As with all medication, Saxenda can be associated with unwanted side effects. Although usually mild, some can be more severe, which may result in your treatment being stopped. You should always read the patient information leaflet fully before you begin treatment.
When you first start your treatment, you may experience some stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, and may also lose some bodily fluids. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Most mild side effects will settle once your body gets used to the new medication. However, if any side effect persists, stop the treatment and talk to a doctor.
Sometimes side effects of Saxenda can be very serious, such as severe allergic reactions. If you get any symptoms, such as problems breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or a fast heartbeat, you must get medical help immediately.
Rarely there have been cases reported of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening, medical condition. If you experience any of the following side effects stop taking Saxenda immediately and get medical help: severe and persistent pain in the abdomen (stomach area) which might reach through to your back with nausea or vomiting.
Side effects can include, but are not limited to:
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 user in 10 users)
Nausea vomiting (settles after your body adjusts to treatment)
Diarrhoea or constipation (settles after your body adjusts to treatment)
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 to 10 users)
Low blood sugar. The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly and can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick, feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, being nervous, being anxious, confusion, difficulty concentrating and shaking (tremor). Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs
Problems affecting the stomach and intestines, such as indigestion (dyspepsia), inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis), stomach discomfort, upper stomach pain, heartburn, feeling bloated, wind (flatulence), belching and dry mouth
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs in the first 3 months of treatment
Local reactions around the injection site, such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash
Feeling weak or tired
Changed sense of taste
Dizziness
Gallstones
Increase of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase amylase
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Dehydration – more likely to occur at the start of treatment and may be due to being sick, having diarrhoea or nausea making you drink & eat less
Thyroid reactions such as goitres or nodules
Pancreatitis
Allergic reactions such as skin rash
Generally feeling unwell
Faster pulse rate
Delay in the emptying of the stomach
Inflamed gall bladder
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Reduced kidney function
Acute kidney failure. Signs may include reduction in urine volume, metallic taste in mouth & easily bruising