Pros and cons of Saxenda (liraglutide)

Pros

Can help you lose a significant amount of body weight when combined with diet and exercise

It May be helpful for people with diabetes as it may lower blood sugar levels

Weight loss may help improve conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels

60% of people in the clinical studies for Saxenda (liraglutide) lost greater than or equal to 5% of their starting body weight

50% of people in the clinical studies for Saxenda (liraglutide) maintained their weight loss for 3 years

Available as an easy to use injectable pen

Can be used in older adults

Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Not a safe option for pregnant mothers

Not safe to use if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2 (MEN2)

Only available as an injection

Available as brand name only and can be expensive

It May have significant side effects, like nausea, cramps, and serious inflammation of the pancreas

Slows stomach emptying, which may affect how other medications are absorbed

Not approved to treat type 2 diabetes