Saxenda

What is a daily injection?

 

This medication was initially approved for diabetic patients in 2009 to help control their blood sugar and their diabetes. One of the side effects noted was weight loss. This prompted the manufacturer to carry out clinical trials using the drug for weight loss. Following the results, the manufacturer created a new version of the medication specifically for weight loss in 2017. It has recently been approved by NICE as safe to use by the NHS for Tier 3 Weight Management.

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What is it?

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The medication comes as a pre-filled injectable pen under the brand name Saxenda. The manufacturer advises that you inject once a day. This in an area where you can pinch a good amount of subcutaneous fat. You use a CLEAN and NEW needle every day, disposing of the needle after each injection.

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It contains the active ingredient Liraglutide. Liraglutide is similar to a hormone in the body called glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is an appetite hormone that helps regulate your hunger and is released by the intestines after a meal. The medication therefore helps you feel fuller and less hungry.

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It is used as an adjunct to a calorie controlled diet and light exercise.

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What is included with the daily programme?

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Included with the Daily Programme:

 

• Your health screening & consultation

• Box of 100 needles

• Handy pen wallet

• Sharps Box with free replacement as required

• FREE Access to our members area with information literature, including side effects, how to deal with side effects, how to take measurements, top tips for weight loss etc

• Free next day delivery with tracking information from a UK regulated pharmacy

• Dietary & nutritional advice from our in-house qualified nutritionists

• Access to weekly  meal plans, plus meal planning ideas with delicious healthy receipes

• Regular text/WhatsApp check-ins from your clinician to ensure you are getting the best possible results

• You always speak with a qualified and trained medical professional, never an admin person or sales person

• Weekly check-ins with 1:1 support as needed with your own same clinician each time

• Instant access via text/WhatsApp to your own clinician at anytime if you need any advice or guidance. Replies are within an hour and typically Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. A clinician is always available if required for a rare emergency situation

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• Progress tracking - keep an eye on your weight, waist measurements & BMI

• Track your daily calories - you can input & see your daily calorie intake from food & fluids

• Access to over 200 recipes, healthy food swaps & healthy food tips

• Access to the medication information, demo videos & aftercare literature

• Online Exercise Programmes - our home workouts with no need for expensive equipment

• Request a review of your progress

• Order repeat products if you wish to continue the programme

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What is the dosage?

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The starting dose for Saxenda is 0.6mg per day. Official titration guidelines from the manufacturer then recommend increasing the dose each week until you reach the full 3mg daily dose, which is then used for continual maintenance.

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What about side effects?

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Like any new medication introduced to your body, your body will have to adjust to it. These side effects are generally mild and are transient - which means they will go after a few days once your body has adjusted.

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Side effects can include:

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• Nausea

• Headaches

• Dry mouth / thirst

• Constipation or loose stool

• Tiredness

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Some clients experience no side effects. Some experience one side effect. Some experience two side effects. Everyone is different and it is difficult to predict. However, during the consultation we go through the side effects & how to deal with them. We also send you aftercare information on how to deal with any potential side effects and the Patient Information Leaflet, which goes into greater detail.

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Can weight loss occur with these medications?

 

During clinical trials, patients saw better results in losing weight when compared to using a placebo injection over the course of 56 weeks.

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In summary;

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63% lost at least 5% of body weight

33% lost at least 10% body weight

15% lost at least 15% of body weight

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The full results can be found here.

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Furthermore, up to 80% of participants were found to keep the weight off a year later. But please know that everyone is different, so your weight loss may be more or it could be less . Try not to compare yourself to others losing weight - focus on yourself, your goals and your progress.

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For more information from the manufacturer on the medication, please click here.

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Who may be suitable for weight loss medication?

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The medication may be suitable for an individual, but this must be assessed on a case-by-case scenario. There is no "blanket fit" for people to use prescription-only medications.

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According to the manufacturer and the licence for Saxenda, the medication can be used for those with a BMI greater than 30 or those with a BMI greater than 27 (and one weight related co-morbidity e.g. hypertension).

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It is also prudent to look at:

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• Your medical history

• Your current medication

• Body measurements

• Current diet & eating habits

• Current exercise levels

• Other methods you have already tried

• Your reasoning for wanting to consider medication

 

The programme and medication is NOT suitable for:

 

• Under 18's or Over 75's

• Ladies who are breastfeeding or pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant.

• Anyone who has had pancreatitis or thyroid tumours

• Anyone with a history or direct family history of MEN2

• Type 1 diabetics or patients taking diabetic medication

• Renal (kidney) or liver disease

• Anyone with heart failure