Saxenda
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Chronic Weight Management
FDA-Approved Pharmacotherapy for Obesity
Saxenda® (liraglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities. Clinical trials demonstrate 8-12% mean body weight reduction at 56 weeks (SCALE Obesity trial, n=3,731). The medication works by slowing gastric emptying, increasing satiety, and reducing caloric intake through central appetite regulation in the hypothalamus.
Clinically Validated Benefits
Appetite Regulation
Reduces hunger cues by 32% and increases satiety signals by 45% (GLP-1 receptor activation)
Weight Reduction
Achieves 9.2% mean body weight loss vs 3.5% with placebo (56-week RCT)
Metabolic Improvement
Reduces HbA1c by 0.6% and systolic BP by 2.8 mmHg in obese patients
Quality of Life
Improves IWQOL-Lite scores by 12.7 points vs 6.5 with lifestyle changes alone
Pharmaceutical Specifications
- Active Ingredient: Liraglutide 6 mg/mL (3.0 mg/dose)
- Packaging: Multi-dose pen (3 mL) with 6 disposable needles
- Dosage Form: Subcutaneous injection
- Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk A/S
- Storage: 2-8°C before first use; 30°C max after opening
- Shelf Life: 24 months unopened; 30 days in use
Clinical Protocol
- Dosage: 0.6 mg daily, titrated weekly to 3.0 mg target dose
- Administration: SC injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Treatment Duration: Minimum 12 weeks for efficacy assessment
- Needle Gauge: 32G × 4mm NovoFine® disposable needles
- Best Practice: Administer at consistent time daily
Therapeutic Applications
Obesity Management
For BMI ≥30: Initiate at 0.6 mg SC daily, increase by 0.6 mg weekly to 3.0 mg target dose. Combine with 500 kcal deficit diet and 150 min/week exercise. Monitor weight loss at 12 weeks (≥5% target).
Weight-Related Comorbidities
For BMI ≥27 with hypertension/type 2 diabetes: Titrate to 3.0 mg over 4 weeks. Expect 2-4 kg greater weight loss vs conventional therapy. Monitor glycemic control in diabetics.
Maintenance Therapy
After initial 12-week response: Continue 3.0 mg daily with lifestyle intervention. Clinical data shows 80% maintain ≥5% weight loss at 2 years with continued therapy.
Important Clinical Notice
Notice: Individual results may vary significantly based on metabolic factors, adherence to therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Saxenda® is contraindicated in pregnancy, personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Most common adverse effects include nausea (39%), diarrhea (21%), and constipation (20%), typically transient.
This medication requires prescription and medical supervision. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. Regular monitoring of weight, glycemic control (in diabetics), and potential thyroid nodules is recommended. Not approved for pediatric use.
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