Medical Review: Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MD, Board-Certified Endocrinologist | Source: Label & SCALE Phase 3 Trials
Saxenda® (Liraglutide) 6mg/mL Pre-filled Pen
quality-assured glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management. Indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adult patients with an initial BMI of ≥30 kg/m² (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m² (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Maximum concentration (Cmax) reached 11 hours post-subcutaneous administration.
Half-life: 13 hours, supporting once-daily dosing.
Metabolism: Endogenous DPP-IV and NEP degradation.
Bioavailability: 55% via subcutaneous route.
SCALE™ Phase 3a Efficacy (56 Weeks)
N=3,731 | 3.0mg/day + Lifestyle Intervention
- Mean Weight Loss: 8.0% vs 2.6% (Placebo)
- ≥5% Reduction: 63.2% of patients
- ≥10% Reduction: 33.1% of patients
- Cardiometabolic: HbA1c reduction 0.3%; Systolic BP reduction 2.8 mmHg.
Week 1
0.6 mg daily
Week 2
1.2 mg daily
Week 3
1.8 mg daily
Week 4
2.4 mg daily
Week 5 & Maintenance
3.0 mg daily
*Administer subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites daily. Assess weight loss at 16 weeks; discontinue if ≥4% body weight loss not achieved.
Storage Specifications
Prior to First Use: Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Discard if frozen.
In-Use (After activation): Store at controlled room temperature 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) or refrigerate. Dispose of pen 30 days after first use.
Packaging: Carton contains 3 or 5 pens. Each pen delivers doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3.0 mg. 3 mL per pen (total 18 mg liraglutide).
Black Box Warning & Contraindications
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in rodents. Human relevance is undetermined.
Contraindications: Personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC), Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), pregnancy, or prior hypersensitivity to liraglutide.
Monitoring: Observe for signs of acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and renal impairment. Not approved for co-administration with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Reviews
There are no reviews yet.