Saxenda, a prescription weight-loss medication, that can help you achieve your weight loss. This blog will guide you through its use, from understanding how it works to mastering injection techniques.
Understanding Saxenda and Its Mechanism
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription medication used to help manage obesity and type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and slows down digestion. This can lead to reduced food intake and increased feelings of fullness.
Where to Inject Saxenda: Choosing the Best Sites
The most common injection sites for Saxenda are:
- Abdomen: This is a popular choice as it’s easy to access and less sensitive.
- Thigh: The outer thigh is another good option, especially for those who find abdominal injections uncomfortable.
- Upper Arm: This site can also be used, but it’s important to avoid areas with visible veins or bruises.
Want to know the right Saxenda dosage for you? Read our blog.
Tips for Minimising Injection Site Reactions
While Saxenda is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects at the injection site, such as:
- Redness
- Itching
- Bruising
- Rash
To minimise these reactions, follow these tips:
- Rotate Injection Sites: Avoid injecting in the same spot repeatedly. This can help prevent skin irritation and other side effects.
- Use a New Needle Each Time: This reduces the risk of infection and ensures proper drug delivery.
- Inject Slowly: A slow injection can help minimise discomfort and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: After injecting, apply gentle pressure to the injection site for a few seconds. This can help reduce bruising.
Don’t let side effects hold you back from reaching your weight loss goals.
Discover helpful tips in our Saxenda side effect management blog:
How to Store Your Saxenda Pens?
- Before You Start:
- Refrigerate: Store your unopened Saxenda pen in the refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C).
- Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the pen.
- After You Start:
- Room Temperature or Refrigerator: Once you’ve started using your pen, you can store it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days or in the refrigerator.
- Protect from Light: Always keep the pen cap on to shield it from light.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure the effectiveness of your Saxenda medication.
Timing Your Saxenda Injection
While there’s no strict rule about the best time to inject Saxenda, many people find it convenient to inject it once daily, at approximately the same time each day. Whether you choose morning or night, consistency is key.
Consult Your Healthcare professional
Before starting Saxenda or any new medication, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice on the best injection sites, dosage, and potential side effects.
By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare professional, you can maximise the benefits of Saxenda while minimising any discomfort.
Key Takeaway
By adhering to the prescribed instructions and employing the correct technique, you can administer Saxenda weight loss injection with confidence and optimise the therapeutic benefits of this medication.
References
Mehta, A., Marso, S.P. and Neeland, I.J. (2017) “Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence: Review: liraglutide for weight management,” Obesity science & practice, 3(1), pp. 3–14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.84.
Nordisk, N. (2024) Saxenda 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen, Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf
Saxenda® (liraglutide) Injection 3 mg Dosing Schedule (2022) novoMEDLINK. Available at: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/saxenda/dosing-administration/saxenda-dosing.html
Saxenda® side effects (2024) Saxenda.com. Available at: https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html
