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Weight loss injections · liraglutide

Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic): UK guide

An older, once-daily GLP-1 injection for weight management. Branded Saxenda has reportedly been discontinued in the UK, with generic liraglutide available; check current branded availability with your pharmacist or prescriber.

Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) at a glance

Licensed in the UK for weight managementPrescription-only medicine
Active ingredient
liraglutide
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk (Saxenda); generic liraglutide from other manufacturers
How it is taken
Injection, once a day
Device
Pre-filled pen
Dose range
0.6mg to 3mg
MHRA authorisation
Not yet verified
NICE guidance
NICE TA664 (December 2020)

Branded Saxenda has reportedly been discontinued in the UK. Generic liraglutide is available. Check current availability before relying on the brand name.

Licensed in the UK for weight management.

The main clinical evidence for Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) in weight management comes from the SCALE trial programme. Read what the trials show for context on realistic expectations.

Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) doses

Treatment starts low and steps up gradually to help your body adjust.
Doses listed in the UK product information for Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic). Your prescriber decides your dose; not everyone increases to the highest dose.
DoseRoleEarliest start (if increased at every step)
Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) 0.6mgStarting doseWeek 1
Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) 1.2mgStep-up doseWeek 2
Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) 1.8mgStep-up doseWeek 3
Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) 2.4mgStep-up doseWeek 4
Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) 3mgMaintenance doseWeek 5
  1. Step 10.6mgfrom week 1
  2. Step 21.2mgfrom week 2
  3. Step 31.8mgfrom week 3
  4. Step 42.4mgfrom week 4
  5. Step 53mgfrom week 5

The UK product information says to stay on each dose for at least one week before increasing. Weeks shown are the earliest possible; many people stay on a dose for longer, and some stay on a lower dose.

Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) side effects

Select a side effect for self-care tips and guidance on when to seek help.

When to get urgent help

Stop taking the medicine and get urgent medical help (NHS 111, A&E or 999) if you have severe, persistent stomach pain that may spread to your back, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Report suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Everything about Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)

How Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) compares

UK providers listing Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)

Listed alphabetically. Provider details are being verified; we never rank by commission.

We have not yet verified which providers offer Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic).

Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic): frequently asked questions