*Please contact the pharmacy prior to collection if you have not received confirmation that your order is ready to collect.
Online Doctor registered by the CQCMedication from GPhC-registered pharmacies
How our weight loss service works
Complete a short health questionnaire
Answer a few short questions about your health and submit pictures to check your eligibility for weight loss treatment.
A doctor prescribes treatment if appropriate
One of our doctors reviews your answers and pictures, and approves treatment or recommends the most suitable option for your health and needs.
Pick up in store or delivered to your door
Start your weight loss journey with your treatments delivered in plain, unmarked packaging! You can also collect from your local Superdrug pharmacy.
About Wegovy
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescriptionweight loss medicationcontaining semaglutide. It’s specifically for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or more with weight-related health conditions, including prediabetes and high blood pressure.
Wegovy can help regulate your appetite and reduce food cravings, while also delaying the emptying of your stomach, so you feel full for longer periods after eating. You inject Wegovy once per week, and it follows a dosage schedule up to a maximum dose of 2.4mg.
Your doctor will also encourage you to eat a lower-calorie diet, follow healthy eating habits, and exercise more often while taking Wegovy. This helps you get the most from your treatment. You can buy Wegovy in the UK online from regulated prescribing services like Superdrug Online Doctor with a prescription.
How does Wegovy work?
The Wegovy injection works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormonecalled glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and sends signals to the receptors in your brain that manage appetite.
Wegovy helps you to lose weight because it:
reduces your appetite, so you do not need to eat as many calories to feel full
delays how quickly food empties out of your stomach, so you’ll feel fuller for longer
helps to regulate your blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and blood sugar spikes (this can be especially helpful for people with prediabetes or insulin resistance)
Wegovy, like other weight loss injections, is always prescribed alongside a complementary healthy diet and exercise plan to help you with your weight loss journey.
How long does Wegovy take to work?
Wegovy will start working from the very first injection, and you may start to feel fuller within the first few days.
In the first month of taking Wegovy injections alongside a healthy diet plan and regular exercise, you can expect to lose around 2% of your starting weight. However, you’ll notice the effects more as you follow the dosage schedule and reach a higher dose.
“As it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to see significant weight loss, your doctor will wait until you’ve been taking the Wegovy injection for 6 months before checking you’ve reached a weight loss of at least 5% from your starting weight. If this is not the case, you and your doctor will discuss whether it’s the right decision to continue taking Wegovy.” - Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
How effective is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an effective treatment for weight loss, andstudies show that the 2.4mg maintenance dose works for 83.5% of people who take it.
After taking 2.4mg of Wegovy over 68 weeks, the average weight lost was 17% from starting weight. This is compared to a 2.4% loss of weight in those taking a placebo.
The Wegovy injection was also found, on average, to reduce:
waist circumference by 13.5cm
systolic blood pressure by 6.2 millimetres of mercury (mmHg)
The numbers from these studies are from people taking Wegovy alongside a diet and exercise plan. To get the most from your treatment, it’s best to follow healthy lifestyle changes during and after your treatment with Wegovy, so you can maintain your weight loss.
How do I use a Wegovy pen?
Wegovy comes in the form of an injectable pen, which you’ll inject yourself with once a week. You don’t need to measure your dose, as each pen contains 4 doses that will last for 4 weeks. It’s recommended to take your Wegovy injection at the same time and day every week to get the best effect and reduce side effects.
Where to inject Wegovy
You can inject Wegovy into your lower abdomen, thigh, or upper arm (with the help of someone else), depending on which is easiest and most comfortable for you.
Wherever you choose to inject Wegovy, divide the section up into smaller sections and choose a different area to inject each week. This helps reduce Wegovy injection site irritation or soreness.
How to use Wegovy
To use your Wegovy pen, you’ll need a few minutes, a fresh needle, a sharps bin, and a comfortable place to inject it. You can follow our step-by-step guide but before your first dose, you should also read all the information in the patient information leaflet.
Preparing your Wegovy pen
Wash your hands and the injection site with warm soapy water to prevent contaminating the needle.
Check your pen label to make sure it contains your prescribed dose of Wegovy.
Remove the pen cap and look through the small viewing window, where you can see the Wegovy liquid in the pen. Make sure that the liquid is clear and colourless. If it is not, do not use this pen and contact your doctor or prescribing service.
When you’re ready to inject, push a new needle onto the pen and turn it on tightly before removing the caps.
You should always use a fresh needle with every dose to prevent contamination or infection. Never reuse a needle or use a needle that’s unsealed, bent, or broken.Checking the flow of a new pen
If you’re not using a new pen, you can skip this step.
If it’s your first time using this pen, you’ll need to check the flow. You can do this by turning the “dose selector” on the end of the pen until you reach the ‘flow check’ symbol (2 dots and a line).
When you press the button, a small droplet of Wegovy should form on the tip of the needle. If it does, you’re ready to inject.
If a drop does not appear, check the flow again. This should only be done twice.
If there is still no drop, change the needle and check the flow once more. Do not use the pen if a drop of Wegovy still does not appear.
Taking your Wegovy dose
Turn the dose selector until you reach your prescribed dose.
Insert the needle into your skin and press the button, holding it down until the number on the dose counter reaches 0. Continue holding the button down after it reaches 0, and then count to 6. This makes sure all of the medication is properly injected.
Remove the needle slowly from your skin, and then dispose of the needle and cap in the provided sharps bin.
Put the cap back on your Wegovy injection pen and store it safely, away from sunlight, until you need to take your next dose.
What is the dosage of Wegovy?
There are 5 different doses of Wegovy:
0.25mg
0.5mg
1mg
1.7mg
2.4mg
Each dose comes in its own colour pen. Each pen contains 4 doses and lasts for 4 weeks before you need to switch pens.
Wegovy dosage starts low and increases gradually as you get used to the medication. This is done over a few months.
Wegovy dosage schedule
The Wegovy dosage schedule is as follows:
Month 1: You will start with the recommended dose of 0.25mg.
Month 2: Your dose will be increased to 0.5mg.
Month 3: Your dose will be increased to 1mg.
Month 4: Your dose will be increased to 1.7mg.
Month 5 and beyond: Your dose will be increased to 2.4mg, the maintenance dose. You will continue taking this dose for the rest of your treatment.
You might stay on a lower dose for longer, such as if you get side effects that you’d rather have settled before you continue with a higher dose. You can also stay on a lower dose if you’re losing weight and you’re happy with the results.
You can change your mind at any time and increase your dose with your doctor’s approval, as long as it’s been at least 4 weeks on your current dose but you cannot take more than 2.4mg a week.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wegovy?
If it is 5 days or less since you should have used Wegovy, take it as soon as you remember. Inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day even if this means taking 2 doses within a few days of one another.
If it is more than 5 days since you should have used Wegovy, skip your missed dose. Inject your next one as usual on your next scheduled day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget Wegovy for more than 2 weeks, you might need to restart treatment from the 0.25mg dosage. Speak to your doctor if you’ve missed several Wegovy injections.
Where can I buy Wegovy?
You can buy Wegovy in the UK with a prescription from trusted and regulated online doctor services, like Superdrug Online Doctor. You can also get it on the NHS, although the criteria for getting it is different from private services. Wegovy must be prescribed by a doctor, so you won’t be able to get it over the counter.
Can I buy Wegovy online?
Yes, you can buy Wegovy online through our service. To get your prescription and treatment, follow these simple steps:
Complete a short medical questionnaire, which checks for any health conditions and current medications that could interact with Wegovy.
You’ll also be asked to send some photos which are completely confidential and used by our doctors to check that Wegovy is a safe option for you. We need to do this to prescribe weight loss medication online. Read our photo guidelines to find out more.
Once complete, your questionnaire and photos are sent to a registered doctor who can determine whether Wegovy is suitable for you, or whether another medication may be better.
After approval, you can collect your medication from a convenient Superdrug Pharmacy or have it delivered directly to you.
Doctors in the UK can prescribe Wegovy if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30, or over 27 and a weight-related medical condition or risk factor, such as high blood pressure. If you’re not sure you’re eligible for Wegovy, you can use our BMI calculator to check.
Can I buy Wegovy over the counter?
No, you cannot buy Wegovy over the counter. The active ingredient semaglutide needs to be prescribed to make sure it’s safe and suitable. Be cautious of any website offering genuine medication without a prescription, as this is illegal or the treatment could be fake.
Can I get Wegovy on the NHS?
Yes, you can get Wegovy on the NHS but only in certain circumstances. You can find out more on the NHS website. Some GPs and pharmacists can prescribe Wegovy, although this is not a UK-wide standard at the moment. Otherwise, you’ll need a referral to a special weight management service and this can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, as demand is high.
Can you buy generic Wegovy?
No, you cannot buy generic Wegovy in the UK, or anywhere else yet. Wegovy weight loss injections are currently under a patent with the manufacturer, so other manufacturers cannot make it a generic treatment yet. You’ll be able to buy generic semaglutide sometime in or after 2031 when the patent expires.
Side effects of Wegovy
Very common side effects of Wegovy include:
headache
nausea (feeling sick)
vomiting (being sick)
constipation or diarrhoea
stomach pains
feeling tired or weak
These side effects usually go away over time as your body gets used to the medication. It’s possible for side effects to come back when you increase your dose.
Common side effects of Wegovy include:
feeling dizzy
upset stomach or indigestion
burping
gas (flatulence)
bloating
inflamed stomach (gastritis)
reflux or heartburn
gallstones
hair loss
injection site reactions
change in the way food or drink tastes
change in skin sensation
low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with pre-existing diabetes
Low blood sugar in diabetic patients is more likely if you’re also taking sulfonylurea or insulin. Before starting Wegovy, speak to your doctor if you’re taking these medications to adjust your dose if necessary.
Uncommon side effects of Wegovy include:
an increased level of bilirubin in your blood (signs include jaundice which is the yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes)
hypoglycaemia in patients without diabetes
a delay in the emptying of the stomach
increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) shown in blood tests
fast heartbeat
Some serious side effects of Wegovy require you to speak to a doctor straight away. These include:
complications of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis), with symptoms such as severe and long-lasting pain in your stomach and the pain may move to your back
kidney or bladder stones, with symptoms such as back or lower stomach pain, difficulty peeing, or a change in the colour of your urine
bowel obstruction, a severe form of constipation with additional symptoms like stomach ache, bloating, and vomiting
a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. You or someone else should call 999 straight away if you get symptoms such as:
breathing problems
swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat with difficulty swallowing
wheezing
fast heartbeat
pale and cold skin
feeling dizzy or weak
How long do Wegovy side effects last?
Wegovy side effects can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. They tend to get better with time but some side effects can happen at any time, or may be likely after a dose increase. You must let your doctor know if you cannot tolerate Wegovy and its side effects.
What to do if you get Wegovy side effects
Speak to your doctor if you get any Wegovy side effects, especially if they:
are getting worse
do not improve after a few weeks of treatment
are making it difficult to carry out daily activities like working, eating, and sleeping
Most Wegovy side effects can be managed at home by:
getting rest
eating little and often, and eating enough calories
avoiding alcohol and caffeine
eating healthy foods
taking over-the-counter medicines, like painkillers or acid reflux tablets
staying hydrated
For specific advice on your side effects, you can find more about Wegovy side effects in our guide, including tips on managing them, or ask your doctor.
Who can take Wegovy?
You can take Wegovy if you’re over 18, need help managing your weight, and do not have any conditions or take any medications that interact with semaglutide and could make it unsafe.
You’ll also need to meet the BMI requirements for taking Wegovy, which is either over 30, or 27 and over with a weight-related health condition, including prediabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Wegovy warnings
Do not use Wegovy if you have an allergy to semaglutide or any other non-active ingredients contained in the medication.
Talk to your doctor before taking Wegovy if you:
have kidney problems, as Wegovy can cause vomiting or diarrhoea which can increase the risk of dehydration
are diabetic, as your doses of other medications may need to be adjusted and taking Wegovy can increase your risk of low blood sugar
have any problems with your pancreas, or have ever had pancreatitis
have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy
are due to have surgery under anaesthetic (where you’ll be put to sleep)
have had an allergy to similar medications before, such as another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Some medications can interact with Wegovy, causing side effects. Speak to your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
antidiabetic drugs, for example, sulfonylureas and insulin, which can increase the risk of low blood sugar
other GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda or Mounjaro, as this can increase the risk of all side effects and should never be taken alongside each other
Speak also to your doctor about any other medication you’re taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter treatments.
Wegovy and breastfeeding
You should not use Wegovy if you’re breastfeeding, as it’s not known yet how much of the active ingredient is passed through breast milk.
Wegovy and pregnancy
Wegovy has not been tested during pregnancy yet and it’s not known how semaglutide may affect an unborn baby, so you should not take it if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. It’s recommended to use contraception if you’re having sex, and if you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test straight away and stop taking Wegovy.
If you want to conceive, stop using Wegovy at least 2 months before, so the active ingredient has plenty of time to fully leave your system.
Wegovy alternatives
Wegovy alternatives include other weight loss injections that contain a similar active ingredient, or weight loss tablets that work in different ways. Whether you cannot take Wegovy, or just want to explore your different options, here we look at the best weight loss treatments available at Superdrug Online Doctor.
Weight loss injections
MounjaroMounjaro is a similar weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Like Wegovy, it helps you lose weight by reducing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Instead of mimicking 1 hormone, tirzepatide mimics 2 hormones, which is thought to enhance appetite suppression.
Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, Mounjaro can lead to patients losing up to 22.5% of their starting weight (after 72 weeks of treatment on a maintenance dose of 15mg). Like Wegovy, Mounjaro is a weekly injection.
LiraglutideLiraglutide is a generic weight loss injection of Saxenda, which is currently long-term out of stock. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which is in the same family of medications as Wegovy (semaglutide). It helps you lose weight by suppressing your appetite and reducing the amount of food you need to eat to feel full.
Over 56 weeks, the average weight loss on the maintenance dose (3mg) of liraglutide is 8%. While Wegovy is a weekly injection, you need to inject liraglutide every day.
Weight loss tablets
Orlistat (Xenical)Orlistat and Xenical are weight loss tablets that reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body when you eat food. This excess fat is instead passed through the body as stool waste. You can take them up to 3 times a day, with meals containing fat. Orlistat is the unbranded (generic) version of Xenical.
allialli is a lower-dose version of orlistat that is available over the counter, which means you don’t need a doctor’s prescription to get it. It works in the same way as orlistat, by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from food you eat. A pharmacist or online doctor will still need to check your suitability before you can buy it.
MysimbaMysimba is a weight loss tablet that works like Wegovy on areas of your brain responsible for appetite helping you lose weight by suppressing your hunger levels. This may be a good alternative for people who want a medication that works like Wegovy but don’t want to take an injection.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro is the active ingredient. Wegovy contains semaglutide while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. They still belong to the same medication group and so have a similar effect on appetite and fullness levels.
Further differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro are highlighted in the table:
Wegovy (mg)
Mounjaro
Doses (in mg)
5 doses:
0.25
0.5
1
1.7
2.4
6 doses:
2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
How long it takes to reach the maintenance dose
At least 16 weeks
At least 20 weeks
Effectiveness (% of starting body weight lost)
An average of 17% on the 2.4mg dose over 68 weeks
An average of 22.5% on the 15mg dose over 72 weeks
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Eli Lilly
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
The difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is what the medication is approved for. Wegovy is a weight loss injection while Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes treatment. Although they both contain semaglutide, they come in different doses because they are used for different reasons.
As well as helping with appetite, semaglutide can regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic comes in a maximum dose of 2mg, and your doctor will only prescribe this dose if lower doses are not working well enough for blood sugar control.
Ozempic is rarely prescribed off-label for weight loss, as Wegovy and other alternatives are available. These work much better as their dosage schedule has been created specifically with weight loss in mind.
$72.00Original price was: $72.00.$66.50Current price is: $66.50.
If you think orlistat is a suitable weight loss solution for you, our doctors can help. All you need to do is simply complete a short online questionnaire for our doctors to review to make sure orlistat is right for you. If your treatment request is approved, we’ll get it to you quickly via our rapid and discreet delivery service. Alternatively, your treatment can also be collected from your nearest Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours after a doctor approval.
How it Works
1. Complete questionnaireFill out an online form to confirm your weight and eligibility for treatment.
2. Doctor reviewA doctor reviews your answers and approves treatment if suitable.
3. Delivery or collectionGet treatments delivered within 1-3 days, or get same-day Superdrug Pharmacy collection 2 hours after non-injectable treatments are approved, or next-day collection for injectables treatments.
$44.50Original price was: $44.50.$40.50Current price is: $40.50.
How it Works
1. Complete questionnaireFill out an online form to confirm your weight and eligibility for treatment.
2. Doctor reviewA doctor reviews your answers and approves treatment if suitable.
3. Delivery or collectionGet treatments delivered within 1-3 days, or get same-day Superdrug Pharmacy collection 2 hours after non-injectable treatments are approved, or next-day collection for injectables treatments.A
How it Works
1. Complete questionnaireFill out an online form to confirm your weight and eligibility for treatment.
2. Doctor reviewA doctor reviews your answers and approves treatment if suitable.
3. Delivery or collectionGet treatments delivered within 1-3 days, or get same-day Superdrug Pharmacy collection 2 hours after non-injectable treatments are approved, or next-day collection for injectables treatments.
bout Saxenda
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is the brand name for the prescription medication liraglutide. It is used to help people who are overweight or obese lose weight when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked. Saxenda is only prescribed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or 27 or above for people with weight-related health problems like sleep apnea or high blood pressure. Saxenda should be used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise.
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda works by making you feel less hungry. It mimics a hormone called glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1), which tells your brain you’re full. This makes it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet, which can help you lose weight.
How long does Saxenda stay in your system?
Saxenda hangs around longer than your natural GLP-1 (the hormone that Saxenda mimics), which doesn’t last very long in the body. This is why we often feel hungry again soon after eating.
How long does Saxenda take to work?
Saxenda starts working straight away and can help to reduce your appetite within a few days. You should start to see weight loss results within the first few months of treatment. After about 17 weeks of using Saxenda, you can expect to have lost at least 5% of your starting weight. If you have not, your doctor may want to look at other treatment options.
How effective is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a highly effective treatment for helping you lose weight. A 2015 study monitored weight loss in 3,731 people with a BMI of at least 30 (or 27 with weight-related health problems). The participants were monitored for fifty-six weeks while being treated with daily injections of Saxenda combined with counselling on diet and exercise:
three out of five participants achieved weight loss of 5% or more (an average weight loss of 12lbs)
one in three participants achieved weight loss of 10% or more (an average weight loss of 23lbs)
around 6% of participants achieved weight loss of 20% or more (an average weight loss of 47lbs)
Is Saxenda safe?
Saxenda is a generally safe medication, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Like all medications, Saxenda can cause side effects (listed below). Your doctor will decide if Saxenda is right for you.
How much weight can you lose on Saxenda?
You can expect to lose at least 5% of your starting weight after about 17 weeks of treatment with Saxenda. How much weight you lose on Saxenda varies from person to person and depends on other factors like following a calorie-controlled diet and exercising regularly.
How to use Saxenda
Saxenda comes in the form of a pen injector and is injected just under the skin. Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject your medication correctly.
How do I inject Saxenda?
Check you have the right medication, especially if you use any similar injectable pens.
Your medication should be clear and colourless. If there is a change in colour or it’s cloudy, do not use your medication and talk to your healthcare provider.
Attach a new needle to the pen by tearing off the paper seal, pushing it onto the pen, and turning until it is on tight. Always use a new needle for each injection.
Turn the dose selector until you have the correct dose.
Remove both caps. Insert the needle into the skin at a straight (90 degree) angle
Press the dose button and hold for 6 seconds.
Remove the needle and dispose of it in your sharps bin. (This will be provided by your Saxenda prescriber or health authority).
Where can I inject Saxenda?
You can inject Saxenda into your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, though the abdomen is the preferred site. You should inject it into a different part of your thigh, abdomen or upper arm each day to prevent damage or bruising to the area.
How long does a Saxenda pen last?
When you first start taking Saxenda, your pen will last for around 17 days, and a pack of 5 pens for around 44 days. When you reach the final dose of 3mg per day, your pen will last for 6 days and a pack of 5 pens for 30 days. A pen will last longer if you develop any side effects and need to slow down the rate that you increase your Saxenda dose.
Saxenda Dosage
The starting dose for Saxenda is 0.6mg per day, gradually increasing by 0.6mg each week over a week over 5 weeks to the maximum dose of 3mg per day. Saxenda pens come in packs of 5, and each pen contains 3mls of solution at a concentration of 6mg per ml. The dose increases as follows (though for some people the dose increases can take place more slowly):
Week 1 – 0.6mg
Week 2 – 1.2mg
Week 3 – 1.8mg
Week 4 – 2.4mg
Week 5 – 3mg
How to buy Saxenda
Saxenda is a prescription-only medication, meaning you can only buy it if it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Can you buy Saxenda online?
You can buy Saxenda online from Superdrug online doctor by following these simple steps:
Complete a short medical questionnaire
Our GMC registered doctors will review your questionnaire and prescribe a suitable treatment
You can collect* your medication from any Superdrug store or arrange for it to be delivered free to your home
* Pharmacy operating hours are currently restricted and estimated collection times may be revised. Please contact the pharmacy prior to collection if you have not received confirmation that your order is ready to collect.
Can you buy Saxenda over the counter?
Saxenda is not available to buy over the counter without a prescription.
Can you get Saxenda for free on the NHS?
Saxenda is available for free on the NHS for people with a BMI of over 35, and it is sometimes considered in those with a BMI over 30 with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnoea. Occasionally it might be considered in those with a BMI between 27-30 depending on their other medical problems.
NHS weight management services can prescribe Saxenda in specialist centres. It is prescribed in combination with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise programme.
Saxenda side effects
Like all medications, Saxenda can cause side effects.
Very common sideeffects (may affect more than one in ten people) include:
nausea (feeling sick)
vomiting (being sick)
headache
diarrhoea
constipation
These side effects usually go away on their own after a few days or weeks. If you are worried about side effects, or if they are getting worse or not going away, talk to your healthcare provider. Other common side effects (may affect up to one in ten people) include:
dizziness
changes to your taste or a dry mouth
low blood sugar
passing more wind or belching
indigestion
stomach pain or bloating
gallstones
tiredness
redness or inflammation at injection sites
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
stomach pain
worsening of indigestion (heartburn)
feeling bloated
passing more gas (flatulence) or burping more than usual
dry mouth
feeling tired or having low energy
feeling dizzy
feeling shaky, sweaty, fast heartbeat, changes in vision, extreme hunger, nausea, weakness, or difficulty concentrating. These can be signs of low blood sugar and can come on very quickly. If you experience these symptoms, stop Saxenda, contact a doctor and follow your doctor's advice about treating low blood sugar.
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:
pancreatitis
dehydration, usually due to vomiting or diarrhoea
delayed stomach emptying
inflammation of the gallbladder
allergic reactions such as skin rash
malaise (feeling generally unwell)
fast heartbeat
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people) include:
reduced kidney function or acute kidney failure. Symptoms may include peeing less than usual, feeling sick, feeling drowsy, bruising easily, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Rarely, severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can occur while using Saxenda. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
severe pain in the upper part of your abdomen that may radiate to your back
nausea and vomiting
fever
fast heartbeat
Very rarely, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
raised red, itchy rash (hives)
severe dizziness
difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, and tongue
collapse
Who can use Saxenda?
Saxenda may not be suitable for everyone. Always tell your doctor about any medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking before using Saxenda. Saxenda is not safe for you to use if you:
have ever had an allergic reaction to Saxenda or any of its ingredients (disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, phenol, hydrochloric acid, or sodium hydroxide)
are pregnant or breastfeeding
Saxenda has been shown to cause a type of thyroid tumour in rats and mice. Though there is no evidence that it causes the same in humans, this medication is not recommended for people with:
thyroid cancer
history of thyroid cancer
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while using Saxenda:
Difficulty swallowing.
Growths or lumps in the neck.
Hoarseness or loss of voice.
Shortness of breath.
Saxenda may not be safe for you if you:
have heart failure
are over 75 years of age
are taking other medications to help you lose weight
are taking medications, or have an endocrine disorder that cause you to gain weight
have problems with your liver or kidneys
have inflammatory bowel disease
have diabetic gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying due to diabetes)
have ever had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
have gallbladder disease or gallstones
have ever had thyroid cancer
have palpitations (awareness of your heartbeat or a fast heartbeat)
Interactions with other medications
Saxenda may interact with some other medications, meaning it may change how your medications work or make some side effects worse. Always tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. Saxenda may interact with the following medications:
Diabetes medications including insulin and oral sulfonylureas like glimepiride or glibenclamide.
Blood thinners such as warfarin.
Saxenda alternatives
The alternative medications to Saxenda help with weight loss when used in combination with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise. They all work in slightly different ways, and which one is right for you will depend on your individual needs. Talk to your GP or healthcare provider about which medication is best for you.
Mysimba vs Saxenda
Mysimba (naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride) is a slow-release tablet that suppresses your appetite and makes you feel full for longer. The starting dose is one tablet in the morning, increasing over four weeks to two tablets twice a day. Mysimba may be a good choice for people who don’t want to take injections.
The Wegovy injection was also found, on average, to reduce:
