What are the side effects of Saxenda?

Saxenda is a proven aid for weight loss, but as with any medicine, side effects may occur. In this blog, you can read about the possible side effects, when they usually occur, and how Goodweigh supports you in ensuring a safe and comfortable treatment. For more information about Saxenda as a weight-loss medicine, you can also consult our medicine page.

What are the most common side effects of Saxenda?

The most common side effects of Saxenda are gastrointestinal problems. Nausea tops the list: the majority of users experience this in the early stages of treatment. Vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are also frequently reported, as are headaches. To a lesser extent, symptoms such as sleep problems (particularly in the first three months), a slightly increased heart rate and reactions at the injection site, such as a small red spot or slight swelling, may occur. These symptoms may sound unpleasant, but for most people they are mild and temporary. As demonstrated in the large clinical trial that underpinned the approval of Saxenda, the vast majority of participants chose to continue treatment, even when they experienced side effects at the start.

Are there any rare or serious side effects known?

Yes, but fortunately these are rare. The most well-known serious side effect is acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Anaphylactic reactions have also been reported: severe allergic reactions manifesting as shortness of breath, swelling of the face or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Cholecystitis (gallbladder disorder) and acute kidney failure resulting from severe dehydration are also listed in the product information. Finally, with repeated injections in exactly the same spot, there is a small risk of cutaneous amyloidosis, a localised build-up of proteins in the skin.

All these complications are rare and occur significantly more frequently in people without medical supervision. Precisely because Goodweigh works with registered doctors and coaches, signs are recognised at an early stage.

When do the side effects of Saxenda usually start?

Side effects occur most frequently in the first few weeks of treatment, and particularly around the time the dose is increased. Saxenda is titrated according to a fixed schedule: treatment starts at 0.6 mg per day and increases by 0.6 mg each week until the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg per day is reached. With each dose increase, the body reacts anew to the higher concentration, which may temporarily cause slightly more nausea or stomach discomfort.

Once you have become accustomed to a particular dose, the symptoms decrease significantly in most people. If tolerance is really poor, the titration schedule can be slowed down. There is no need to grit your teeth and carry on if it really isn’t working: that is precisely the time to contact your treating doctor via Goodweigh.

What can you do if you experience mild symptoms?

Mild nausea or stomach discomfort is unpleasant but easily managed. A few practical adjustments often help a great deal. Eat smaller portions and avoid fatty, heavy meals, especially in the first few hours after the injection. Take the injection at a fixed time, preferably in the evening before going to bed, so that the peak in blood levels occurs whilst you are asleep. Rotate the injection site consistently between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm, so that the skin has time to recover. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as good hydration reduces the risk of dehydration and associated headaches. Rest and patience are also effective measures: the body needs time to get used to a GLP-1 agonist.

When should you contact a doctor?

There are situations where you should contact a doctor immediately, without delay. Severe, persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back may indicate acute pancreatitis and requires immediate medical assessment. Shortness of breath, palpitations or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat are signs of a possible allergic reaction. Severe dehydration, recognisable by extreme thirst, dark urine or dizziness, also requires swift action. You can always contact Goodweigh with any questions or concerns: the medical team is there to quickly assess what is going on and adjust your treatment if necessary. How the Goodweigh programme works and what support you can expect is explained on our programme page.

Do the side effects go away on their own?

For most people, the answer is: yes. The gastrointestinal problems so characteristic of the initial phase of Saxenda diminish in the vast majority of users as the body gets used to the medication. Comparative research shows that this pattern is widely observed with GLP-1 agonists: side effects are strongest at the start and when the dose is increased, and then diminish significantly. After six to eight weeks, many people report virtually no stomach complaints at the maintenance dose. Sleep problems, which may persist for a little longer, usually improve after the first three months.

How does Goodweigh support you with Saxenda side effects?

Goodweigh is not just a supplier of medication. It is a medically supervised programme in which doctors and coaches actively monitor your progress. After starting treatment, you track your progress via the platform, and you can ask the medical team questions at any time. If side effects occur that are bothersome or persistent, a doctor will assess whether the titration schedule needs adjusting or if additional advice is required. Goodweigh’s medically supervised weight loss programme is designed to ensure you can complete the treatment safely and comfortably, even if the start is a little difficult.

Side effects? You’re not on your own

Saxenda is an effective and well-researched medication. The titration schedule has been deliberately designed to allow the body to adjust gradually, and side effects in the initial phase are part of the process.

Goodweigh ensures you are never left alone with questions or concerns. Would you like to know if you are eligible? Calculate your BMI and check if you are eligible using our online tool, or view all available weight-loss medicines and complete the intake to get started.

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