Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Saxenda (Liraglutide).
Breast Cancer: There may be an increased risk of developing breast cancer when using Saxenda (Liraglutide). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Gallstones: Saxenda (Liraglutide) has been associated with an increase in gallstone formation. Gallstones often form when there is significant or fast weight loss. If you experience symptoms of gallstones, such as nausea and vomiting, pain under the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades or severe abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart problems: Saxenda (Liraglutide) may increase heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. If you have heart disease (e.g., recent Heart Attack, Angina, heart failure) or an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., heart block or fast heart rate), discuss with your doctor how Saxenda (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Saxenda (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Intestinal problems: The safety and effectiveness of using Saxenda (Liraglutide) for people with inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) or who have slowed movement through the intestinal tract due to diabetes have not been established. If you have digestive system problems, discuss with your doctor how Saxenda (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Saxenda (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Saxenda (Liraglutide) can cause dehydration as a result of digestive system side effects such as diarrhea, which in turn, can affect kidney function. Make sure you drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. The safety and effectiveness of using Saxenda (Liraglutide) for people with reduced kidney function has not been studied. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Saxenda (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Saxenda (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using Saxenda (Liraglutide) for people with reduced liver function have not been studied. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Saxenda (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Saxenda (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): People who use Saxenda (Liraglutide) may experience low blood sugar. This may be more likely if you are also taking a sulfonylurea (e.g., Glyburide, Gliclazide) to control high blood sugar. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Saxenda (Liraglutide) can cause pancreatitis. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to the back with or without vomiting, contact your doctor immediately. If you have previously had pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Saxenda (Liraglutide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Saxenda (Liraglutide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Thyroid cancer: In rare cases, people have developed thyroid cancer while using Saxenda (Liraglutide). People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or people who have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumours in more than one gland in their body) should not use Saxenda (Liraglutide).
Suicidal or depressed behaviour: People using Saxenda (Liraglutide) may experience new or worsening symptoms of Depression, thoughts of self-harm, or change in mood and behavior. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Saxenda (Liraglutide), contact your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: Saxenda (Liraglutide) has not been studied for use by pregnant women and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Saxenda (Liraglutide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Saxenda (Liraglutide) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Saxenda (Liraglutide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Saxenda (Liraglutide) may be used for children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years, who weigh at least 60 kg. The safety and effectiveness of using Saxenda (Liraglutide) have not been established for children younger than 12 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects associated with Saxenda (Liraglutide).
