Saxenda Side Effects – The Full List

Last Updated On: May 21, 2025

Up to 94.7% of patients receiving 3 mg of liraglutide report treatment-emergent adverse events, compared with 89.4% on placebo—a reminder that even well-tolerated medications like Saxenda can bring side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms, especially nausea (26.7%–47.6%), diarrhea (16.5%–25.6%), and constipation (11.9%–26.9%), top the list, often appearing early in therapy and fading over time.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management, Saxenda works by curbing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. Beyond the stomach, some users report injection-site reactions, headaches, fatigue, and—rarely—mood swings or even suicidal thoughts, underscoring the importance of close monitoring.

In this article, we’ll walk through the Saxenda side effects, explore how long they tend to last, and offer clear advice on when to seek medical help.

Key Takeaways

• Saxenda is an effective weight-loss treatment, primarily used for patients with obesity or those who have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone.
• The most common side effects during treatment include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, especially during the initial stages of the medication’s use. These symptoms are typically mild and improve as the body adjusts.
• Rare but serious side effects can include acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and thyroid tumors. These conditions require immediate medical attention, so regular monitoring and early recognition of symptoms are crucial.
• Saxenda requires careful patient selection, as it is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions, such as a history of MTC, MEN 2, or severe gastrointestinal disorders.
• The side effects from Saxenda are generally temporary and can be managed with proper care, including hydration, diet adjustments, and following aftercare instructions.
• For effective use, healthcare providers should educate patients on symptom management, proper injection techniques, and the importance of monitoring during treatment.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. Contact our sales department for more information about buying Saxenda online.  

Most Common Saxenda Adverse Reactions

Saxenda (liraglutide) is generally well-tolerated, but like many weight-loss treatments, it can cause side effects. Recognizing these effects early can help improve patient adherence and treatment success. Common side effects typically arise during the initial dose escalation phase, as the body adjusts to the medication. These reactions include:

• Nausea (approx. 39%)
• Diarrhea (approx. 20%)
• Vomiting (approx. 15%)
• Constipation (approx. 19%)

These symptoms are usually mild and manageable with proper care. Most occur in the early stages of treatment and tend to improve over time. To help manage these effects, patients should:

• Stay hydrated and adjust their diet to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
  Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours after starting the treatment.
• Sleep with the head elevated during the initial days to reduce swelling.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort, as their healthcare provider recommends.

Patients must remember these reactions are common and temporary, as the body acclimates to the medication. Furthermore, when comparing Saxenda vs Wegovy, patients may experience different tolerability levels based on the specific GLP-1 agonist they use, with some preferring one over the other due to the frequency of side effects.

Gastrointestinal vs Systemic Symptoms of Saxenda

Side effects from Saxenda can generally be divided into two categories: gastrointestinal and systemic. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common and are usually associated with the medication’s effects on the digestive system. These include:

These side effects are typically mild and transient. However, patients experiencing severe or prolonged symptoms should consult their healthcare provider.

Rare but Serious Reactions to Saxenda

While most side effects are mild, rare but severe reactions may occur with Saxenda. Awareness of these potential risks can help patients seek prompt medical attention if needed:

• Acute Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is a severe side effect associated with Saxenda. Symptoms to watch for include persistent upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting. Patients need immediate medical attention in such cases.
• Gallbladder Disease: Saxenda has been linked to gallstones and cholecystitis. Symptoms include sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, and jaundice. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing complications.
• Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: While human risk is not fully understood, rodent studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. As a result, Saxenda carries a black box warning and is contraindicated in patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Proper screening is essential to minimize these risks. Before prescribing Saxenda, healthcare providers should thoroughly assess the patient’s medical history and monitor for any warning signs during treatment.

Contraindications and Risk Factors for Saxenda

Saxenda is unsuitable for everyone, and careful screening is required to ensure safe use. Individuals who should avoid Saxenda include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Those with allergies to liraglutide or other ingredients in the formulation
• People with a history of MTC or MEN 2
• Severe gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis

In addition to medical conditions, factors like poor skin tone or unrealistic expectations can affect the treatment’s outcome. A detailed consultation will help identify the most suitable candidates for Saxenda.

Monitoring and Patient Counseling Tips

Effective patient education and symptom tracking are key to the success of Saxenda treatment. Patients should be informed about the possible side effects and the importance of following the prescribed dosing schedule. Critical monitoring and counseling tips include:

• Schedule regular follow-ups, especially during the first 8–12 weeks, to assess tolerance and adjust the dosage if needed.
  Regularly monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms, elevated heart rate, and signs of dehydration, particularly during dose escalation.
  For diabetic patients, blood glucose levels should be monitored closely to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
• To minimize discomfort and irritation, advise patients on proper injection technique and site rotation.
• Track weight, appetite, and overall well-being changes to gauge treatment effectiveness.

Encouraging self-monitoring and providing written aftercare instructions can significantly improve patient compliance and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Saxenda is an effective weight-loss medication for many individuals, but it comes with a well-established side effect profile. Most side effects are mild and temporary; severe reactions, such as pancreatitis and thyroid tumors, require prompt medical attention. By carefully monitoring patients and educating them on the possible side effects, healthcare providers can help ensure safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss with Saxenda.

With proper monitoring, clear communication, and adherence to the recommended protocol, Saxenda can be a valuable tool for healthier weight management.

FAQs

1. What are the most common Saxenda side effects?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are the most frequently reported side effects. They typically improve with continued use and gradual dose titration.

2. Can Saxenda cause serious health issues?

Yes. Although rare, Saxenda may cause severe conditions such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or thyroid tumors, particularly in predisposed individuals.

3. Who should not take Saxenda?

Saxenda is not recommended for pregnant women, those with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2, or people with severe gastrointestinal conditions.

4. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

Discontinue Saxenda and seek immediate medical help if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis, gallstones, or thyroid swelling. Always report any unexpected or persistent symptoms to your healthcare provider.

References

Davies MJ, Bergenstal R, Bode B, et al. Efficacy of liraglutide for weight loss among patients with type 2 diabetes. JAMA. 2015;314(7):687. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.9676

Saxenda® Side Effects | Saxenda® (liraglutide) injection 3mg. https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/side-effects.html

Johnston B. Saxenda (liraglutide): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-168195/saxenda-subcutaneous/details