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Saxenda · Warnings

Saxenda warnings

The safety information on the Saxenda label, in plain language.

Clinician review pending Updated
Boxed warningRisk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies these medicines caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It isn't known whether they cause them in people, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Don't use them if you or a family member has had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who shouldn't use it

  • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • A known serious allergy to the medicine or any of its ingredients

Other label warnings

  • Pancreatitis. Stop and get care right away for severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting, sometimes felt in the back.
  • Gallbladder problems. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation were more common in trials, especially with rapid weight loss. Watch for upper-right belly pain, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
  • Low blood sugar. Risk rises when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Signs include shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion and dizziness.
  • Kidney problems. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can worsen kidney function. Drink fluids and call your prescriber if you can't keep them down.
  • Serious allergic reactions. Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or a severe rash.
  • Severe stomach problems. Not recommended if you already have severe gastroparesis (very slow stomach emptying).
  • Aspiration during anesthesia. Tell your care team you take a GLP-1 medicine before any surgery or procedure that uses anesthesia or deep sedation, because food can stay in the stomach longer.

Specific to Saxenda

  • Tell your prescriber about new or worsening depression or mood changes. In January 2026 the FDA asked makers to remove the suicidal-thoughts warning after a review of 91 trials found no increased risk; check the current label.
  • Heart rate can rise a few beats per minute.

Pregnancy

Not recommended during pregnancy.

See GLP-1s, pregnancy and birth control.

Common questions

Does Saxenda have a boxed warning?

Yes. Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies these medicines caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It isn't known whether they cause them in people, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Don't use them if you or a family member has had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who should not take Saxenda?

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, people with MEN 2, and anyone with a serious allergy to it.

Sources

  1. Saxenda prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes trial publication

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