Lose weight with Saxenda: The Saxenda slimming injection is an effective weight loss drug that has brought significant success for many people.
However, since it is an injectable medication, proper use is key to getting the full benefits of Saxenda . Whether you are injecting Saxenda for the first time or you want to make sure you get the most benefit from your medication, our step-by-step guide will provide you with insight and tips to help you administer Saxenda safely.
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a weight-loss medication that helps adults who are overweight or obese lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. It is also approved for people with at least one weight-related health problem, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide . It belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists . It regulates appetite and increases satiety to reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.
Saxenda is available as an injectable solution that patients inject subcutaneously (under the skin) once a day at home. It is only available with a doctor's prescription .
Related article : Proper Saxenda storage: Does Saxenda need to be refrigerated?
The Saxenda Pen
Credits: @Novo Nordisk
Saxenda comes in convenient and easy-to-use prefilled injection pens . Each pen contains 3 ml of liraglutide. They are available in packs of 1, 3 or 5.
A Saxenda pen contains different doses of the drug that can be selected using a precise, built-in dosing button. The patient sets the amount of medication for each injection according to the doctor's prescription.
The injection pens work with disposable needles . You must use a new one each time so that each injection is as hygienic and safe as possible. Saxenda is a very sensitive medicine that becomes unstable when exposed to heat and light.
Therefore, it must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 °C and 8 °C before first use. Once opened , Saxenda pens can be kept in the refrigerator or stored at room temperature (not above 30 °C) and must be used within a maximum of 30 days.
How to use Saxenda Pen: Instructions
Although using auto-injector pens for subcutaneous injections like Saxenda is quite simple, it is important that you use it correctly for proper administration of the medication .
Your nurse or doctor must have trained you on how to use a Saxenda pen before sending you home with your new prescription.
If in doubt, please read the instructions provided with your Saxenda Pen .
Here you will find the steps to follow:
Step 1: Inspection of the medication
Before using your Saxenda pen, always check the solution inside. It should be clear and colourless, with no particles . If the solution is discoloured or you see particles, do not use it. These may be signs that your Saxenda pen has gone bad.
Also, make sure your pen has been stored properly , in the right temperature range, and has not expired . Remember that Saxenda pens have two expiration dates:
- The expiration date printed on the pen, which usually occurs about one year after the date of purchase .
- The expiry date, which occurs 30 days after the pen is first used or after it is taken out of the refrigerator.
Never use a Saxenda pen that has passed its expiry date. If you are using a new pen from the refrigerator, you can leave it at room temperature for a few minutes , as this may help make the injection less uncomfortable.
Step 2: How to attach a new needle
First, wash your hands with soap and water . Then take a new disposable needle. It is very important to use a new needle for each injection to avoid complications at the injection site. To attach a needle to the Saxenda pen , first remove it from the sterile packaging.
Tear off the paper tab, place the needle on the pen tip and screw it on clockwise.
Then peel off the outer plastic cap and set it aside.
Pull off the small inner needle cap and throw it away.
Step 3: Preparing the Saxenda Pen
Before you use any Saxenda pen for the first time, or if the pen has not been used for more than a week, you must prime it.
First of all, you need to prime the pen. This means injecting a little medicine into the air to make sure the pen is working and all air bubbles are gone.
To prime an injection pen, turn the dose selector to the flow control symbol (a needle tip with two dots). Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards and tap it gently to push any air bubbles to the top.
Then press the injection button. You should see a drop of medicine at the needle tip . If you don't, repeat the injection until you see a drop. If no drop of medicine appears after 3 injections, try a new needle. If it still doesn't work, do not use the pen and contact the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, on 06131/903-1133.
Step 4: Saxenda Dosage - Choose your Liraglutide dose
The next step in using your Saxenda injection pen is to select your Saxenda dosage.
Turn the dose selector until the desired dose is displayed (0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3 mg, depending on your doctor's prescription). Never change your dose without your doctor's advice.
Step 5: Choose your injection site
Saxenda is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin), generally in the upper arm, abdomen or thigh (see below). Remember to rotate injection sites with each injection to avoid skin problems and complications.
Step 6: Inject Saxenda
Insert the needle straight into your skin in one quick motion. Press the injection button until you hear or feel a "click." Wait at least 6 seconds to make sure the full dose has been delivered.
Make sure the dose selector is back on 0. Then remove the needle from the skin.
Step 7: After injecting Saxenda
Carefully replace the outer needle cap and unscrew the used needle to separate it from your Saxenda pen.
Then replace the cap on the Saxenda pen and store the pen as directed (at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 30 days).
The best way to dispose of pens is to put them in a container for sharp objects in your household waste to protect other people from being stung. Syringes and needles must be packaged in a puncture-proof manner so that they can be thrown in your household waste . You can also ask at the pharmacy, they can usually dispose of them there too.
Saxenda injection sites
Saxenda is a daily injection medication, so knowing the correct sites for administration is crucial for optimal effectiveness and minimizing discomfort .
Where should Saxenda be injected?
Saxenda is injected subcutaneously, that is, into the fatty tissue just under the skin . Recommended injection sites include the following:
- Abdomen/Tummy: This is often the preferred location because it is easily accessible. Choose a spot that is at least two inches from your belly button. The upper outer quadrants of your abdomen are often the best spots.
- Upper arm : If you choose this site, you will inject into the fat area on the back of your upper arm.
- Thighs: The front and outside of the thigh, especially the upper third near the hip, are also good choices.
As always, follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions on where and how to inject Saxenda. They can give you the best guidance based on your individual health condition and body .
Related article : Insulin injection sites: Where to inject insulin?
Where should Saxenda not be injected?
There are certain areas you should avoid when injecting Saxenda or other subcutaneous medicines:
- Near the belly button : Avoid injecting near the belly button (navel). The injection should be given at least five centimeters away.
- Damaged skin : Do not inject Saxenda into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or damaged.
- Moles or birthmarks : Avoid injecting Saxenda into areas where you have moles or birthmarks.
- Previous injection site reactions: If you have had a skin reaction at a previous injection site, you should avoid using the same site for further injections.
- Veins and muscles: Since Saxenda is a subcutaneous injection, it should be injected directly under the skin and not into veins or muscles.
If you are not sure where to inject Saxenda, ask your nurse or doctor.
changing the injection site
Remember to rotate injection sites within these areas each time you inject Saxenda. Rotating injection sites is important for several reasons:
- Preventing skin complications: Repeated injections in the same area can cause changes in the skin and underlying tissue, such as thickening or pitting (also known as lipodystrophy ). This can make the skin look bumpy or lumpy and can also affect the absorption of the medication.
- Avoiding pain and discomfort : Repeated injections in the same area can lead to scar tissue, making injections more painful over time.
- Improve drug absorption: Consistent rotation helps ensure that the drug is absorbed effectively. The rate of absorption may vary depending on the location, and repeated use of the same location may affect the drug's effect.
Reactions and complications at the injection site
Like all injectable medicines , Saxenda can cause side effects at the injection site . Some people do not experience any side effects, while others may experience the following side effects:
- pain
- redness
- swelling
- bruises
- itching
- rash
- Light bleeding
- lipodystrophy
If you experience a prolonged or severe reaction , or if the area does not heal properly, seek medical attention immediately.
How quickly does Saxenda work?
Saxenda starts working immediately and helps curb appetite , but weight loss results vary and depend on various individual factors.
In clinical trials, some patients have experienced weight loss within the first few weeks of treatment . However, the full effects of Saxenda in terms of weight loss are usually not seen until several weeks to a few months later.
Remember that Saxenda should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. Also, you should continue taking the medication for as long as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not see immediate results.
What about you? Are you taking Saxenda? Would you like to share your experience with us?
