Dr. Benjamin H. Krasne, M.D.
Board-certified physicianBoard-certified in anesthesiology, he reads medications and metabolism with a pharmacologist's eye, which shapes how he doses weight loss and longevity care.
Daily liraglutide pen for weight loss
Saxenda online for weight loss
Saxenda is a once-daily liraglutide injection approved for long-term weight management. A licensed U.S. clinician can tell you in one short call whether a daily GLP-1 pen makes sense for you.
- From $349 a month
- Week-by-week dosing plan
- Free 5–10 minute consultation
Free to book. You pay only if you go ahead with treatment.
$349starting price, per month
Licensed U.S. clinician review
Medicine: Liraglutide 3 mg
From $349/motransparent price
5–10 minphone or video
No insuranceneeded
LicensedU.S. clinicians
Why get Saxenda through My IV Doctors
A clear yes or no
In one short phone or video call, a licensed U.S. clinician tells you whether a daily GLP-1 pen like Saxenda makes sense for you.
Step-by-step titration
You get a week-by-week schedule from 0.6 mg to the 3 mg treatment dose, with room to slow down if an increase feels rough.
Confident with the pen
Your clinician explains how to dial your dose, where to inject, how to store pens and when to switch to a new needle.
Progress reviewed
A 16-week progress review and ongoing follow-up help you and your clinician decide whether to continue or consider another option.
How to get Saxenda online
- 1
Pick a time for your free visit
Pick a phone or video slot online. You do not need insurance.
- 2
Talk with a clinician
A licensed U.S. clinician spends about 5–10 minutes on your weight history, conditions, medicines and safety screening.
- 3
Start Saxenda and increase weekly
If Saxenda is appropriate, you start at 0.6 mg a day and go up by 0.6 mg each week until you reach 3 mg.
- 4
Check your progress at 16 weeks
Your clinician reviews your weight change. If you have not lost at least 4% of your starting weight by then, the label advises stopping, and you will discuss other options.
Who can take Saxenda?
BMI of 30 or higher
Adults with obesity fall within the approved use.
BMI of 27 or higher plus a health condition
For example, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
Prefer a daily routine
Some people find a daily injection easier to remember than a weekly one, and short-acting medicine leaves the body sooner if you need to stop.
Want a well-established medicine
Liraglutide has been used for years, for both diabetes and weight management.
Who shouldn't take Saxenda
Saxenda isn't for you if you or a close relative has had medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. It's also not for use during pregnancy or with another GLP-1 or liraglutide product.
Saxenda vs. Wegovy vs. Zepbound
| Feature | Saxenda | Wegovy | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Liraglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| How often | Once daily | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Average weight loss in trials | Smaller | Larger | Larger |
| Leaves the body | Quickly | More slowly | More slowly |
| Price here | From $349/mo | — | — |
What is Saxenda (liraglutide)?
Saxenda is Novo Nordisk's brand of liraglutide at a 3 mg daily dose. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, the same group as semaglutide, but it was one of the first approved for weight management and has a long track record. Used with a lower-calorie diet and more activity, it is FDA-approved for adults with obesity, or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related condition. Its label also covers some adolescents aged 12 and over; our online program is for adults.
Liraglutide mimics the gut hormone GLP-1. It signals fullness to the brain, slows how quickly the stomach empties and helps regulate blood sugar. Because it leaves the body faster than weekly GLP-1 medicines, you inject it once every day.
Saxenda comes in a prefilled multi-dose pen that you dial to your dose. A generic version of liraglutide for weight management is also available in the U.S., which you can read about on our liraglutide page. Brand Saxenda may cost extra, and your clinician confirms the price before prescribing.
Saxenda dosage schedule
The pen delivers 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 or 3 mg. The lower doses are only for getting used to the medicine; 3 mg daily is the treatment dose. If an increase makes you feel unwell, your clinician can keep you at the same step for about one more week.
- Week 1: 0.6 mg daily
- Week 2: 1.2 mg daily
- Week 3: 1.8 mg daily
- Week 4: 2.4 mg daily
- Week 5 onward: 3 mg daily
- Missed more than 3 days in a row: restart at 0.6 mg and climb again
Saxenda vs. Wegovy and Zepbound
Weekly injections such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have produced larger average weight loss in trials, and many people prefer one injection a week. Saxenda remains useful for people who tolerate it well or want a daily medicine that clears the body quickly. Your clinician may also prefer it for another reason.
Your clinician can compare the options against your history, side effects you have had before and your budget, then recommend one.
How to use the Saxenda pen
Inject once a day at any time, with or without food, into the belly, thigh or upper arm. Use a new needle for each injection. Before first use, keep pens in the refrigerator. After first use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the fridge, and should be thrown away 30 days after first use, even if medicine is left.
Saxenda side effects and warnings
Digestive side effects are the most common, especially as the dose rises. Some less common effects need prompt attention.
- Common: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, low blood sugar, indigestion, tiredness and dizziness
- Boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; not for those with MTC or MEN 2 history
- Saxenda can raise resting heart rate; report a racing or pounding heartbeat
- Severe, lasting stomach pain may point to pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
- Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can affect the kidneys
- Tell your clinician about depression or mood changes, and about any planned surgery with sedation
Physicians who oversee your care
Independently licensed U.S. physicians supervise every treatment we offer.
Dr. Johnathan Chance Miller, M.D.
PhysicianTrained at Columbia and Washington University, he pairs prescriptions with practical habits around food, training and sleep.
Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
OB-GYN, board certifiedAn OB-GYN for more than 40 years and a Fellow of ACOG, she leads women's health care, from perimenopause to PCOS.
Saxenda FAQs
Still deciding? The first consultation is free and takes about 5–10 minutes.
Book a free consultationWhat is the active ingredient in Saxenda?
Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, at a maintenance dose of 3 mg once daily. It is made by Novo Nordisk.
How much does Saxenda cost without insurance?
Plans start from $349/mo, and the first consultation is free. Brand Saxenda can cost extra, so your clinician confirms the full price before prescribing.
What's the difference between Saxenda and Victoza?
Both contain liraglutide. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes at lower doses, while Saxenda is approved for weight management at 3 mg daily. They should not be used together.
Are Saxenda and Wegovy the same drug?
No. Wegovy is semaglutide taken once a week, while Saxenda is liraglutide taken once a day. Both are GLP-1 medicines for weight management.
Is there a generic Saxenda?
Yes, generic liraglutide for weight management is now sold in the U.S. Your clinician can tell you whether the generic or brand is the better choice for you.
How long does it take to reach the full Saxenda dose?
Usually five weeks, increasing by 0.6 mg each week. It can take a little longer if your clinician slows the climb to ease side effects.
What if Saxenda isn't working for me?
The label recommends stopping if you have not lost at least 4% of your starting weight after 16 weeks. Your clinician will then suggest another approach.
What time of day should I inject Saxenda?
Any time that suits you, with or without a meal. Keeping to roughly the same time each day makes it easier to remember.
What happens if I miss a Saxenda dose?
Skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual; do not double up. If you have missed more than 3 days, contact your clinician because you will need to restart at 0.6 mg.
Can Saxenda cause low blood sugar?
It can, especially if you also take insulin or medicines that boost insulin release. Learn the signs, such as shakiness and sweating, and tell your clinician about every diabetes medicine you take.
How long does a Saxenda pen last?
Each pen holds 18 mg. At the full 3 mg dose, that is six days, and a pen must be discarded 30 days after first use regardless.
Can I take Saxenda while pregnant?
No. Weight loss medicines are not used during pregnancy. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or planning to be.
Will I regain weight after stopping Saxenda?
Many people do regain some weight after stopping a GLP-1 medicine. Your clinician can help you plan for maintenance.
Start Saxenda with a free consultation
Saxenda plans start from $349 a month, and your first 5–10 minute phone or video visit is free. Book now to find out if a daily pen suits you.
Related treatments
References
Medically reviewed October 2026. This page is general information and not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. Read our editorial policy.
$349starting price, per month
Book a free consultation