*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
National GLP-1 shortages through 2023. See more
Saxenda prescription for weight loss
(liraglutide) injection
FDA-approved medication for weight loss
Lose 9% of your body weight on average in 1 year*
Helps you feel full faster, longer
Safety info: Saxenda treats obesity or overweight (with weight-related problems), along with diet and exercise. Saxenda 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. Do not use if you are pregnant. Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Why try Saxenda? It works!
People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Revolutionary medication
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 medication that is FDA-approved to help with weight loss when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.
Saxenda is administered as a once-daily shot and mimics your body’s natural hormones, helping you feel fuller faster and 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
liraglutide
People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
"Is using medication to lose weight cheating?"
Dr. Steve Silvestro, Ro
Learn more about potential side effects
Your Ro-affiliated provider will walk you through the side effects patients report most often:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
Saxenda has other side effects, including a serious warning for thyroid cancer. Learn more about all the side effects of Saxenda.
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired 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.
Saxenda Prescription Online 101
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a brand-name version of the generic medication liraglutide. Saxenda is FDA-approved and clinically proven to help with weight loss and belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs limit your appetite by acting like a hormone that slows down your gut, making you feel less hungry. People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda works for weight loss by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite and slows down the movement of food through your stomach. This may make you feel full longer and therefore eat less, which can lead to weight loss. When paired with healthy food choices and regular exercise, Saxenda can assist you in reaching and maintaining your long-term weight goals.
Do you prescribe Saxenda for weight loss?
Yes. If appropriate, adults can get Saxenda (liraglutide) through the Body Program. Currently, the Body Program is only available for adults 18 years and older.
Is Saxenda FDA-approved?
Yes, Saxenda is FDA approved for weight loss in adults with a BMI of ≥30 or a BMI of ≥27 and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Saxenda is supposed to be taken in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and greater physical activity.
How do you take Saxenda?
Saxenda is a clear liquid that comes in prefilled injection pens. Each pen contains multiple doses. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will administer the injection once daily under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.
What is Saxenda dosing?
Like other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (active ingredient semaglutide), dosing gradually increases with Saxenda. The typical Saxenda dosing schedule starts with 0.6 mg once daily for one week. After that, your dose will increase each week until you reach the max amount of 3 mg per day, also called the maintenance dose.
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1s?
Non-diabetic patients who completed the 56-week clinical trial lost an average of 9% of their body weight.
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
$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.
Still have questions? We have answers.
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.
There are no specific foods you must avoid while taking Saxenda and there are no known food-medication interactions you have to be aware of. That said, some foods and drinks can cause nausea and fullness, which are symptoms similar to Saxenda’s side effects. These same foods—highly processed, sugary and fried foods—may also make weight loss more challenging.
Generally, you’ll want to limit your intake of high-calorie foods like candy, sugary drinks, and fried foods. It also makes sense to eat slowly and eat smaller meals.
The most common side effects of Saxenda often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Side effects tend to occur when you start the medication or increase the dose. Over time, these side effects should subside once a steady dose is reached.
Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a Boxed Warning) that GLP-1 medications like Saxenda may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents. However, during the post-marketing period, cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza) have been reported; this data is insufficient to determine the risk in people.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
Kidney and gallbladder problems
Fast heartbeat
Serious allergic reactions
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
For complete safety information, read more here.
Unused Saxenda injection pens have to be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. After first use, you can either put it back in the refrigerator or keep it at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F. It is important to not freeze Saxenda, because you can’t use it anymore and have to throw away the pen once it has been frozen.
The price of Saxenda may vary depending on your insurance plan, and our insurance concierge partner is here to provide assistance.
Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only. Our partner 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. These insurance concierge services for the cost of medication are provided through the Body Program.
Unfortunately, you cannot join the Body Program if you have government insurance (regardless of whether you have additional commercial/employer insurance or are willing to pay cash out of pocket). This includes those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid, or TRICARE), whether it’s your primary or secondary coverage. Certain federal government insurance programs impose mandatory billing requirements on providers when they treat beneficiaries. Because of this, Ro-affiliated providers are unable to work with beneficiaries of these programs.
Federal employees who receive their health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) may participate in the Body Program.
Weight management tips from our experts
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Important safety information
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.