What it's approved for
- Chronic weight management, with diet and exercise, in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition
- Children 12 to 17 with obesity and body weight above 132 lb (60 kg)
How it works
It mimics GLP-1 like semaglutide, but it is cleared faster, so it needs a daily injection.
Saxenda has a half-life of about 13 hours, which is why it's dosed daily.
The same medicine is sold as Victoza. See Saxenda vs Victoza.
Dose steps on the label
Increase by 0.6 mg each week; the label says to stop if you haven't lost at least 4% of body weight after 16 weeks on treatment. Maintenance: 3 mg once daily.
What the main trial found
Most common side effects
| Side effect | Saxenda | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39% | 14% |
| Diarrhea | 21% | 9% |
| Constipation | 19% | 9% |
| Vomiting | 16% | 4% |
| Headache | 14% | 12% |
| Decreased appetite | 10% | 3% |
Placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Saxenda label (3 mg). See all side effects.
Cost snapshot
| Option | Per month | Per year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $1,349 | $17,537 | List price per 30-day supply, before insurance. Generic liraglutide is usually cheaper |
| Generic liraglutide (weight-management strength) | Varies by pharmacy | Varies | Self-pay |
Compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly. All savings options.
Everything about Saxenda
Dosage
Every dose step, timing and the maximum
OpenSide effects
How common each one is vs placebo
OpenCost and savings
List price, self-pay and savings cards
OpenInsurance coverage
Prior authorization and appeals
OpenMissed dose
What the label says to do
OpenStorage
Fridge, room temperature and travel
OpenHow to take it
Step by step, from the label
OpenWarnings
Boxed warning and who shouldn't use it
OpenExplainer · 0:23
Read the transcript
- After you eat, your gut releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 medicines copy it, but last much longer in the body.
- It slows how fast your stomach empties, so you feel full sooner and stay full for longer.
- It also acts on appetite centers in the brain, which quiets hunger and constant thoughts about food.
- When blood sugar is high, it helps the pancreas release insulin. Tirzepatide also acts on a second gut hormone, GIP.
Compare Saxenda
Common questions
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk. It's a once daily injection.
What is the starting dose of Saxenda?
The label starts at 0.6 mg, 1 week first. Increase by 0.6 mg each week; the label says to stop if you haven't lost at least 4% of body weight after 16 weeks on treatment.
What is the highest dose of Saxenda?
The highest dose on the label is 3 mg once daily.
How much weight do people lose on Saxenda?
In SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, people on 3 mg lost an average of 8.0% of body weight over 56 weeks, vs 2.6% on placebo. Results vary widely.
What if I miss a dose of Saxenda?
If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time the next day. Don't take an extra dose. If you miss more than 3 days, ask your prescriber about restarting at 0.6 mg.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error