Welcome to Your Journey with Saxenda

Your Path to a Healthier You Begins Here

Embrace Saxenda as a partner in your journey towards sustainable weight loss. It helps control appetite, manage cravings, and lower your body's weight set point, enabling healthier choices.

Call us on 020 4538 8411 (Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00) to speak to a clinician within minutes.

Saxenda Is Effective

Saxenda has proven effective in clinical trials, helping people achieve significant weight loss. It works on GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and enhance fat breakdown.

How Do I Take It?

Saxenda is a daily injection and can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Choose a spot on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm that feels comfortable to inject into.

Use Saxenda at about the same time each day – choose a time of the day that works best for you. We recommend injecting Saxenda in the morning so you feel the benefits throughout the day. However, if you struggle with overeating in the evening then we advise you to inject Saxenda in the afternoon to help with this.

It’s easier to follow a video than read about how to take medication, so here is the video below:

If you have any questions check the leaflet provided with your pen, or get in touch with a clinician.

We strongly recommend reading the patient information leaflet in your medication box. It contains vital information on how to use Saxenda, potential side effects, and other safety information.

How Much To Inject

At the beginning of the treatment, you will start with 0.6mg daily, increasing by 0.6mg at weekly intervals until you have reached the maximum daily dose of 3mg. The dose is gradually increased in this way to allow your body to get used to the medication and to minimise any side effects you might experience.

What Are The Side Effects?

Telling us how you feel is crucial—reach out to us if anything feels off.

Call us on 020 4538 8411 (Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00) to speak to a clinician within minutes. We can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer some reassurance. Everyone responds differently, and we'll help you find what feels right for you.

It’s common to experience some side effects as you’re starting out on treatment. These are usually mild and temporary as your body is getting used to the medication.

Some of the common side effects can include :

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
  • Saxenda can increase the risk of gallbladder problems and pancreatitis. Symptoms include severe, sharp upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever. Stop treatment and get medical help right away if these occur.
• Acid reflux/heartburn
• Hair loss
• Local reactions at the injection site such as irritation, itching or bruising

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet included with your treatment.

While vomiting can be a side effect of treatment, ongoing vomiting shouldn’t be seen as normal and needs to be reviewed. If you’re having side effects that are severe, not improving, or disrupting daily life, please contact the clinical team for support. It might just be a small tweak, like a dose adjustment that keeps things on track. Treatment doesn’t have to stop, and small changes can help make your journey smoother.

You can also report side effects through the government’s Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Your feedback helps to improve medication safety for everyone.

Cautions and Safety Information

Cautions and Safety InformationHere's some important safety information about your medication.

Managing Low Blood Sugar Levels

While Saxenda is designed to help you manage your weight, it may cause low blood sugar levels, especially if you are also using diabetes medication. Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, shaking, or hunger, and have a quick source of sugar available if needed. On rare occasions, these symptoms can occur, even if you’re not diabetic.

Dehydration Warning

Vomiting and loose stools can lead to dehydration. If you experience frequent vomiting or diarrhoea, increase your fluid intake, and consider an oral rehydration solution. If symptoms persist, contact our clinical team for advice.

General Anaesthesia

If you’re preparing for general anaesthesia, there’s an increased risk of aspiration, where food or liquids could enter your airway or lungs during the procedure. To help reduce this risk, it’s essential to stop your Saxenda at least one week prior to surgery. Be sure to notify both your healthcare provider and the anaesthesia team about your treatment so they can take the appropriate steps to ensure your safety.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Saxenda should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and if trying to conceive. It’s recommended that you use suitable contraception while taking Saxenda.

When Not To Use Treatment

Saxenda isn’t recommended if you have heart failure, severe stomach or gut issues, or inflammatory bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, or if you’re aged over 75.

Diabetic Eye Screening

If you have diabetes, regular eye screenings are important during treatment.

Mental Health

If you have mental health concerns, such as depression, stopping treatment may affect your mood – keep an eye on how you feel and reach out to a clinician if needed.

Informing Your GP

Always tell your GP and other healthcare professionals involved in your care that you’re using Saxenda. If you do not share this information with your GP, they will not have correct information to make decisions about your care, increasing your risk of injuries or side effects. On your account page, you can download a letter to share with your GP that contains all the relevant information about your treatment plan.

If you’re having an investigation or are admitted to hospital, we recommend you pause treatment. If you’re due to have surgery with general anaesthesia or deep sedation, stop Saxenda at least a week before the procedure.

Emotional Wellbeing and Eating Behaviours

While on your GLP-1 medication, please let our team know if you notice any new or worsening patterns that feel distressing or obsessive regarding:

Your thoughts/feelings about food, weight, or your body (e.g., intense fear or guilt).

Your eating habits (e.g., becoming much more restrictive, feeling out of control/bingeing, or urges to "undo" eating like being sick or using laxatives.

Exercise becoming driven or compulsive.

If you have any concerns in these areas, please reach out to us.

What's Manual's Approach to Maintenance?

We’ve designed a flexible programme to help you maintain your weight with confidence. We know that maintaining your weight can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. Everyone’s maintenance journey is unique, and we’re here to support yours as you navigate this new stage in your treatment. While it’s completely safe to stop medication, some people prefer to ease off gradually.

Our approach is all about finding what works best for you, whether that’s continuing on a low dose, tapering slowly, or stopping altogether. You can manage your dose directly in the app.

You’re welcome to stay on treatment for as long as it supports you, or take a break and return later if needed, provided your weight remains within our reactivation guidelines. Whatever your path, we’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Money Back Guarantee

We’re confident that you’ll lose at least 10% of your body weight in six months. If you don’t, we’ll give you your money back—simple as that.

You can find out more about our money-back guarantee by following this link.

FAQs

Frequently asked questionsHave questions? We’ve got answers! This FAQ is here to make things easy, clear, and stress-free. If you don’t find what you need, just reach out—we’re happy to help!

When will I see results?

Weight loss timing varies, but many start to see changes within the first few weeks. With regular use and lifestyle adjustments, significant progress is typically visible in six months.

How should I store my pen?

When you first receive your Saxenda, store it in the fridge. After the first dose, it can be kept at room temperature.

• Once you start using the pen: You can keep the pen for 1 month when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
• Do not freeze.
• Use within 30 days to ensure it is still effective. Keep your pen needle-free when not in use.
• Dispose of used pens in your sharps box, which you can take to your local pharmacy once full.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If it’s been less than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. Otherwise, wait until your next scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for the missed dose.

How can I maximise my results?

To keep your muscles strong while losing weight, include resistance training and make sure you’re getting enough protein for muscle repair. Our coaching team is here to support you every step of the way—reach out anytime, we’re excited to help you succeed!

How can I minimise my chance of experiencing side effects?

Our top tips include:

• Eat smaller meals–try splitting your 3 daily meals into 4 or more smaller ones
• Listen to your body – Stop eating when you feel full
• Avoid/minimise fat or fatty foods
• Stay hydrated
• Practice mindful eating and eat slower

Remember, You're Not Alone

Every step forward is progress. We're here to support your journey with expert clinical care and personalised coaching support. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and celebrate the milestones. Our dedicated coaches are here to work with you to tailor your plan and encourage you to stay on track towards better health.

We’d love to hear from you!

Your feedback is important. Connect with us through your MANUAL account.