Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Form: Saxenda / Liraglutide is a subcutaneous injection in a prefilled pen in a 6 mg dose. 

Mode of action:

• Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analogue and binds to GLP-1 receptors.
• GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the areas of the brain important to appetite regulation and treatment with Liraglutide increass satiety and reduces hunger signals.
• Liraglutide lowers body weight through loss of fat.and body fat mass. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but Liraglutide regulates appetote by increasing feelings of fullness and satiety whilst lowering feelings of hunger leading to reduced food intake.
• Liraglutide stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion which results in lower blood glucose levels. This lowering effect is more pronounced in prediabetics and diabetics than it is in patients with normal blood glucose levels.

Dose: The starting dose of Liraglutide is 0.6 mg once daily. After 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to 3 mg once daily in increments of 0.6 mg with at keasr one-week intervals. If escalation to the next dose step is not tolerated for two consecutive weeks consider discontinuing treatment. Daily doses higher than 3.0 mg are not recommended. 

Side effects include: Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased appetite, Constipation, and Indigestion

Source: EMC Saxenda