A lot of people start Saxenda hoping for long-lasting weight loss, but what happens to your body along the way? Like any medication, Saxenda can come along with some side effects. Some of these are mild and only temporary, while others might be more serious and last for a longer period of time. This article looks into some of the most common and serious Saxenda side effects so you can make an informed, confident decision about how you care for your health.
Key Takeaways
- Saxenda (liraglutide) affects how your digestive system works, how full you feel, and in some cases, how you feel emotionally.
- While many of the side effects of Saxenda are mild and go away with time, others can be more serious or stick around longer.
- Your health history plays a big role in how your body responds to this medication.
- A dietitian can help you stay on track, ease any uncomfortable symptoms, and make sure your plan is both safe and realistic for you.
How Saxenda Affects Your Body
Saxenda, or liraglutide, works in the body by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1. This daily injection helps control your appetite and how your body handles blood sugar after eating. By slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach, Saxenda helps you feel full sooner and stay full longer. This can make it easier to eat smaller portions without feeling deprived.
Unlike some other weight-loss medications, Saxenda isn’t a stimulant and doesn’t work by speeding up your metabolism or forcing your body to burn fat. It has been specially developed for chronic weight management, which means it’s part of a long-term plan and not a quick solution.
Saxenda is usually prescribed for adults who have obesity or are overweight with other health concerns like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It works best when it’s used along with other changes to your daily routine like changes in your eating habits, increased physical activity, and support from your healthcare team.
The Digestive System – Where Most Saxenda Side Effects Begin
Many of Saxenda’s side effects start in the digestive system. That’s because the way this medication works (by slowing digestion) can lead to some specific changes in how your body feels after eating. For most people, these symptoms are manageable and improve with time.
Common GI Reactions
The most common side effects of Saxenda are digestive issues. Nausea is at the top of the list, especially when you first start taking this medication or increase your dose. You might also notice side effects of Saxenda like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or gas.
These reactions are very common and often show up during the first few weeks, especially as your body adjusts to a higher dose.
Managing Digestive Discomfort
There are some easy ways to help ease these Saxenda for weight loss side effects. Eating smaller meals and eating at a slower pace, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and staying well-hydrated can really make a difference.
If you notice unpleasant breath odor or feel bloated, that’s often a sign that your digestion is slowing down, which is part of how Saxenda works. Constipation is also common, so adding more fiber to your meals and drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep things moving.
When to Worry
While most side effects are temporary, some may need a bit more attention. If your vomiting becomes severe or doesn’t go away, reach out to your doctor. They may adjust your dose or refer you to a dietitian who can help you adjust your eating routine to reduce any symptoms and make Saxenda easier on your body.
How Saxenda Affects Blood Sugar and Hormones
Saxenda doesn’t only change how you feel hunger, it also affects how your body manages blood sugar levels and how it interacts with certain hormones. These side effects are important to understand, especially if you have diabetes or have a family history of thyroid conditions.
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Meds
One of the more serious side effects of Saxenda can be low blood sugar, especially if you are taking any medication for diabetes. Saxenda itself isn’t a diabetes drug, but because it changes how your body handles food and insulin, it can still lower your blood sugar levels.
It’s important to know the signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, or feeling faint. You should always keep glucose tablets or drink fruit juice when low blood sugar occurs.
If you’re already on diabetes medication, your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medicine dosing to help keep you from experiencing low blood sugar, and avoid hypoglycemia.
Thyroid Warnings
Saxenda has also been linked to thyroid issues in animal studies, including a type of tumor called a C-cell tumor. While this hasn’t been confirmed in humans, it’s still something to be aware of, especially if you or someone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Because of this risk, Saxenda isn’t recommended if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, specifically thyroid tumors or C-cell-related cancers.
If you notice swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or a hoarse voice that doesn’t go away, let your provider know right away.
Mental and Emotional Side Effects of Saxenda
Some people notice changes in their mood after starting Saxenda. This can include depression, increased anxiety, irritability, or feeling more emotional than usual.
These changes may be related to how quickly your body is adjusting to new patterns of eating, blood sugar changes, or other physical or hormonal shifts.
If you experience ongoing mood swings, mental fog, or thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, don’t wait. It’s important that you reach out to a medical professional right away.
While these symptoms are less common, they can be serious, and fortunately you don’t have to manage them on your own. Let your healthcare provider or dietitian know what you’re feeling.
They can help you adjust your care plan and make sure everything you’re experiencing is properly addressed with care.
Long-Term and Less Common Reactions
Most people experience only mild or short-term symptoms while using Saxenda, but some side effects can last longer or show up later on after you have been taking the medication for a while. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when something feels off and when it’s worth checking in with your provider.
Gallbladder and Liver Concerns
One of the less common but more serious negative effects of Saxenda involves gallbladder disease. Saxenda can increase the risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. If you notice severe stomach pain in the upper right side of your belly, especially after eating, or if the whites of your eyes or skin start to look yellow, call your doctor. These may be signs of gallbladder or liver issues.
Other Potential Issues
There are also less common symptoms of taking Saxenda that you should be aware of. Some people report having joint pain, unusual tiredness, dizziness, or headaches. Pain, constipation, or skin rash have also been occasionally reported.
Allergic Reactions and Injection Site Effects
The common side effects of Saxenda injection include mild redness, swelling, or itching where you give the injection. Rotating the injection site each day and making sure you use different areas of your thigh, upper arm, or abdomen, can help prevent irritation or soreness.
In rare cases, an serious allergic reactions may occur. These could be life threatening and could show up as a widespread skin rash, hives, or more serious symptoms like trouble breathing or swelling of your face, lips, or throat.
Interactions with Medications and Supplements
Before starting Saxenda, it’s important to look at all of the other medications, or herbal or vitamin supplements that you’re taking. Even the ones that seem harmless can affect how Saxenda works, or what side effects you may experience.
What to Watch For
Let your provider know about all of the medications you use, including over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Some combinations can increase your risk of side effects or change how well your treatment works.
Saxenda may interact with other drugs, especially ones that are used for diabetes, like insulin or sulfonylureas. Taking it along with another GLP-1 medication or the same medicine under a different brand name should be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise.
If there is a missed dose, don’t try to make it up by taking more next time. Just follow the instructions your provider gave you and get back on schedule.
What to Expect During the First Month
Many people lose between 5 to 10 pounds in the first month, though these results can vary. If you’re wondering how much weight you can lose on Saxenda in a month, this gives you a general idea, but it’s not a guarantee.
Early on, it’s common to feel nausea, tiredness, or changes in appetite. These are expected Saxenda weight loss side effects as your body slowly starts to respond to the medication. The good news is that most of these symptoms improve as your body adjusts over time.
Hydration, Nutrition, and Lifestyle Tips
Your daily habits play a big role in how your body responds to Saxenda. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help with symptoms like nausea and constipation.
Small, balanced meals are just as important. They help keep your energy up and your blood sugar steady, which means fewer ups and downs.
If you ever feel signs of low blood sugar, like shakiness or confusion, be ready to eat glucose tablets or have a quick source of sugar nearby.
And remember that while Saxenda can help you lose weight, real change comes from habits that last. A dietitian can help you lose weight safely while still including the things you enjoy most.
What Happens When You Stop Saxenda?
Weight regain is possible after stopping Saxenda, especially if the habits that you created during treatment aren’t continued. If you’re not losing weight on Saxenda, meet with a dietitian to develop health promoting behaviors that take all of you into consideration – hormones, dietary and physical activity habits, and your overall lifestyle.
Eating balanced meals, staying active, and caring for your mental health all play a part in lasting change. For long term weight management, medication can be a part of your plan. Balanced meals, staying active, and caring for your mental health also play a part in lasting change. A registered dietitian can help you keep up your progress in a sustainable and healthy way.
Talk to A Dietitian About Saxenda
Saxenda side effects can be as mild as an annoying bout of nausea or as serious as changes in your mood, blood sugar, or digestion. Knowing what to expect ahead of time is going to help you make safer choices and feel more in control of your care.
If you’re thinking about starting Saxenda for weight management, or are already using it, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A registered dietitian can help you manage all of your side effects, adjust your daily routine, and ensure that you always stay focused on your long-term health goals.
Book a session with a dietitian at DietitianLive today. Our team offers one-on-one care that’s focused on your real life, and not just the numbers on a scale. Whether you’re starting Saxenda or managing its side effects, we’ll help you build up habits that last, so that you can see meaningful results and feel good in your body along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxenda a high-risk medication?
Saxenda is not generally considered a high-risk medication. However, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. These include nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar (especially in patients with diabetes) and rare but severe symptoms like thyroid cancer or allergic reactions.
What should be avoided when taking Saxenda?
While on Saxenda, avoid drinking alcohol excessively, because it can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Be cautious with other medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements, to prevent interactions. Also, steer clear of high-fat or greasy foods, which may worsen side effects like nausea or gaseous stomach pain.
Which weight loss injection has the least side effects?
Side effects vary among individuals and medications. Some people may experience fewer side effects with certain GLP-1 receptor agonists.
What is the most common side effect of liraglutide?
Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect of liraglutide. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps. These often occur as the dose increases and you become more accustomed to the medication.
Is liraglutide the same as Ozempic?
No, liraglutide and Ozempic are different medications. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda, while Ozempic contains semaglutide.
Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists used to help with blood sugar control and help you lose weight, but they differ in dosing and administration frequency. If you are looking for an alternative to Ozempic, you should speak with your doctor.
Who should not take liraglutide?
Liraglutide is not recommended for individuals with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. It’s also not advised for pregnant women, as it may harm an unborn baby.
