expected late 2026 — early 2027
Multiple manufacturers have filed ANDAs for generic liraglutide following Saxenda patent expiry. Could reduce US cash-pay price by 60-80%.
How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
- ManufacturerNovo Nordisk Saxenda product information
Other weight loss medications
Wegovy
semaglutide · FDA 2021 · Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
glp1Zepbound
tirzepatide · FDA 2023 · Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for weight management. ~20% body weight loss in trials — strongest weight-los
glp1Ozempic
semaglutide · FDA 2017 · FDA-approved semaglutide for type 2 diabetes. Widely used off-label for weight loss.
glp1Mounjaro
tirzepatide · FDA 2022 · FDA-approved tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes. Off-label for weight loss is common.
glp1Compounded semaglutide
semaglutide (compounded) · Custom-compounded semaglutide. Cheaper than branded Wegovy. Not FDA-approved; legal landscape shifts
glp1Compounded tirzepatide
tirzepatide (compounded) · Custom-compounded tirzepatide. Cheaper than Zepbound/Mounjaro. Not FDA-approved.
More on Saxenda
For clinicians: see the Saxenda prescribing summary.