How many doses in Saxenda pen?
Doses when you first start Saxenda
Saxenda comes in a 3ml pre-filled injection pen (equivalent to 18 mg). When you first start Saxenda, a single pen contains enough doses to last 17 days and the first full pack of five pens has enough doses to last six weeks.
When you take Saxenda you need to gradually increase your dose in 0.6mg intervals, until you reach what is called the maintenance dose at 3mg daily. This is the dose at which you will continue to take Saxenda.
You increase your dose as follows:
Ongoing maintenance dose
Once you're past the 4-week dose-escalation period and have achieved the maintenance dose, a 3ml pre-filled injection pen lasts 6 days and a pack of five pens lasts 30 days.
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Get StartedCommon saxenda questions
Do I need to increase the dose every week?
No is the simple answer. If you find that you experience sufficient appetite suppression on a lower dose you can stick with this. Using lower doses will reduce the likelihood of side effects. You then have the option to increase the dose at a later date if you find that the appetite suppression is not as effective.
How long can I use Saxenda?
There is no fixed time period for treatment with Saxenda and this will depend on our Doctor. They will decide if the medication is still the best option for you and is having the desired effect, however you should only continue over a period of 12 weeks if you demonstrate weight loss of 5% when used in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.
Where do I inject Saxenda?
Inject your dose under the skin (this is called a subcutaneous injection) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Saxenda is self-injectable in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh.
Over 40% of the population has tried to lose weight at some point in the last 5 years – so you’re certainly not alone
What time of the day should I use my Saxenda medication?
Saxenda can be taken at any time of the day at a time that is convenient for you. For the best results stick to the same time each day.
Will I experience side effects using Saxenda?
All medication will have the potential of side effects and Saxenda is no different.
Nausea is the most common side effect experienced at the start of treatment. This will normally reduce in most cases as your body becomes used to the medication. You may experience an increase in side effects when you increase the dose, these should settle within a few days. There are some self-help tips you can try if you do suffer from nausea.
- Eat bland, low-fat foods, like cracker toast and rice
- Eat foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin
- Don't lie down after you eat
- Go outside to get some fresh air
The patient information leaflet sent with the treatment and a copy of this leaflet can be found here : https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf and also on www.saxenda.co.uk
What will I do if I experience side effects?
Please contact our customer care team and they will arrange for a member of our clinical team to contact you to discuss and offer advice. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.
If you suffer from any debilitating side effects out of these hours i.e. weekends or evenings after 5pm please contact NHS out of hours services or in an emergency 999.
England: 111, Wales: 0845 46 47, Scotland: NHS24 111, NI: Dependent on your area. Please refer to: https://111.nhs.uk/
How is Saxenda stored?
All new and unused Saxenda pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. After first use, store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Pens in use should be thrown away after 30 days even if they still have Saxenda left in them. Don’t freeze Saxenda. Saxenda that has been frozen must not be used.
Can I take my Saxenda abroad?
Yes you can. Always carry medicines in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription. Contact customer care if you need a copy of the prescription. [email protected]
What diet should I follow?
There is no set diet plan you should follow on Saxenda. Find something that works for you. Follow a low-calorie well-balanced diet along with an increased exercise regime to see the best results. This NHS website has lots of useful tips : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan/
What if I want to stop treatment?
There is no specific guidance set down for the end of your Saxenda course however the most important advice is to continue with the exercise and calorie-controlled diet. Saxenda is a tool to aid weight loss and cannot be continued indefinitely however it can provide you help to retrain your eating habits.
Key points moving forward
- Watch what you eat, maintain smaller portion sizes and try not to snack. Ensure you drink plenty of water – we recommend at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Consider using a diary or journal to help track what you are eating.
- Continue with regular exercise, remember if you burn more calories than you intake you should not see the weight build again. The NHS advises we should try and get around 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
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