Are you feeling stuck in your weight loss journey, despite your best efforts? Maybe you're considering a change in your medication to kickstart progress and achieve your health goals more effectively. Transitioning from Saxenda to Wegovy could be the key to unlocking new possibilities in your weight management journey.
Saxenda is a treatment aimed at assisting weight loss in conjunction with healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Administered via injection pen, it works by curbing appetite and prolonging feelings of fullness.
However, switching from Saxenda to Wegovy requires careful consideration. This decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional well-versed in your individual health needs. Your doctor will evaluate if Wegovy is a suitable alternative, considering factors such as side effects, effectiveness, and your unique health profile. It's essential to embark on this transition safely under their guidance.
Why Consider the Switch?
- Personal Preference: Your preferences matter when it comes to managing your health. You might find that Wegovy aligns better with your lifestyle or provides a more comfortable experience compared to Saxenda.
- Side Effects: While both medications share similar side effect profiles, individual responses can vary. If you're experiencing adverse effects with Saxenda, switching to Wegovy might offer a more favourable experience.
- Better Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy can lead to significant weight loss in some individuals. If you haven't achieved your desired results with Saxenda, Wegovy might offer a more effective solution for you.
Clinical trials have demonstrated Wegovy's superior efficacy as a weight loss medication. A 2022 study comparing Wegovy and Saxenda's effects on individuals with obesity revealed that those receiving semaglutide (Wegovy) experienced a body weight reduction of 15.85%, whereas the liraglutide (Saxenda) group achieved a 6.4% decrease. Both groups complemented their treatment with diet and exercise. Additionally, the study indicated that 13.5% of Wegovy recipients discontinued treatment due to side effects, whereas 27.6% of Saxenda users ceased treatment. - Availability and Cost: Factors like medication availability and cost can influence your decision. Wegovy may have better availability in certain regions, making it a more convenient option. Additionally, comparing the cost of both medications can help you make an informed choice that fits your budget.
What similarities are there between Wegovy and Saxenda?
Wegovy and Saxenda share several similarities:
- Class of Medication: Both Wegovy and Saxenda belong to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
- Mechanism of Action: They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which regulates appetite, food intake, and glucose metabolism.
- Indications: Both drugs are indicated for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have weight-related health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal lipid levels.
- Administration: They are both administered via subcutaneous injection.
- Complementary to Diet and Exercise: Both medications are prescribed alongside dietary modifications and increased physical activity to enhance weight loss and weight management.
- Side Effects: Although the specific side effects may vary, both medications can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Brief Table of Comparison Between Saxenda vs Wegovy
| Drug | Saxenda | Wegovy |
| Generic Name | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
| Drug Class | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists |
| Indications | Weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity | Weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity |
| Dosage | Initial: 0.6 mg/day, increase weekly by 0.6 mg/day. Max: 3.0 mg/day. | Initial: 0.25 mg/week, increase weekly by 0.25 mg/week. Max: 2.4 mg/week. |
| Injection Method | Subcutaneous (under the skin) | Subcutaneous (under the skin) |
| Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase |
| Results | Moderate weight loss of 4.5%-6% of initial body weight in clinical trials | Moderate to significant weight loss of 6%-15% of initial body weight in clinical trials |
| Availability | Prescription only | Prescription only |
Who Can Make the Switch?
Eligibility for switching from Saxenda to Wegovy typically aligns with the initial criteria set for Wegovy use. This includes meeting specific Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria and having no contraindications for taking Wegovy.
Wegovy, containing semaglutide, is used alongside diet and exercise to aid weight loss and management. It's for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher (obesity) or 27 kg/m² to 30 kg/m² (overweight) with weight-related health issues.
If you meet the above criteria, then you might be eligible to switch. A personalised clinical review will help determine if Wegovy is the right choice for you. Regular monitoring and medical supervision are advised.
Read more: What's the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
How to Switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
Switching medications requires careful planning and coordination with your healthcare provider. Here's a detailed guide to the transition process:
- Consultation: Discuss your desire to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy with your doctor. They will evaluate your current health status and determine if Wegovy is a suitable option for you.
- Wash Out Period: After stopping Saxenda, there's usually a short "wash out" period, typically a few weeks, but this can vary based on individual circumstances. This period allows Saxenda to leave your system before starting Wegovy.
- Starting Wegovy: Once you have completed the tapering process, your doctor will initiate treatment with Wegovy. Typically, you will start with the lowest dose of Wegovy and gradually increase the dosage over time. This ramp-up schedule allows your body to adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Throughout the transition and beyond, your healthcare provider will monitor your progress closely and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage or treatment plan. Regular follow-up appointments will ensure that you are achieving the desired outcomes and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Where can you switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
For transitioning from Saxenda to Wegovy under expert guidance, consider the eMed weight management programme. Our initiative provides a comprehensive approach, offering prescriptions for FDA-approved GLP-1 medications based on eligibility (Wegovy and Mounjaro), alongside regular health monitoring and professional support.
The programme emphasises science, safety, and personalised support to facilitate your weight management journey, ensuring that your transition is handled with care and expertise, adhering to standards like those set by regulatory bodies such as the MHRA for medication safety and efficacy.
How long will a Wegovy pen last?
A Wegovy pen, designed to administer semaglutide, offers a 4-week duration with a single pen comprising four doses. This medication is available in pens of varying strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg, each tailored to deliver a specific dose of semaglutide. Initially, the suggested dosage is 0.25 mg weekly for the first month. Correspondingly, a pen pre-filled with a 0.25mg dose over 1.5 ml solution provides the necessary four doses for this period, ensuring the pen's utility spans four weeks.
Read more: Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro: How To Guide for Patients
Embracing the Change
Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy is a step towards reclaiming control of your health and well-being. It's a decision that reflects your commitment to achieving your weight management goals and living a healthier life. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Your healthcare team is here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Transitioning from Saxenda to Wegovy holds the promise of renewed progress and enhanced results in your weight management journey. By partnering with your healthcare provider and taking a thoughtful approach to the switch, you can embark on this new chapter with confidence and optimism. Together, let's embrace the change and move closer to a healthier, happier you.
If you're considering making the switch from Saxenda to Wegovy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. Your path to successful weight management starts with informed decisions and personalised support. Here's to a brighter, healthier future ahead!
Start Weight Loss Assessment Now
References
- Therapeutic Focus: Management of Obesity." Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, vol. 55, no. 7, 2017, pp. 78. Available at: https://dtb.bmj.com/content/55/7/78.
- "Obesity: Treatment." NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/.
- "Wegovy set for UK pharmacies." Pharmaceutical Technology, https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/comment/wegovy-pharmacies-uk/.
- PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35015037/.
- "About Saxenda: Dosing Schedule." Saxenda, https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/dosing-schedule.html.
- "Wegovy: Tools and Resources - FAQ." Wegovy, https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/faq.html.
- "Liraglutide." BNF: British National Formulary, NICE, https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/liraglutide/.
- "Semaglutide." BNF: British National Formulary, NICE, https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/semaglutide/.
