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In this article, we will explore Saxenda (liraglutide) and its role in weight loss. The comparison of results in weight loss and lifestyle changes showcases the significant difference in appearance and health in a Saxenda before and after scenario. The article will focus on understanding the mechanism of action, their effect on weight loss, and some frequently asked questions related to the Saxenda drug.
What does Saxenda do?
Understanding what Saxenda is used for is crucial, as it’s primarily prescribed to help adults with obesity achieve weight loss in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
Saxenda medicine is prescribed for the management of weight loss in adults with obesity (body mass index or BMI > 30) or overweight (BMI > 27) and weight-related co-morbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high levels of fat. Saxenda is also prescribed to adolescents from 12 years of age with obesity (BMI of 30 or more) who weigh more than 60 kg.
After liraglutide was initially approved to treat diabetes, a number of clinical trials were carried out to assess its potential as an obesity treatment. Saxenda was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) in December 2014 for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Saxenda was approved by Health Canada in February 2015 and by the European Commission in March 2015. Saxenda drug was approved by the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) in March 2021 as a treatment for obesity in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
The Advantages of Choosing Saxenda
Saxenda’s advantage is evident through the results of clinical trials, which have shown its capacity to aid in weight loss, support weight maintenance, and improve metabolic health markers when used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications.
The SCALE Diabetes Clinical Trial involved 846 participants who received varying doses of Saxenda via injection. Results indicated that 50% of those on a 3.0 mg dose, 36% on 1.8 mg, and 14% on a placebo showed a ≥5.0% reduction in body weight. Additionally, 23% on 3.0 mg, 14% on 1.8 mg, and 4% on placebo achieved a ≥10% reduction in body weight.
The SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes study spanned 56 weeks and involved 3731 patients without type 2 diabetes. Participants had a BMI of at least 30 or a BMI of at least 27 with treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension. They received a once-daily 3.0 mg liraglutide injection for weight management. The study concluded that Saxenda, when used alongside diet and exercise, led to decreased body weight, and enhanced metabolic control.
An early study conducted on 564 individuals for 20 weeks showed that Saxenda over 20 weeks was well tolerated and induced weight loss. The study also sho
Sustainable Weight Loss
The SCALE Maintenance randomized study by Wadded et al. evaluated whether Saxenda, in conjunction with diet and exercise, could help sustain the weight loss achieved through the initial low-calorie diet and possibly lead to further weight reduction. The outcome of the SCALE Maintenance trial revealed that Saxenda, when used alongside diet and exercise, was effective in maintaining the weight loss achieved through the initial low-calorie diet. Additionally, it was observed that those taking Saxenda experienced further weight loss over the 56-week period compared to the placebo group. This study highlighted the role of Saxenda not only in sustaining weight loss but also in potentially aiding in continued weight reduction over an extended duration when combined with lifestyle modifications.
How exactly does Saxenda function?
Learning about Saxenda how does it work is important for those considering the medication as a weight management option.
Saxenda medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1, an incretin hormone, is released quickly from the small intestine after eating. It connects with GLP-1 receptors found in different body organs. Specifically in the pancreas, these receptors help release insulin and stop the release of glucagon, but this response depends on glucose levels. Moreover, GLP-1 affects the brain by activating neurons that reduce hunger and inhibiting those that increase appetite, making you feel fuller, slowing down digestion, and reducing the desire to eat. It also affects the nerves in the digestive system, helping to control food intake.
Are there any side effects of Saxenda?
Exploring Saxenda side effects is crucial before starting the medication for weight management.
- The safety results of the Saxenda studies indicate that the administration was generally well received. The most frequently reported treatment-related side effects were related to the gastrointestinal system (nausea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and increased lipase), but these were generally well-tolerated. Other common side effects include injection site reactions, headaches, hypoglycemia, fatigue, dizziness, and pyrexia.
- The prescribing information for Saxenda warns about the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. This warning was based on an animal study done using doses that were 8 times higher than human doses. However, no significant elevated risk of thyroid cancer has been reported among Saxenda users. Other warnings and precautions associated with Saxenda are acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, renal impairment, and heart rate increases.
- A clinical trial also studied Saxenda and its effect on mental health (depression and suicidal thoughts). The results of the Saxenda study did not show any major concerns about the drug’s impact on mental health.
Consulting healthcare professionals helps understand Saxenda side effects better for informed decision-making.
What changes can I anticipate pre- and post-Saxenda treatment?
Exploring Saxenda before and after its implementation often reveals notable changes in weight and appetite control. Responses to Saxenda medicine vary among individuals, and the extent of weight loss experienced can differ from person to person.
Overall, the clinical studies have shown that when compared to a placebo, Saxenda injectable consistently produced a weight loss of 4 to 6 kg, with a higher percentage of patients attaining at least 5% and 10% weight loss. The person can also notice diminished hunger sensations and feel more energetic. The reduction in weight will also lead to a positive impact on diverse health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol profiles, and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Adhering strictly to the Saxenda dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor ensures optimal results in your weight management journey.
What’s the recommended dosage for Saxenda?
The recommended daily dosage of Saxenda weight loss injections is decided by the doctor. The initial dose is 0.6 mg once daily. The dose may then be increased by 0.6 mg each week until the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg once daily is reached.
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 Onwards |
| 0.6 mg | 1.2 mg | 1.8 mg | 2.4 mg | 3.0 mg |
If escalation to the next dose step causes gastro-intestinal intolerance for two consecutive weeks, the treatment is discontinued after the doctors’ recommendation. Daily Saxenda dose higher than 3.0 mg are not recommended. Adjusting the Saxenda dose as per the doctor’s guidance is essential for effective weight management.
The Saxenda price may vary based on different pharmacies and insurance coverage. Saxenda comes in a pack containing five pre-filled pens, totaling 90 mg. With a pack cost of $375.10, the yearly Saxenda price per patient is $4,389 for the initial year and $4,564 in subsequent years.
If a dose of Saxenda is missed, what should I do?
Prefilled pens are used to administer Saxenda medication that is self-injectable. Saxenda injections should be taken at any time that is convenient, with or without meals. Consulting your healthcare provider about Saxenda injection sites ensures proper administration for optimal effectiveness in weight management. Saxenda injectables should be administered subcutaneously, or beneath the skin, in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach region. Saxenda weight loss injections should not be injected into a muscle or vein.
Administer Saxenda injections as soon as you remember if you missed a dose and realize it within 12 hours of your regular dose schedule. On the other hand, if it has been longer than 12 hours since the scheduled Saxenda injection, skip the missed dose and inject the next dose at regular time the next day. Consult your doctor if you miss more than 3 days of Saxenda injections. Establishing a consistent Saxenda dosing schedule is crucial for maintaining the medication's effectiveness in achieving desired weight loss goals.
How much time does Saxenda take to show results?
Generally, the Saxenda drug can show its effect on weight loss within 2 weeks of use. While some people may get immediate benefits from the medicine, others might not experience any benefits until they are taking a greater dosage. For the Saxenda drug to work best, you should follow a lower-calorie diet and engage in regular exercise to aid in weight loss. If you consume foods high in calories while taking Saxenda, you can still gain weight. Foods high in fat should be consumed in smaller portions. Before starting Saxenda, understanding Saxenda how to use instructions provided by your healthcare professional is essential for an effective result.
Are there other medications that can impact Saxenda?
It is true that Saxenda may interact with some drugs. Certain drugs may have an impact on Saxenda’s effectiveness or raise the possibility of specific side effects. In particular, when used with Saxenda, medications that impact insulin or blood sugar levels or gastrointestinal motility may need to be adjusted.
What factors should be taken into account before starting Saxenda?
Individuals should be aware that the following scenario may restrict the use of Saxenda:
- Saxenda should not be used by an individual who or anyone in their family has medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Saxenda should not be used by pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, or lactating mothers.
- Saxenda should not be used by individuals who have a known serious allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in Saxenda.
- No research has been done on Saxenda in patients younger than 12 years old.
- Saxenda has not been shown to interact with any medications in a clinically meaningful way. However, Saxenda has been shown to delay gastric emptying, which may impact the absorption of concomitant oral medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saxenda stands as a promising tool in the realm of weight management, offering a viable solution for individuals grappling with obesity. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a weight-loss treatment plan, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs and medical history. To find out if Saxenda is the proper medication for you, get in touch with us at https://www.scienceandhumans.com/ so we can discuss Saxenda and your weight loss goals.
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