Important Safety Information for Saxenda® (liraglutide) Injection
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Saxenda® (liraglutide) may lead to significant side effects, including potential thyroid tumors, such as cancer. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath, as these could be signs of thyroid cancer. Studies in rats and mice have shown that Saxenda® (liraglutide) and similar medicines can cause thyroid tumors, including cancer. It’s unclear if Saxenda® (liraglutide) causes these issues in humans.
Do not use Saxenda® (liraglutide) if you or any of your family members have had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
FDA-Approved Use of Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3 mg is a prescription medicine designed for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related health issues or obesity (BMI ≥30), and for children aged 12-17 years who weigh more than 132 pounds (60 kg) and have obesity, to help them lose weight and maintain that weight loss. It should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Limitations of Use:
Saxenda® and Victoza® contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and should not be used together or with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The safety and efficacy of Saxenda® (liraglutide) with other prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal weight-loss products are unknown.
The safety and efficacy of Saxenda® (liraglutide) in children under 12 years of age are not established.
It is not known if Saxenda® (liraglutide) is safe and effective in children aged 12 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes.
Who Should Not Use Saxenda® (liraglutide)?
Avoid Saxenda® (liraglutide) if:
You or your family have ever had MTC or MEN 2.
You have had a severe allergic reaction to liraglutide or any ingredients in Saxenda® (liraglutide).
You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it may harm your unborn baby.
How to Use Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Carefully read the Instructions for Use provided with Saxenda® (liraglutide). Administer your dose subcutaneously in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as directed by your healthcare provider. Avoid injecting into a vein or muscle and rotate injection sites to prevent lumps under the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis). Do not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Saxenda® (liraglutide) without consulting your provider. If you overdose, seek medical advice immediately.
Before Using Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Discuss with your Affordahealth Pain Relief & Wellness provider all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Share if you have any medical conditions such as:
Severe stomach issues, such as gastroparesis.
Pancreas, kidney, or liver problems.
Depression or mental health issues.
If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Certain medications, especially those for diabetes and hormonal birth control, can interact with Saxenda® (liraglutide). Consult your provider for guidance on medication schedules and contraception methods during treatment.
Serious Side Effects
While rare, serious side effects can occur with Saxenda® (liraglutide). Monitor for symptoms like thyroid tumors, severe gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, kidney issues, allergic reactions, depression, and changes in vision. Seek medical attention for any concerning symptoms.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, heartburn, hypoglycemia, headache, dizziness, and changes in enzyme levels.
Report negative side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This summary does not include all safety information. Please refer to the full Prescribing Information for comprehensive details.
Disclaimer:
Saxenda®, Victoza®, Ozempic®, and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Zepbound® and Mounjaro® are trademarks of Eli Lilly. Byetta® and Bydureon® are trademarks of Amylin Pharmaceuticals. Affordahealth Pain Relief & Wellness has no affiliation with these companies. Compounded products in our Weight Loss Program are not made by these companies.