Liraglutide (Saxenda) is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects — some common and mild, others rare and potentially serious.
✅ Common Side Effects
These are usually mild to moderate, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose:
| Side Effect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Most common; occurs in up to 40% of users early on |
| Vomiting | Usually during dose increases |
| Diarrhea | May accompany nausea or occur separately |
| Constipation | Can occur in some users |
| Headache | Reported in some cases |
| Fatigue | Mild tiredness or low energy levels |
| Dizziness | Occasionally reported |
| Low appetite | Often seen as a positive effect, leading to weight loss |
📝 These typically lessen over time as your body adjusts.
⚠️ Less Common but Notable Side Effects
| Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Indigestion / bloating | Due to slowed stomach emptying |
| Injection site reactions | Redness, itching, or discomfort at the injection site |
| Gastroesophageal reflux | Some users report heartburn or acid reflux |
❗ Serious (Rare) Side Effects
These are uncommon but require immediate medical attention:
| Serious Side Effect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting — requires immediate care |
| Gallbladder disease | Can include gallstones or cholecystitis (pain in upper right abdomen) |
| Kidney issues | Dehydration from vomiting/diarrhea can lead to kidney problems |
| Increased heart rate | Slight increase observed in some patients |
| Suicidal thoughts or depression | Monitor mood changes, especially in adolescents |
| Thyroid tumors (in animals) | Seen in rodent studies; unclear if risk applies to humans |
🔒 Black Box Warning:
Liraglutide carries an FDA-mandated warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It’s not recommended for people with a personal/family history of:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
👩⚕️ Monitoring & Safety Tips
- Start with low doses and titrate slowly to reduce side effects.
- Stay hydrated, especially if experiencing nausea or diarrhea.
- Report any severe stomach pain immediately — it could be pancreatitis or gallbladder disease.
- Regular thyroid exams may be recommended for some patients.
📌 Summary
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mild (common) | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue |
| Moderate | Injection site issues, bloating, headache |
| Serious (rare) | Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid tumors |
Most users tolerate Saxenda well, and many side effects improve with time and gradual dose increases. But serious side effects, while rare, require close monitoring.
Would you like help identifying which weight loss drug may be best for your personal risk profile or comparing side effects across multiple options?
