Saxenda® (Liraglutide) injectable pen

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Saxenda® is supplied as part of our clinician-led weight loss service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

By acting on appetite centres in the brain, Saxenda® can help you feel fuller for longer, reduce hunger between meals and decrease food cravings. It also slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel satisfied after eating.

As a result, many people find it easier to reduce their calorie intake and make sustainable dietary changes that support weight loss.

Saxenda® should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity as part of a comprehensive weight management programme.

Treatment may help to:

• Reduce appetite
• Increase feelings of fullness
• Reduce food cravings
• Support calorie reduction
• Promote sustainable weight management

For best results, treatment should be used alongside healthy dietary choices and increased physical activity.

Who May Be Suitable for Saxenda®?

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

• Are aged 18 years or over
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+ or 27+ with eligible health conditions
• Are looking for additional support with weight management
• Have found it difficult to achieve sufficient weight loss through lifestyle changes alone

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

How to Use Saxenda®

Saxenda® is administered once daily by injection under the skin of the:

• Abdomen
• Thigh
• Upper arm

Unlike some other weight loss injections, Saxenda® is taken every day. It should be administered at approximately the same time each day where possible.

Patients typically begin on a lower dose before gradually increasing according to their prescriber’s instructions.

Always follow the dosing schedule provided by your clinician.

Potential Benefits

When prescribed appropriately as part of a comprehensive weight management programme, Saxenda® may:

• Support clinically meaningful weight loss
• Help manage appetite and cravings
• Encourage healthier eating habits
• Support long-term weight management goals
• Offer ongoing clinician supervision and monitoring

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Saxenda® can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite

These effects are often temporary and may improve as your body adjusts to treatment.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see results?

Weight loss results vary between individuals. Many patients begin to notice changes within the first few weeks when treatment is combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Do I need to follow a diet while taking Saxenda®?

Yes. Saxenda® works best when used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity.

Can I exercise while taking Saxenda®?

Yes. Physical activity is encouraged as part of a healthy weight management programme.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Follow the instructions provided in the Patient Information Leaflet or seek advice from your pharmacist or prescriber.

Do I need a GP prescription?

No. Saxenda® is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require a GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy, one of our trained clinicians can supply this for eligible patients.

Our Weight Loss Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led weight loss service designed to support you throughout your weight loss journey.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

• Current weight and height
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Weight management goals

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs and treatment goals.

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

• Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.
• Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible, allowing you to focus on achieving your weight loss goals.

Ongoing Support Every Step of the Way

Our support doesn’t stop once your medication has been supplied.

As your local community pharmacy, we are committed to providing ongoing guidance throughout your treatment. Whether you have questions about your medication, dosage schedule, side effects, diet, exercise, or your progress, our pharmacy team is here to help.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Regular Reviews and Treatment Monitoring

Weight loss treatment is most effective when combined with ongoing monitoring and lifestyle support. As part of our service, we encourage regular reviews to assess your progress, discuss your experience with treatment, and ensure your medication remains appropriate for you.

Our team can provide advice on:

• Healthy eating and nutrition
• Physical activity and exercise
• Managing side effects
• Dose escalation schedules
• Maintaining long-term weight loss
• General treatment support and guidance

Important Information

Saxenda® is not suitable for everyone and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.

Treatment should be combined with healthy dietary changes and increased physical activity. Individual results will vary.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed.