Saxenda is a prescription weight-management medicine whose active substance is liraglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It is similar to a natural hormone released by the gut after eating and acts on appetite centres in the brain, increasing fullness and reducing hunger. This helps a person eat less, and it is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults.

Yes. Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine, not a cosmetic injectable. Whether it is appropriate, and how it should be used and monitored, must be decided by a qualified physician. It should never be self-prescribed, shared between people, or used without medical supervision. The dosing schedule is set by the prescribing clinician and is therefore not provided here.

Per the product information, Saxenda is contraindicated in people allergic to liraglutide or any excipient, and in those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It is not recommended in pregnancy, and is not established for those under 18 or, generally, for those aged 75 and over. A physician must review full medical history before use.

Saxenda is a clear, colourless solution in a single-patient-use prefilled pen, given by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, with injection sites rotated. Each 3 ml pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide (6 mg/ml). A pen must never be shared between patients even if the needle is changed. Storage and handling should follow the packaging and the pharmacist instructions.

Saxenda contains liraglutide and is a daily GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management. The same active substance is used in some diabetes medicines, and other GLP-1 products use different active substances or dosing frequencies. Saxenda should not be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the choice between products is a clinical decision for the prescriber.