Non-diabetic patients with a BMI of ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities, lost an average of 15% of their body weight in 1 year in a 68-week clinical trial evaluating 2.4 mg semaglutide, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
National GLP-1 shortages through 2023. See more
Join 150,000+ Ro weight loss patients
Lose weight with the Body Program
GLP-1 injection
Lose 9–15% of your body weight on average in 1 year*
Provider support and GLP-1 prescription (if appropriate)
Insurance concierge works with your insurer to determine medication cost
$99 first month, then $145/month. Medication and lab test not included.
*In clinical trials studying Saxenda and Wegovy for obesity (BMI ≥30) and overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition, non-diabetics who completed the trials lost an average of 9% and 15% of their body weight, respectively, when paired with diet and exercise (compared to 3.5% and 2.4% on diet and exercise alone). Some patients may start on Saxenda and then switch to Wegovy if accessible and clinically appropriate.
Safety info: GLP-1 medications are used to treat obesity or overweight (with weight-related problems), along with diet and exercise. They may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. See more serious warnings & safety info
There’s a reason everyone is talking about GLP-1s. They work!
On average, people on Saxenda or Wegovy lose 9–15% of their weight in a year*.
*In a 56 and 68 week clinical trial studying two GLP-1 medications for obesity (BMI ≥30) and overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition, non-diabetics who completed the trials lost an average of 9 and 15% of their body weight when paired with diet and exercise (compared to 3.5% and 2.4%, respectively, on diet and exercise alone).
Current weight (lbs)
232
Weight you could lose (lbs)
34
Meet the Ro Ambassadors who inspired the Body Program
Lost 40 lbs in 11 months
“I have never felt better. I have never had more energy. This medication changed my life.”
Lost 30 lbs in 1 year
“I started losing weight almost immediately. To me, truly, this has been a game-changer.”
Revolutionary medications
Ozempic, Saxenda, and Wegovy are GLP-1 medications that may be prescribed for weight loss if appropriate. It’s a recurring shot that works by mimicking your body’s natural hormones, helping you feel fuller faster and for longer.
Medication is not included in the cost of the Body Program. But don’t worry, our insurance concierge partners explore all options to help get you covered.
Saxenda and Wegovy are FDA-approved for weight loss. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, but may be prescribed for weight loss.
In Wegovy clinical trials, patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight*
"Is using medication to lose weight cheating?"
Dr. Steve Silvestro, Ro
Which GLP-1 is right for you?
Semaglutide injection was first approved under the brand name Ozempic in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved the drug at a different dosage under the brand name Wegovy as a weight loss medication. Doctors often, using their medical judgment and discretion, prescribe both for weight loss. Liraglutide injection was FDA approved for weight loss in 2014 under the brand name Saxenda.
All three medications are GLP-1s, but there are some key differences between them.
*Patients without diabetes but with a BMI of ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities, lost an average of 15% of their body weight in 1 year in a 68-week clinical trial evaluating 2.4 mg semaglutide, when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How it works
We help you lose weight by pairing revolutionary medication with coaching, care, and healthy lifestyle changes to make it last.
Share your health history and weight loss goals with your Ro-affiliated provider.
Your provider will order a metabolic lab test after they have reviewed your health history. You can use your insurance to test at any Quest location (most insurance accepted), or purchase an at-home blood collection kit through Ro for an additional cost.
If you live in a state where Quest is not available, we’ll automatically send you an at-home collection kit for no charge. See here for more info.
Your Ro-affiliated provider will review your results to see if medication is right for you. If it is, you’ll begin the Body Program, which includes: an insurance concierge service, access to medication, ongoing provider care, a personal health coach, and regular emails with healthy lifestyle strategies.
If medication is prescribed, our insurance concierge partner connects with your insurance company to help get the cost of medication covered. This process takes about 2-3 weeks, although it may take longer if initial coverage is denied. (It's possible that some insurers won't cover the medication. In that case, you'll have the option to pay cash.)
If you move forward with treatment, our partner will go the extra mile to look for a pharmacy with medication available — including calling your pharmacy every 3 days to confirm whether medication is in stock.
Please note that there are national GLP-1 shortages expected through 2023 and beyond. Learn more.
We're with you every step of the way, from your first shot to your first weight loss win.
$145/month, $99 first month promo
What's included?
Access to GLP-1 medication
Insurance coverage support
Dedicated health coach
Ongoing provider care
Weekly curriculum email
Please note: The cost of medication and lab testing is not included in the Body Program
Medication is prescribed only if appropriate.
Watch: How the science works
When it comes to weight loss, biology is your nemesis. Not willpower. Our very own Dr. Steve explains why.
Dr. Steve Silvestro, Ro
"We've talked about the science of weight loss all wrong for years. Here's why."
Dr. Steve Silvestro, Ro
Thousands of people are losing weight with GLP-1 medications
Hear from real Ro members who are hitting their weight loss goals through the Body Program. These Body Program members were paid for sharing their stories.
“I’ve had some pretty amazing success. I’m down 15 pounds and I couldn’t be happier."
Sonia, Ro Member
“It's really helping handle my cravings better, which is what I really like about this program."
James, Ro Member
“It was like a switch once I started the medication, I just wasn’t so obsessed with food.”
Chaleeta, Ro Member
Still have questions? We have answers.
The Body Program costs $99 for your first month and $145/month thereafter. Please note that GLP-1 medication is billed separately and not covered in the program cost. Medication cost will depend on your personal insurance coverage, and our partners will work with your insurer to help determine coverage (see more about this in “Do you accept insurance?”).
Due to significant demand, Novo Nordisk — the manufacturer of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda — expects supply shortages of some of these medications. Novo Nordisk is anticipating that demand for Wegovy will continue to outpace supply. Patients may have difficulty filling Wegovy prescriptions at the lower doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg and Saxenda prescriptions through the remainder of 2023 and potentially beyond. We’ve seen that around half of patients are still unable to get access to the impacted Wegovy doses or Saxenda doses after 1 month of waiting.
We know these supply shortages are frustrating. If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 medication and there’s more than a 30-day delay from the time your prescription is sent to the pharmacy to when it is filled, we’ll issue a credit to your account so that your next month of the Body Program is free. Read eligibility requirements here.
We’re also taking additional steps to support new and existing patients on their weight loss journey. For example, our insurance concierge partner is frequently contacting pharmacies to look for available medication on your behalf. Our Ro-affiliated providers are also reaching out to patients to discuss how to manage their treatment plans in light of the shortages.
For patients just getting started, the first steps of the Body Program, before a prescription is filled, are unaffected by the supply shortage — including taking a metabolic lab test and connecting with a provider to review your health history.
Insurance concierge services for the cost of medications are provided through the Body Program. Our partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only. At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary, or federal employee plans are not eligible for the Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Body Program.
Federal employees who receive their health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) may participate in the Body Program.
Metabolic testing is required to participate in the program. It allows your provider to understand your metabolism to create a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you. Your provider will look at the following analytes: Hemoglobin, TSH, LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, and Triglycerides.
Depending on how you choose to take your metabolic test, the price will vary.
You can use your insurance to test at any Quest location. Quest is in-network with most major insurers, but out-of-pocket costs will vary based on your insurance plan and deductible. Contact your insurance company to understand your coverage. If you test at Quest without using your insurance, the cash pay price is around $520.
You can also purchase an at-home blood collection kit through Ro for $75.
If you live in a state where Quest is not available (ND, SD, WY), we’ll automatically send you an at-home collection kit for no charge.
If for some reason your insurance will not cover the cost of your medication, you’ll have the option to either pay for the medication out of pocket (typically $900–$1,600/month, depending on the medication) or cancel your Body Program membership. Given the cost of initial diagnostics, ongoing provider support, and insurance assistance, we are unable to offer refunds for previously incurred monthly membership fees.
Weight management tips from our experts
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Reading time: 7 min
Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss?
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The difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic
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5 Ozempic alternatives to consider
Important safety information
Important Safety Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) injection
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Wegovy?
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Limitations of Use:
Wegovy should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
Wegovy has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis
Who should not use Wegovy?
Do not use Wegovy if:
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).
How should Wegovy be administered?
You can take Wegovy with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Wegovy as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Wegovy?
Wegovy has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
Wegovy causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
Other GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Thyroid cancer
Pancreatitis
Kidney disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Depression
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Wegovy during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
If you are breastfeeding: Wegovy was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Wegovy.
Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Wegovy?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with Wegovy. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
Acute Gallbladder Disease: Wegovy may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Wegovy lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Wegovy right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fatigue
Dyspepsia
Dizziness
Abdominal distension
Eructation
Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Flatulence
Gastroenteritis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
Contact Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-833-934-6891
Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Important Safety Information for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Do not use Ozempic if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Ozempic?
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used:
with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
Limitations of Use:
Ozempic has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Ozempic is not for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Your Ro-affiliated provider may recommend the use of Ozempic as treatment for chronic weight management (obesity or overweight).
Who should not use Ozempic?
Do not use Ozempic if:
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).
__How should Ozempic be administered? __
You can take Ozempic with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Ozempic as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Ozempic?
Ozempic has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
Ozempic causes a delay in gastric emptying so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
Other GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Thyroid cancer
Pancreatitis
Kidney disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Depression
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Ozempic during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
If you are breastfeeding: Ozempic was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Ozempic.
Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
__What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Ozempic? __
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with Ozempic. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.
Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Ozempic lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Ozempic right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
Acute Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
Contact Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-833-934-6891
Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Important safety information
Important Safety Information for Saxenda (liraglutide) injection
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In rats and mice, Saxenda caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Saxenda will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. In the post marketing period, cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide have been reported; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in people.
Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Do not use Saxenda if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Saxenda?
Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Limitations of Use:
Saxenda should not be used in combination with other liraglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
Who should not use Saxenda?
Do not use Saxenda if:
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You are pregnant
You have a known allergic reaction to Saxenda or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
How should Saxenda be administered?
You can take Saxenda with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a day at any time of day. If injecting within the same region, the injection site should be rotated to reduce the risk of cutaneous amyloidosis.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Saxenda as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my provider before using Saxenda?
Saxenda has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications for diabetes: Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
Other oral medications: Saxenda causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it can impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
Other GLP-1 medications: Including Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon. These medications should not be taken with Saxenda.
Other products for weight loss: Including dietary supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have or have a past history of:
Thyroid cancer
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease
Kidney disease
Depression
Suicide attempts or active suicidal ideation
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Saxenda during pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding: It is not known if Saxenda passes into breast milk. Saxenda was found in the milk of lactating rats. Talk to your provider first about the benefits and risks of using Saxenda while breastfeeding.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Saxenda?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with Saxenda. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In rats and mice, Saxenda caused dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Saxenda causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), in humans. Cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in people. Saxenda is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
Acute Gallbladder Disease: Some patients reported gallbladder problems in clinical trials, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Saxenda lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a fast, racing heartbeat while at rest.
Acute Kidney Injury: In patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda, there have been reports of acute renal failure and worsening of chronic kidney failure, sometimes requiring hemodialysis. Gastrointestinal side effects of Saxenda like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems if dehydration is severe. It is important to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Allergic Reactions: Stop using Saxenda right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of Saxenda?
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Stomach infection
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
Contact Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-844-363-4448
Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.