Who it's for
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity. Pediatric indication for adolescents 12-17 with obesity, which is unique among GLP-1s in 2026.
What the trials show
Saxenda's registration trial was SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (NEJM, 2015). At 56 weeks at the maximum dose, mean weight loss was 8.0% (5.4 percentage points greater than placebo). 63.2% of patients lost at least 5% of body weight; 14.4% lost at least 15%. Real-world results vary; trial patients are typically more adherent and more closely managed than typical telehealth patients.
Dose schedule
Dose levels: 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg, 3.0mg. Standard practice is to titrate up monthly, holding at any tolerated dose. Maximum dose is 3.0mg daily; many patients reach goal weight at sub-maximum doses and stay there.
What it costs in 2026
| Retail cash (no insurance, no DTC) | $1,349/mo |
| Manufacturer DTC (cash-pay direct) | $499/mo via NovoCare (less commonly used) |
| With insurance + prior authorization | $25-$50/mo with prior authorization (broader coverage than newer GLP-1s) |
| Compounded version (503A pharmacy) | Compounded liraglutide is unusual; most patients moving off Saxenda switch to semaglutide or tirzepatide. |
Telehealth programs add a membership fee on top of the medication cost (typically $40-$200/mo). For all-in monthly costs by program, see the chart.
Common side effects
The most commonly reported side effects in the registration trial:
- nausea (39%)
- diarrhea (21%)
- constipation (19%)
- vomiting (16%)
- headache (14%)
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data); contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome.
How Saxenda differs from related drugs
Daily injection (vs weekly for newer GLP-1s). Less effective than semaglutide or tirzepatide on average. Has a pediatric indication for adolescents 12-17, which Wegovy and Zepbound do not. Often the right choice when insurance covers Saxenda but not Wegovy or Zepbound.
Compounded liraglutide (rare)
Compounded liraglutide (rare) is the same active molecule prepared by a 503A pharmacy under prescription rather than manufactured under FDA new-drug approval as Saxenda. Cash-pay savings versus branded Saxenda are typically 50-80%, but the regulatory environment has tightened. Not on FDA shortage list. Largely displaced by Wegovy. For the comparison, see compounded vs FDA-approved semaglutide.
Programs that prescribe Saxenda
These programs in our chart prescribe Saxenda (with insurance coverage where applicable, or as a cash-pay option). Ranked by overall score.
Saxenda vs other GLP-1s
Editorial disclosure
GLP Chart is an editorial comparison site. We do not dispense, prescribe, or fulfill medications. Talk to a licensed clinician about whether Saxenda is appropriate for you. Pricing reflects publicly verified rates as of 12 May 2026; verify with the manufacturer or your prescriber before committing.