If you’ve considered taking Saxenda for weight loss you’ve probably asked yourself this very common question — is Saxenda safe?
Well, we’re here today to ease your worries about weight loss injections and give you some information about potential warning signs which could mean that this medication isn’t right for you.
Let’s find out more together and learn why your Saxenda prescription is probably safer than you think.
How safe is Saxenda for weight loss?
Saxenda is very safe as long as you take it as recommended by its manufacturer and in the dose that has been prescribed for you by a medical professional.
If you have been prescribed this medication in the first place, you will have been through a consultation that is designed to cover any potential safety issues before you even have the injections in your hands.
For example, your prescriber will ask about any other medications you’re taking, so they can be sure that none of your other medications will interact with Liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda).
They’ll also work out your BMI, ask about your mental health, check whether you have any allergies, and speak to you about the weight loss methods you’ve tried before.
All of this information will help your prescriber to be sure that this medication is safe for you.
No prescriber would write a prescription for a treatment that they think would be dangerous for their patient — it’s their career and reputation that would be on the line, as well as your own health and safety.
How will I know if Saxenda isn’t safe for me?
If you have been prescribed Saxenda then you can be sure that your prescriber has thought through all of the most likely reasons that this medication wouldn’t be safe for you and determined that you’re not at risk.
However, you should still look out for any side effects, as they can be unpredictable to even the most experienced of prescribers.
Side effects happen because your body reacts to the treatment in an unwanted way, or because you’re sensitive (allergic) to one of the ingredients.
Allergic reactions can be particularly severe and even if you think you know all your allergies, if a medication contains something your body has not been into contact with before then an allergic reaction will always be possible, even if it is unlikely.
We recommend getting to know the potential symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, so you’ll know what to look for during your treatment and can get the appropriate medical help if you need to.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue, face, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Wheezing
- A raised, red, itchy rash (hives)
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Feeling confused
- Blue skin or lips
- Loss of consciousness
Are there any severe side effects of Saxenda?
As well as the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, there are some severe side effects you should consider when deciding if Saxenda is safe for you.
These side effects are caused by inflammation in your pancreas, which is also known as pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is very serious and can be deadly in some cases, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of this condition before you take Saxenda.
Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis that you could experience as a side effect of Saxenda include:
- Persistent pain in the abdomen or stomach, which may reach through to your back
- Nausea and vomiting
It’s important to note that nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Saxenda, especially in patients who are taking this medication for the first time, so don’t panic if you experience these without persistent pain in your stomach or abdomen.
If you experience any side effect while taking Saxenda, you should speak to your doctor, prescriber, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional as soon as you can.
They will be able to assess whether Saxenda is safe for you based on this new information, and can recommend remedies for your side effects or changes to your treatment if they think that will help.
If your side effects are severe, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately, this may mean going to A&E or calling the emergency services, if necessary.
Is Saxenda safe during pregnancy?
You should not take Saxenda if you are pregnant, as it is currently unknown whether it is safe for expecting parents or their babies.
We generally recommend that patients who are pregnant avoid taking any unnecessary medications, as this will help to reduce any potential risks to your baby or even yourself.
We understand that weight gain can happen during pregnancy, and it could make you worry about your health or knock your confidence a little, but this isn’t the right time to turn to weight loss medication.
Instead, we’d recommend asking your healthcare team to recommend ways you can increase your activity levels and improve your diet — after all, the most important things right now are a healthy baby and a healthy mum!
Can you take Saxenda while breastfeeding?
Just like during pregnancy, you shouldn’t take Saxenda if you’re breastfeeding.
It’s currently unknown whether the active ingredient in Saxenda passes into breastmilk or if there are any other issues that could potentially harm your baby.
Avoiding certain medications while breastfeeding is perfectly normal, so don’t worry about taking Saxenda right now and focus on your mummy-baby bonding time and all of the other lovely benefits that breastfeeding has to offer.
What should I do if I’m worried about Saxenda safety?
If you’re at all worried about whether Saxenda is safe for you, you should speak to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Although Saxenda can be a very effective and useful weight loss medication for many people, it just may not be the right medication for you.
Luckily, medical professionals know what they’re talking about and can help you to take your medication safely and avoid any potential problems along the way.
Your health and safety are the most important thing, so never be afraid to talk to your healthcare team and do the best thing for you in the long run.
