Saxenda (Liraglutide) UK: Complete 2025 Guide
Saxenda is a daily GLP-1 injection for weight loss, now available in generic form in the UK. This guide covers costs, NHS access, how it compares to weekly alternatives like Wegovy and Mounjaro, and whether Saxenda might be right for you.
Active Ingredient
Liraglutide
Frequency
Daily injection
Private Cost
£100-£280/month
Avg Weight Loss
~8% body weight
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) is a prescription weight loss medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved specifically for weight management in the UK (2017), paving the way for newer medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Unlike the newer weekly injections, Saxenda is administered once daily. It contains liraglutide, the same active ingredient found in Victoza (used for type 2 diabetes at lower doses). Saxenda works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake.
2024/2025 Update: Generic liraglutide has become available following patent expiration, making this medication more affordable for many patients.
Generic Liraglutide: What You Need to Know
Lower Cost Option Now Available
Generic liraglutide offers the same medication at reduced prices. Savings can be significant, with some generic versions costing 30-50% less than branded Saxenda.
- Same active ingredient (liraglutide)
- Same efficacy and safety profile
- Lower cost (often £100-£180/month)
- MHRA approved and regulated
- Pen device may differ from Saxenda
- Availability varies by pharmacy
- Not all providers stock generic yet
- Ask your prescriber about options
How Saxenda Works
Saxenda mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone that's naturally produced in your gut after eating:
Reduces Appetite
Signals to your brain that you're full, reducing hunger and cravings throughout the day.
Slows Digestion
Delays gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel satisfied.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Stimulates insulin release when blood sugar rises, improving metabolic health.
UK Availability: NHS vs Private
- Available on NHS for eligible patients
- Free if eligible (or standard prescription charge)
- May require specialist referral
- Some areas prefer newer medications
- Brand Saxenda: £200-£280/month
- Generic: £100-£180/month
- Widely available online and in clinics
- Ensure provider is GPhC registered
NHS Eligibility Criteria
- BMI 35+ (or 32.5+ for certain ethnic backgrounds)
- BMI 30+ with weight-related health condition
- Previous lifestyle intervention (diet/exercise programme)
- Commitment to ongoing lifestyle changes
Stay Updated on Saxenda and GLP-1 medications
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Saxenda Dose Schedule
Saxenda uses a gradual dose escalation over 5 weeks to minimise side effects:
| Week | Daily Dose | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 0.6mg | Daily | Starting dose |
| Week 2 | 1.2mg | Daily | First escalation |
| Week 3 | 1.8mg | Daily | Second escalation |
| Week 4 | 2.4mg | Daily | Third escalation |
| Week 5+ | 3.0mg | Daily | Maintenance dose |
Tip: Inject at the same time each day for consistent effect. Many people find evening injection works well, but morning or afternoon is also fine. The key is consistency.
Saxenda vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro
How does Saxenda compare to the newer weekly GLP-1 medications?
| Feature | Saxenda | Wegovy | Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Liraglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Injection Frequency | Daily | Weekly | Weekly |
| Maximum Dose | 3mg | 2.4mg | 15mg |
| Avg Weight Loss | ~8% | ~15% | ~21% |
| Private Cost/Month | £100-£280 | £150-£300 | £200-£350 |
| Generic Available | Yes (2024) | No | No |
| UK Approval | 2017 | 2022 | 2024 |
Who Should Consider Saxenda?
- Budget-conscious (generic available)
- Want to test GLP-1 tolerance first
- Prefer flexible daily dosing
- Moderate weight loss goals (5-10%)
- Weekly injections unavailable in your NHS area
- Want maximum weight loss potential
- Prefer weekly to daily injections
- Already tried liraglutide without success
- Have type 2 diabetes (consider dual-action options)
Side Effects and Safety
Saxenda's side effects are typical of GLP-1 medications. Most are gastrointestinal and improve over time.
- Nausea (most common, especially at start)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Injection site reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems (if dehydrated)
- Low blood sugar (with other diabetes meds)
- Allergic reactions
- Increased heart rate
Who Should NOT Take Saxenda
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- History of pancreatitis
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
- Allergic to liraglutide
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
References & Sources
- Pi-Sunyer X, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity). NEJM 2015.
- NICE Technology Appraisal: Liraglutide for managing overweight and obesity (TA664), 2020.
- MHRA. Saxenda (liraglutide) Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Novo Nordisk. SCALE Clinical Trial Programme results.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Saxenda is a prescription medication that requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any weight loss medication.
Last updated: December 2025
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