Saxenda dosage for weight loss
Saxenda Dosage for Weight Loss: Your UDS Guide
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily subcutaneous injection that is FDA approved for chronic weight management in certain adults and children 12 years and older. As with most drugs like Saxenda, you will typically be started on a low dose and then gradually increased to your maintenance dose. This is done to help reduce your risk of side effects while your body adjusts to the medication.
In this guide, we will go through the typical Saxenda dosing schedule recommended by the drug manufacturer. However, your dosage may vary depending on how your body reacts to the medication.
What is the recommended dosage schedule of Saxenda for adults?
The recommended starting Saxenda dose for weight loss is 0.6 mg injected once daily. This will then be slowly increased over 5 weeks to a target dose of 3 mg daily. Daily doses higher than 3.0 mg are not recommended.
Saxenda is available as a multi-dose prefilled pen. This means you will use the same Saxenda pen (with a new pen needle) multiple times. You can inject Saxenda under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Saxenda is available in five different strengths: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3 mg. A typical dose escalation schedule is as follows:
- Week 1 – 0.6 mg once daily
- Week 2 – 1.2 mg once daily
- Week 3 – 1.8 mg once daily
- Week 4 – 2.4 mg once daily
- Week 5 (and after) – 3 mg once daily
Slowly increasing your dose can help reduce your risk of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you can’t tolerate the 3 mg dose, your healthcare provider may recommend a different weight-loss medication. This is because lower doses of Saxenda may not be effective for adults.
What is the recommended dosage schedule of Saxenda for children?
It is recommended that children 12 years of age and older have the same starting dose of 0.6 mg once daily for 1 week. However, it may take some children up to 8 weeks to reach the target 3 mg dose.
If your child does not tolerate the 3 mg daily dose, their provider may recommend lowering the dose back to 2.4 mg once daily. If they still cannot take Saxenda at this lower dose, they may recommend switching to a different weight loss treatment.
What happens if you miss a dose of Saxenda?
If you miss a dose of Saxenda, inject it right away. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your usual dosing schedule. Do not double your dose or use Saxenda more than prescribed to make up for any missed doses.
If it has been more than 3 days since you last used Saxenda, ask your provider for medical advice about the best way to restart your medication. They may have you start back at the usual starting dose (0.6 mg once daily).
What is Saxenda approved to treat?
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a brand-name medication that is FDA-approved for weight management when taken along with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.
It is approved for use in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 kg/m2 or more (obesity)
- 27 kg/m2 or more with at least 1 weight-related medical condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes
It can also be used in adolescents 12 years of age and older with a body weight over 60 kg (132 lbs) and a starting BMI that is considered obese.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects of Saxenda in adults include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Injection site reactions
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), especially if taken along with a diabetes medication
- Indigestion
- Headache
The most common side effects of Saxenda in children 12 and older include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar levels, especially if taken along with a diabetes medication
Rarely, Saxenda treatment may cause more serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas)
- Fast heartbeat
- Kidney issues
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Increased risk of thyroid cancer or thyroid tumors
This is not a complete list of side effects for Saxenda. Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible side effects you experience while taking this medication. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How does Saxenda work?
The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, which is also found in a type 2 diabetes medication called Victoza. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means that it works similarly to GLP-1. GLP-1 is a hormone that your body makes to control your blood sugar and appetite. It is thought to affect areas of your brain that help control your appetite while also slowing down digestion. Both of these actions help you feel full for longer and eat less.
Where do you store your Saxenda pen?
Before you use your pen for the first time, store it in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze the pen or use it if it becomes frozen.
Once you start using your Saxenda pen, you can store it for 30 days at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) or in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). When you are not using your pen, make sure the pen cap is on to protect it from light.
Who should not take Saxenda?
Saxenda has a boxed warning from the FDA concerning the possibility of developing thyroid cancer while taking Saxenda. Because of this, Saxenda is contraindicated if you have a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). You should also avoid Saxenda if you have a known serious hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any of the inactive ingredients in its formulation.
Sources
- Saxenda – liraglutide injection, solution [package insert]. Novo Nordisk. Last updated 11/2024. Accessed May 9, 2025.