Saxenda Side Effects UK

What are the Saxenda side effects?

All medicines have potential side effects, it’s important to know what these are to help you decide if a treatment is right for you.

It is also important to note side effects so you know how to identify them and how to manage them if you do start treatment.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in every 10 users)

Nausea and/or vomiting - this settles as your body adjusts to Saxenda

Diarrhoea or constipation - this settles as your body adjusts to Saxenda

Read our expert tips for managing these common side effects.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in every 10 users)

Low blood sugar - The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly and can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick, feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, being nervous, being anxious, confusion, difficulty concentrating and shaking (tremor).

Problems affecting the stomach and intestines, such as indigestion (dyspepsia), inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis), stomach discomfort, upper stomach pain, heartburn, feeling bloated, wind (flatulence), belching and dry mouth

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs in the first 3 months of treatment

Local reactions around the injection site, such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash

Feeling weak or tired

Changed sense of taste

Dizziness

Gallstones

Increase in pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase amylase

See the main Saxenda product page for the full list of potential side effects.

Why am I gaining weight on Saxenda?

Saxenda works by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger, which should lead to a decrease in how much you eat and ultimately weight loss.

However, some people may experience weight gain while taking Saxenda. This can happen for several reasons, including:

Overeating

While Saxenda can help reduce hunger, it does not prevent overeating. If you eat more calories than your body needs, you may still gain weight.

Saxenda’s Side Effects

Some people may experience side effects while taking Saxenda such as bloating, constipation, and fluid retention. On the scales these can look like you have gained weight.

Hormonal changes

Saxenda can affect certain hormones in the body that can impact weight regulation. For example, it can increase levels of insulin, which can promote fat storage.

If you are experiencing weight gain while taking Saxenda, we recommend you speak with your Saxenda provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and may suggest adjustments to your medication or diet to help with weight management.

What happens if you stop Saxenda suddenly?

Stopping Saxenda suddenly is safe. We, nor the manufacturers, recommend slowly decreasing the dose until stopping. However, if you feel more comfortable doing this, that is also safe to do.

We do not recommend repeatedly stopping and restarting Saxenda.

When you stop using Saxenda suddenly, you may experience a range of symptoms. The most common include:

Hunger

Saxenda helps to reduce hunger, so when you stop using it, you may feel hungrier than usual.

Weight Gain

As Saxenda aids weight loss by reducing your appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, stopping the medication suddenly can result in weight gain over the following weeks and months.

Nausea

Some people may experience nausea when they stop taking Saxenda suddenly. This is because the medication can affect the digestive system.

Digestive discomfort or Diarrhoea

Saxenda works by slowing down your digestive system, helping you feel fuller for longer. When you stop using Saxenda, you might experience a change in your bathroom routine as your body adjusts.

Helpful tips for managing Saxenda side effects

Here are some tips that may help with managing Saxenda side effects:

Nausea and vomiting

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals to help reduce nausea and vomiting. Avoiding fatty or spicy foods, as well as fizzy drinks, may also be helpful.

Read our detailed, expert tips for managing Nausea and Vomiting with Saxenda.

Constipation

Drink plenty of water, increase fibre intake (fruits and veggies), and get physically active to help prevent and relieve constipation.

Diarrhoea

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid high-fat foods to help relieve diarrhoea.

Injection site reactions

Apply a cold compress to the injection site before and after the injection, as well as using a different injection site each time, to help reduce injection site reactions.

Feel nervous about injecting Saxenda? Read our expert tips article.

Headaches

Drink plenty of fluids, get enough rest, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your healthcare provider to help alleviate headaches.

This is not personalised advice. To speak to one of our clinically trained team about Saxenda or any of our other treatments, email us at [email protected] or call us on 01295 262925.