WHAT IS SAXENDA (liraglutide) ?
Saxenda, also known as liraglutide, is a daily injectable prescription medication. It is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for chronic weight management in addition to diet and exercise. Saxenda has proven efficacy and safety in those who are:
- Adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of
- ? 30 kg/m2 (obese), or
- ? 27 kg/m2 (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, or dyslipidemia)
- Pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with:
- A weight greater than 60 kg and
- A BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m2 for adults (obese) by international cut-offs
Saxenda has a few limitations to its use. These include:
- Co-administration with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other products containing liraglutide
- Pediatric patients with T2DM, as safety and efficacy has not been confirmed in this population
- Combination with other weight loss medications, as safety and efficacy has not been confirmed when used with other products
HOW DOES SAXENDA WORK?
Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, making it a mediator of calorie intake and appetite. The GLP-1 receptor appears throughout various parts of