Introduction

Saxenda (liraglutide) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA specifically for chronic weight management. While newer GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have since taken the spotlight for their higher effectiveness and weekly dosing, Saxenda still remains an option—particularly for patients who do not respond well to newer drugs or are seeking a well-established alternative.

 

How Saxenda Works

Saxenda mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which:

• Regulates appetite
• Delays digestion
• Increases feelings of fullness
• Reduces overall calorie intake

Unlike Wegovy or Mounjaro, Saxenda requires daily injections, which may make it harder for some people to stick with the treatment.

 

FDA Approval & Indications

 

 

Use	Status
Obesity	✅ FDA Approved
Overweight with comorbidity	✅ FDA Approved

Saxenda is approved for use in:

• Adults with a BMI ≥30, or
• Adults with a BMI ≥27 and at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)

Weight Loss Effectiveness

Saxenda has been shown to produce modest weight loss, especially when combined with a structured lifestyle program.

• Average weight loss: 5–8% of total body weight
• Maximum benefit typically seen after 16–24 weeks of consistent use
• Lower efficacy than Wegovy (~15%) or Mounjaro (~20%+), but results may still be clinically significant

📚 Source: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes Clinical Trial

 

Saxenda vs Newer GLP-1s

 

 

Medication	Avg. Weight Loss	Dosing Frequency	FDA-Approved for Obesity
Saxenda	5–8%	Daily	✅
Wegovy	15%+	Weekly	✅
Mounjaro	20%+ (off-label)	Weekly	⚠️ Pending

💡 Saxenda may still be appropriate when newer medications are not tolerated, not covered by insurance, or unavailable.

 

Cost Comparison

 

 

Pharmacy	Monthly Cost
U.S. Retail	~$1,200
Canadian Pharmacy	~$515–$700
WeReviveRx.com	~$515 (Check current price)

📌 Significant savings may be available through Canadian pharmacies or with manufacturer coupons.

 

Side Effects

 

 

Common	Less Common / Serious
Nausea	Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones)
Diarrhea or constipation	Pancreatitis
Headache	Increased heart rate
Decreased appetite	Hypoglycemia (rare)

Side effects are typically dose-dependent and most prominent in the first few weeks of use.

 

Who Should Consider Saxenda?

✅ Ideal for:

• Patients who prefer daily injections over weekly
• Individuals with insurance plans that only cover Saxenda
• Patients who cannot tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide
• Adults needing a proven, FDA-approved obesity treatment

❌ Not ideal for:

• Those with a history of thyroid C-cell tumors
• Individuals looking for the most potent weight loss available

Savings Strategies

1. Saxenda Savings Card Eligible patients with private insurance may pay as little as $25 per month for 12 months.
2. Discount Programs
    Use GoodRx or SingleCare to reduce pharmacy costs.
3. Canadian Pharmacies / WeReviveRx
    Save up to 50% or more by ordering a 90-day supply from licensed Canadian sources.
    Learn more via the FDA’s Drug Importation Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saxenda as effective as Wegovy?
 No. Saxenda leads to moderate weight loss (~5–8%), while Wegovy may produce 15% or more.

Does Saxenda need to be injected every day?
 Yes. It’s a once-daily injection, unlike Wegovy or Mounjaro, which are weekly.

Is Saxenda covered by insurance?
 Coverage varies. Some insurance plans include Saxenda as a preferred option for obesity, especially if newer drugs are not on formulary.

Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy or Mounjaro?
 Yes, but only under medical supervision. Each drug has different dosing, mechanisms, and side effect profiles.

 

Final Thoughts

Saxenda may no longer be the most powerful GLP-1 for weight loss, but it remains a valid and effective option—especially for patients with limited insurance coverage, experience with liraglutide, or sensitivity to other medications.

 

 ✔️ Backed by long-term safety data
 ✔️ FDA-approved specifically for weight management
 ✔️ Savings programs and international pharmacies can reduce costs

 

📌 To compare pricing or check availability, visit our Saxenda pricing page.