*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Saxenda prescription for weight loss
(liraglutide) injection
FDA-approved medication for weight loss
Lose 9% of your body weight on average in 1 year*
Helps you feel full faster, longer
$99 to get started, then $145/month for ongoing care.
Safety info: Saxenda treats obesity or overweight (with weight-related problems), along with diet and exercise. Saxenda may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. Do not use if you are pregnant. Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Why try Saxenda? It works!
People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Revolutionary medication
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 medication that is FDA-approved to help with weight loss when paired with healthy lifestyle changes.
Saxenda is administered as a once-daily shot and mimics your body’s natural hormones, helping you feel fuller faster and longer.
Medication is not included in the cost of the Body Program. But don’t worry, our insurance concierge partners explore all options to help get you covered.
Saxenda
liraglutide
People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
"Is using medication to lose weight cheating?"
Dr. Steve Silvestro, Ro
Learn more about potential side effects
Your Ro-affiliated provider will walk you through the side effects patients report most often:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
Saxenda has other side effects, including a serious warning for thyroid cancer. Learn more about all the side effects of Saxenda.
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How it works
We help you lose weight by pairing revolutionary medication with coaching, care, and healthy lifestyle changes to make it last.
Share your health history and weight loss goals with us online to get started. A Ro-affiliated provider will review your answers and get back to you within a few days. Depending on your health review, a provider may order a metabolic lab test before moving forward with treatment.
If you’re a good fit for the program, your provider will order a metabolic lab test. The test will help you understand how your body’s working right now.
You can use your insurance to test at any Quest location (most insurance accepted), or purchase an at-home blood collection kit through Ro for an additional cost.
If you live in a state where Quest is not available, we’ll automatically send you an at-home collection kit for no charge. Read more.
After reviewing your results, your provider will determine if you’re eligible for medication. If you are, they’ll tailor a program with prescription treatment best suited to your unique biology.
If a medication is prescribed that can be covered by insurance, our concierge partner connects with your insurance company to help get the cost of medication covered. If coverage is denied, we'll help you understand your options, including paying cash.
We’ll send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy to be filled. At this point, your $145/mo membership begins and you’ll unlock all of the ongoing support you’ll need during treatment.
Please note that due to GLP-1 shortages, you may experience a wait. Know we're doing everything we can to get medication to you quickly. Learn more.
You’ll have everything you need during treatment, including on-demand provider access, medication management, and ongoing refill support.
Saxenda Prescription Online 101
What is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a brand-name version of the generic medication liraglutide. Saxenda is FDA-approved and clinically proven to help with weight loss and belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs limit your appetite by acting like a hormone that slows down your gut, making you feel less hungry. People on Saxenda lost an average of 9% of their body weight after one year.*
How does Saxenda work?
Saxenda works for weight loss by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which reduces appetite and slows down the movement of food through your stomach. This may make you feel full longer and therefore eat less, which can lead to weight loss. When paired with healthy food choices and regular exercise, Saxenda can assist you in reaching and maintaining your long-term weight goals.
Do you prescribe Saxenda for weight loss?
Yes. If appropriate, adults can get Saxenda (liraglutide) through the Body Program. Currently, the Body Program is only available for adults 18 years and older.
Is Saxenda FDA-approved?
Yes, Saxenda is FDA approved for weight loss in adults with a BMI of ≥30 or a BMI of ≥27 and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Saxenda is supposed to be taken in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and greater physical activity.
How do you take Saxenda?
Saxenda is a clear liquid that comes in prefilled injection pens. Each pen contains multiple doses. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will administer the injection once daily under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Ro-affiliated provider can offer additional advice.
What is Saxenda dosing?
Like other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (active ingredient semaglutide), dosing gradually increases with Saxenda. The typical Saxenda dosing schedule starts with 0.6 mg once daily for one week. After that, your dose will increase each week until you reach the max amount of 3 mg per day, also called the maintenance dose.
How much weight can I expect to lose with GLP-1s?
Non-diabetic patients who completed the 56-week clinical trial lost an average of 9% of their body weight.
*In a 56-week clinical trial of 3,731 non-diabetic patients with obesity (BMI ≥30) or with overweight (BMI ≥27) and at least one weight-related condition, the 1,812 patients that completed the trial lost an average of 9.2% of their body weight, when Saxenda was paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
$99 to get started, $145/mo for ongoing care
What's included?
Provider consultation
GLP-1 prescription (if appropriate)
Insurance concierge
Ongoing care & support
Tools to track progress
Start now – $99
Please note: The cost of medication and lab testing is not included in the Body Program
Learn more about pricing
Medication is prescribed only if appropriate.
We hear these questions every day
How is Ro responding to medication shortages?
Ro and Ro-affiliated providers are taking additional steps to support new and existing patients on their weight loss journeys.
If you’re prescribed Wegovy or Saxenda:
Your pharmacy will add you to their waitlist for medication if they don’t have supply.
Your provider may also make adjustments to your treatment plan if they determine it’s clinically appropriate. These adjustments may include prescribing alternate GLP-1 medications (if appropriate), working with you to create a personalized treatment plan, or recommending adjustments to diet, lifestyle, and current fitness activities.
If you’re just getting started:
The first steps in the Body Program are unaffected by the supply shortages — including taking a metabolic lab test and connecting with a provider to review their health history. If a provider ultimately determines Wegovy or Saxenda is a good fit, the sooner you join the program, the sooner our team can send your prescription to get filled at your preferred pharmacy.
Remember that we’re also expanding our medication offerings to include Zepbound and compounded semaglutide. Contact your provider in your Ro account chat if you’re interested in either medication.
What foods should be avoided while taking Saxenda?
There are no specific foods you must avoid while taking Saxenda and there are no known food-medication interactions you have to be aware of. That said, some foods and drinks can cause nausea and fullness, which are symptoms similar to Saxenda’s side effects. These same foods—highly processed, sugary and fried foods—may also make weight loss more challenging.
Generally, you’ll want to limit your intake of high-calorie foods like candy, sugary drinks, and fried foods. It also makes sense to eat slowly and eat smaller meals.
What are the side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects of Saxenda often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Side effects tend to occur when you start the medication or increase the dose. Over time, these side effects should subside once a steady dose is reached.
Some of the most common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a Boxed Warning) that GLP-1 medications like Saxenda may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents. However, during the post-marketing period, cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza) have been reported; this data is insufficient to determine the risk in people.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
Kidney and gallbladder problems
Fast heartbeat
Serious allergic reactions
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
For complete safety information, read more here.
How do you store Saxenda?
Unused Saxenda injection pens have to be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. After first use, you can either put it back in the refrigerator or keep it at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F. It is important to not freeze Saxenda, because you can’t use it anymore and have to throw away the pen once it has been frozen.
How much does Saxenda cost?
The price of Saxenda may vary depending on your insurance plan, and our insurance concierge partner is here to provide assistance.
Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program, which is cash pay only. Our partner will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. These insurance concierge services for the cost of medication are provided through the Body Program.
Unfortunately, you cannot join the Body Program if you have government insurance (regardless of whether you have additional commercial/employer insurance or are willing to pay cash out of pocket). This includes those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicaid, or TRICARE), whether it’s your primary or secondary coverage. Certain federal government insurance programs impose mandatory billing requirements on providers when they treat beneficiaries. Because of this, Ro-affiliated providers are unable to work with beneficiaries of these programs.
Federal employees who receive their health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) may participate in the Body Program.
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Important safety information
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
In rats and mice, Saxenda caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Saxenda will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. In the post marketing period, cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide have been reported; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Do not use Saxenda if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Saxenda?
Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Limitations of Use:
Saxenda should not be used in combination with other liraglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
Who should not use Saxenda?
Do not use Saxenda if:
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You are pregnant
You have a known allergic reaction to Saxenda or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
How should Saxenda be administered?
You can take Saxenda with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a day at any time of day. If injecting within the same region, the injection site should be rotated to reduce the risk of cutaneous amyloidosis. You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Saxenda as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my provider before using Saxenda?
Saxenda has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications for diabetes: Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
Other oral medications: Saxenda causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it can impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
Other GLP-1 medications: Including Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon. These medications should not be taken with Saxenda.
Other products for weight loss: Including dietary supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have or have a past history of:
Thyroid cancer
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease
Kidney disease
Depression
Suicide attempts or active suicidal ideation
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Saxenda should not be used during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Saxenda during pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding: It is not known if Saxenda passes into breast milk. Saxenda was found in the milk of lactating rats. Talk to your provider first about the benefits and risks of using Saxenda while breastfeeding.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Saxenda?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. These serious side effects can occur with Saxenda. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In rats and mice, Saxenda caused dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Saxenda causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), in humans. Cases of MTC in people treated with liraglutide have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in people. Saxenda is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
Acute Gallbladder Disease: Some patients reported gallbladder problems in clinical trials, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Saxenda lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a fast, racing heartbeat while at rest.
Acute Kidney Injury: In patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Saxenda, there have been reports of acute renal failure and worsening of chronic kidney failure, sometimes requiring hemodialysis. Gastrointestinal side effects of Saxenda like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems if dehydration is severe. It is important to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Allergic Reactions: Stop using Saxenda right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of Saxenda?
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Vomiting
Injection site reactions
Headache
Low blood sugar
Stomach discomfort
Fatigue
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Increased in lipase
Upper abdominal pain
Fever
Stomach infection
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
Contact Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-844-363-4448
Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.