Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medicine that can help with weight-related medical problems for obese or overweight adults and children aged 12 to 17 years old. "Sometimes referred to as a 'weight loss pen,' 'magic pen,' or 'slim pen,' this medication has proven effects in helping with weight loss and maintaining it. However, please note that the medication is not directly responsible for weight loss; rather, it serves as an aid to make your weight loss journey easier.

It comes in doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg or 3.0 mg.

How it works is that it contains an active ingredient called Liraglutide, which imitates a natural hormone in the body that aids in controlling blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion. Saxenda® aids in weight management by helping you feel less hungry and stay full longer, making it easier to stick to your weight control diet. Using Saxenda® along with proper exercise and diet control can make your weight loss efforts more effective.

Are Saxenda® and Ozempic the Same?

There are several GLP-1 agonist medications that are similar to Saxenda®, but not all are prescribed for the same purposes or conditions. Other medications similar to Saxenda® are often grouped together as 'weight loss pens.' Many people may have heard of Ozempic and think it's the same. Saxenda® and Ozempic are not interchangeable, so switching between them is not an option. However, if you've been prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss and cannot obtain it, your healthcare provider may recommend Saxenda® as an alternative.

Saxenda® (liraglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are injectable medications in the same drug class, but they serve different purposes. Saxenda® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older, while Ozempic is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes in adults. A key difference is how often you need to inject them—Saxenda® requires daily injections, whereas Ozempic is taken once weekly.

Due to their different approved uses, it's important to note that Saxenda® and Ozempic aren’t interchangeable. Switching from one to the other isn’t an option. However, if you've been prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss and can’t fill your prescription, your healthcare provider may recommend Saxenda® as an alternative.