Saxenda
liraglutide
Daily injection — from £53/month across 6 UK providers.
About this information — please read
This page brings together key points about this medicine from public sources, including the NHS, the UK medicines regulator (the MHRA) and the manufacturer's approved product information. It is general information to help you understand the medicine and prepare for a conversation with a healthcare professional.
It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of whether this medicine is suitable or safe for you. Only a registered prescriber can decide that, after assessing your health, your medical history, any other medicines you take, and your individual circumstances.
Please keep in mind:
- The information here — including who a medicine may not be suitable for, its side effects, and who can be prescribed it — is a selection of key points, not a complete or exhaustive list.
- Not having any of the conditions or factors listed here does not mean this medicine is safe or suitable for you. Suitability can only be established through a clinical assessment.
- Your own medical history, allergies, other medicines, and personal circumstances — including pregnancy or planning a pregnancy — may mean you should not take this medicine, even if that reason is not listed here.
- Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine, and speak to a prescriber or pharmacist before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.
WeightMedsCompare is an independent information and comparison service. We do not sell, prescribe or dispense medicines, and we do not assess individual patients.
What it is and how it works
Liraglutide is a once-daily injection that mimics GLP-1 to reduce appetite. It's an older weight-management medicine, taken daily rather than weekly.
Safety and who it's not for
The points below are important, commonly highlighted concerns drawn from NHS and regulatory sources — not a complete list of side effects, or of the reasons this medicine may be unsuitable for you. The full details are in the patient information leaflet. Other factors in your medical history or current medicines may also make it unsuitable. If you develop severe or worrying symptoms, seek medical help promptly; suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Who it's not for
Not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding
GLP-1 weight-loss medicines should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and should be stopped in advance of trying to conceive.
Talk to your prescriber about timing and contraception before starting.
Source: Product SmPCs (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda); MHRA
Personal or family history of thyroid cancer (MEN 2)
These medicines are not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Tell your prescriber about any thyroid or endocrine cancer history.
Source: GLP-1/GIP class SmPCs
If you have or have had an eating disorder
These medicines are not appropriate where an active eating disorder is present and may be harmful.
Speak to your GP. Support is available from Beat: beateatingdisorders.org.uk or 0808 801 0677.
Source: NICE; clinical consensus
When to stop and seek help
Severe or lasting stomach pain
Severe stomach pain that does not go away (sometimes spreading to the back) can be a sign of pancreatitis.
Stop taking it and seek urgent medical advice or call 111.
Source: Product SmPCs; MHRA
Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common when starting or increasing the dose and can lead to dehydration, which can affect the kidneys.
Sip fluids regularly; if you cannot keep fluids down, contact your prescriber or 111.
Source: Product SmPCs
Signs of gallbladder problems
Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.
Report severe pain in the upper-right abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Source: Product SmPCs
Using it safely
Mounjaro can reduce the contraceptive pill's effectiveness
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may make the combined oral contraceptive pill less reliable, particularly around dose increases.
Use a barrier method (or a non-oral method) for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase — ask your prescriber.
Source: Mounjaro SmPC; MHRA
Diabetic eye disease needs monitoring
People with diabetic retinopathy should be monitored, as rapid changes in blood sugar can affect it.
Tell your prescriber if you have diabetic eye disease.
Source: Wegovy/Ozempic SmPC
Only buy from a registered UK pharmacy or clinic
Weight-loss injections from unregulated sellers may be fake or unsafe.
Check the provider is GPhC-registered (pharmacy) or CQC-registered (clinic) — every provider we list shows this.
Source: GPhC; MHRA #FakeMeds
Weight can return after stopping
Studies show much of the lost weight can return once the medicine is stopped, so it works best alongside lasting changes to diet and activity.
Ask your prescriber about a longer-term plan.
Source: STEP-1 extension; NICE
Providers offering Saxenda
Who can get Saxenda?
These are the general criteria on which this medicine is licensed and commonly prescribed — not a personal suitability assessment. Meeting them does not mean the medicine is safe or right for you, and a registered prescriber will always assess your individual health and history before deciding.
Private prescribing usually follows the licensed basis: a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. Lower thresholds apply for some ethnic groups. NHS criteria are generally higher. A registered prescriber always makes the final decision.
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Related reading
Saxenda — frequently asked questions
How much does Saxenda cost in the UK?
The lowest published price we track is £53 a month, across 6 UK providers. Prices vary with your dose and what is included — always check the provider's own site before you buy.
How is Saxenda taken?
Daily injection — Liraglutide is a once-daily injection that mimics GLP-1 to reduce appetite. It's an older weight-management medicine, taken daily rather than weekly.
Who can prescribe Saxenda in the UK?
Only a registered UK prescriber (a doctor, pharmacist prescriber or nurse prescriber) can prescribe it, usually through a CQC-registered clinic or GPhC-registered pharmacy. They will check your BMI, health history and current medicines first.
Am I eligible for Saxenda?
Private prescribing usually follows the licensed basis: BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition. Lower thresholds apply for some ethnic groups. NHS criteria are generally higher. A prescriber makes the final decision.