Saxenda

You can inject Saxenda at any time of the day, but try to do it at the same time each day. Choose a time that’s easy to remember (for example at breakfast-time). It can be taken with or without food.

Preparation:

1. Pull off the cap and check the solution in your pen is clear and colourless.
2. Take a new needle and attach it to the pen (always use a new needle for each injection).
3. Push the needle in straight and turn it so it’s on tight. 
4. Remove the outer cap and keep it aside. Throw the inner cap away.

Check the flow:

You only need to check the flow of the first injection with each new pen. If this is not your first use, you can skip this step.

1. Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol (the symbol will have two dots and a line).
2. With the pen held upright, press the button until the dose counter turns to zero. 
3. A small drop should appear at the needle tip. If no drop appears, repeat step 2 up to six times until a drop appears. If no drop appears after six times, discard the pen and use a new one. 

Using the pen:

1. Turn the dose selector to the correct dose.
2. Inject the needle into your waist, thigh or upper arm. 
3. Press and hold down the button until the dose selector returns to zero. You might hear a clicking sound when it does.
4. Continue pressing down for six seconds, then remove the needle from your skin.

After injecting:

1. Lead the needle to the outer cap and push the cap on carefully. Make sure not to touch the needle.
2. With the cap on, unscrew the needle and dispose of it.
3. Put the pen cap back on. 

For more detailed instructions, check the patient information leaflet. 

What dose do I use?

You’ll start with the lowest dose, 0.6mg, which you’ll use for the first week. Each week, the dose will increase by 0.6mg like this:

Week 2 – 1.2mg
Week 3 – 1.8mg
Week 4 – 2.4mg
Week 5 – 3.0mg

Once you reach week 5, you’ll continue to use 3.0mg until the end of your treatment. This is known as the maintenance dose.

Your clinician will check in with you regularly when you’re using Saxenda to see how it’s working.

How long does one pen last?

It depends on which stage you’re at with your dosing. One pen contains 18mg of the medication in 3ml of solution. Your first pen will last you 17 days. The second pen will last you 8 days. After this, you’ll be on the maintenance dose of 3.0mg, so each pen will last you 6 days.

What if I take too much Saxenda?

If you take too much Saxenda, seek medical attention at your nearest emergency department. You might experience the following symptoms:

• nausea,
• vomiting, and 
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

What to do about Saxenda missed doses

If you’ve missed a dose and it’s been less than 12 hours since your normal scheduled time, inject it as soon as possible. But if it’s been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. 

In any case, don’t take a double dose of Saxenda to make up for a missed dose.