Do I really have to inject every single day?

Yes — liraglutide has a shorter half-life than semaglutide or tirzepatide, so daily injection is required. The needle is very small and most people adjust within the first week or two. It is less convenient than once-weekly options.

Why would I choose liraglutide over a weekly drug?

Access and insurance are the main reasons. Some insurers require a trial of liraglutide before approving semaglutide or tirzepatide. Liraglutide is also the only GLP-1 approved for adolescents aged 12 and over.

Is generic liraglutide available?

Generic liraglutide for obesity became available in 2025, which may significantly reduce the cost. Ask your pharmacist what is available in your area.

Moderate alcohol is generally permitted, but it adds calories and can worsen nausea. No strict ban, but many people find their tolerance for alcohol changes while on GLP-1 medications.

What happens when I stop?

Weight regain after stopping is expected, as with all GLP-1 drugs. No large randomised withdrawal study has been published specifically for liraglutide in obesity, but the general pattern is similar to the class.

Saxenda (Liraglutide)

Key facts

At a glance

The numbers you need before deciding.

Weight loss

~18 lbs for a 220 lb person

Monthly cost

$1,000–$1,349/mo

Brand Saxenda is $1,000–$1,349/month. Generic liraglutide became available in 2025 — ask your pharmacist about generic pricing in your area.

How you take it

Daily injection

Once daily — needle is very small

Main side effect

Nausea

About 4 in 10 people · usually temporary

Fat vs lean

Limited data

No body scan data published yet for this drug

If you stop

Weight regain expected

Same pattern as similar drugs

Before you start

Learn about this treatment

Everything you'd want to know before deciding.

Weight loss resultsTrial data, timelines, what's realistic Side effectsRates, what helps, and when to call your doctor Cost & savingsList price, insurance, manufacturer programs How it works & dosageGLP-1 medicine — a class of drugs that reduce hunger signals in the brain — dose levels and what that means for you

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Clinical evidence2 trials, all linked See every treatment on one pageWhere this drug sits alongside older medicines, devices, procedures and surgery

On treatment

Already taking this?

Practical guides for people currently on this medication.

Dose titration scheduleStep-by-step dose increases Not losing weight yet?Troubleshooting — what to check first Nausea or GI issuesWhat helps right now — from trial data Missed a doseWhen to take it, when to skip

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Injection guideSites, rotation, step-by-step What to eatProtein targets, meal timing, appetite shifts Week-by-week journeyWhat to expect from week 1 to month 12

Compare

Side-by-side comparisons

See how this drug compares with another, side by side.

Zepbound vs SaxendaFull side-by-side comparison Wegovy vs SaxendaFull side-by-side comparison Foundayo vs SaxendaFull side-by-side comparison Saxenda vs QsymiaFull side-by-side comparison

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Saxenda vs ContraveFull side-by-side comparison Saxenda vs XenicalFull side-by-side comparison

Clinical evidence

How it compares in trials

Average weight loss % — from individual phase 3 trials

Saxenda8%

Wegovy (semaglutide injection)14.9%

Zepbound (tirzepatide)20.9%

Is this right for you?

Who this tends to fit

Relevant if you

Need a GLP-1 option approved for adolescents (age 12+)
Already using liraglutide for diabetes and want to continue
Looking for a GLP-1 with a long safety track record

Not right if you

You prefer weekly over daily injections
You want higher weight loss than newer GLP-1 drugs provide
You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Safety

Important cautions

In animal studies, liraglutide caused thyroid tumours. It is not prescribed to people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
Stop taking and contact your doctor if you develop severe abdominal pain — this may indicate pancreatitis.
Liraglutide can make your resting heart rate go up by about 2–3 beats per minute. Your doctor should keep an eye on this if you have a heart condition.

Read the boxed warning explained in full. See what the label says about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Practical guide

How to take Saxenda

Inject under the skin of your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm — once daily at the same time each day

Starting dose is 0.6mg for the first week. Your doctor increases it weekly until reaching 3mg

Store in the refrigerator (36–46°F). Do not freeze.

Each pen is reusable — attach a new needle for each injection

Common questions

FAQ

For the full regain timeline, week by week, see what the trials found after stopping.

Questions to ask your doctor

→Am I a good candidate given my health history and any other conditions I have?
→Do I have any contraindications I should know about?
→What results should I realistically expect, and over what timeframe?
→Which side effects should make me contact you?
→How long should I try this before we decide if it's working?
→What happens if I need to stop — how do I come off it safely?

Written and maintained by one person · Built with agentic AI tools · Every number checked against the cited trial · Not medical advice

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Next step most people take

Compare all optionsSee how this stacks up against other treatments Am I eligible?Check if this type of medication is right for you Talk to your doctorWhat to bring up at your next appointment Side effects comparedHow side effects differ across all treatments

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Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.