Effective weight loss with Saxenda
Saxenda is a pre-filled injectable pen that is used to administer a HSA-approved prescription weight loss medication called Liraglutide. It is important to remember that Saxenda is just one part of your weight-loss efforts. To maximise the impact of your weight loss treatment, you are encouraged to make active changes to other aspects of your lifestyle such as intake of nutrition and physical activity.
To ensure you are getting sustained and healthy weight management, Minmed’s Happy Weight program features an integration of pharmacotherapy, fitness and nutrition to help you get to your happy and healthy weight. An effective approach to weight loss achieved through a combination of HSA-approved prescription weight loss medication (Saxenda), our varied selection of fitness programmes and nutrition planning by our dietitians.
Book a consultation with our doctor to find out about your suitability.
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda is a pre-filled injection pen that delivers a weight loss medication called Liraglutide. Liraglutide acts similarly to our body’s natural hormone, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), which plays a vital role in appetite regulation. The medication works like GLP-1 by binding to and activating GLP-1 receptors, to decrease feeling of hunger while increasing feelings of fullness, so you are eating less.
Am I suitable for Saxenda?
Saxenda is a prescription weight loss medication and is recommended for 3 groups of people
• Adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) & weight-related medical problems
• Adults who are obese (BMI ≥30)
• Children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 60 kg and obesity
Book a consultation with our doctor to find out about your suitability.
Is Saxenda safe?
Saxenda has been approved by the Health Science Authority (HSA). In addition, Saxenda is a prescription weight loss medication which means a doctor has to assess your suitability before you can start on the medication. Our Happy Weight program also includes a teleconsult review with our doctor to monitor your progress and assist with any concerns.
How much weight loss can I expect from Saxenda?
Adults who take Saxenda will know it’s working for them if they lose more than 5% of their baseline body weight after 12 weeks of maintenance dose of 3mg. Saxenda should be used alongside a sensible diet and good level of physical activity that can make a difference to your weight loss goals. Individual results may vary so it is important for our doctors to connect with you in-clinic and tailor the program according to your needs.
Who is not suitable for Saxenda?
Pregnancy or Planning Pregnancy: This medication is not safe for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant.
Medical Conditions: Individuals with a medical history including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or a family history of MTC should avoid using this medication. Similarly, it is not suitable for those diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Allergic reaction: If there is a severe allergic reaction to liraglutide or any of its components, it is advised not to take this medication.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions and are considering this injection, please schedule a consultation with our GP doctor to assess your suitability.
What are the potential side effects?
The most common possible side effects are:
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
These usually go away after a few days or weeks.
Less possible common side effects are:
• Injection site reaction (e.g. bruising, hardening of the skin)
• Low Blood Sugar
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Inflammation in the pancreas
What can I do if I am experiencing any side effects from Saxenda?
Nausea is the most common side effect when first starting Saxenda. When feeling nauseous, here are some ways to manage it:
• Eat bland, low fat foods, like crackers, bread or rice
• Eat food that contain water, like soup or gelatin
• Don’t lie down after you eat
• Go outside for some fresh air
How often do I need to inject myself with Saxenda?
You will need to administer a dose of Saxenda once a day according to the dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor which will also include the dosage for each injection.
Be sure to follow up with your doctor via teleconsult for a post-review on your progress 2 weeks after you start the treatment.
Is the injection painful?
The weight loss medication is self-administered at home, most commonly on the belly, at least 2 inches from the belly button . The needles used for the injection pen are very small and thin (only 0.2mm thick, that’s thinner than a piece of paper!), making the whole injection process super fast and easy with the pain factor similar to a light pinch on the skin.
Where do I administer the injection?
Saxenda should be injected under the skin (this is called subcutaneous injection) in the belly area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm as instructed by your doctor. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. If you need any guidance or assistance, please reach out to your doctor.
How do I keep the medication?
As the Saxenda pens are pre-filled with the weight loss medication, it is important to store them properly.
New & unused pens: Keep them in the refrigerator (not freezer) between 2°C to 8°C.
Used Pens: After the first use, you can keep the medication back in the refrigerator (not in the freezer) or at room temperature (15°C to 30°C). Do take note to keep the medication away from heat and sunlight.
Other things to note:
• Do not put the medication into the freezer. Once the medication has been frozen, it must not be used and must be discarded.
• Always put the cap back on after each use.
• Pens in use should be thrown away after 30 days, even if they still have medication left in them.
• Do not ever share pens or needles with another patient.
• Use a brand new single-use needle for each and every dose.
How do I handle and dispose of the used needles?
Proper disposal protects cleaners from accidental injuries, and prevents your used needles from falling into the wrong hands.
Place used needles in a hard puncture-resistant container with a securable lid
Label the container “Used needles”
Seal the container when it is full
Discard the container down the rubbish chute or in a rubbish bin
Note: Containers that are suitable for safe disposal must be hard plastic, metal or a sharps container, such as an empty detergent bottle or metal tin.
Refer to HealthHub’s guide here.
Can I travel with Saxenda and the needles?
You might need a prescription or note from our doctor in order to carry medication or needles on board. Always check with the respective airlines on their health regulations before your trip.
Also make sure you bring along sufficient dosage of Saxenda for your trip to ensure you are able to adhere to your prescribed dosing schedule.
How much does it cost to be on Minmed’s weight loss program with Saxenda?
Minmed’s Happy Weight program is an integrated approach of pharmacotherapy, fitness and nutrition to help you get to your happy weight. The program is available starting at $480 (incl. GST) for one month’s supply of Saxenda, nutritionist and fitness support. Click here to find out more.
