Comprehensive medication guide to Saxenda including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
With commercial insurance and the Novo Nordisk savings card, your copay may be as low as $25 per month, though many plans require prior authorization and some exclude weight-loss medications entirely.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand-name Saxenda costs $1,300 to $1,800 per month without insurance, while the Teva generic liraglutide runs approximately $1,165 per month.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved injectable prescription medication for chronic weight management. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Saxenda is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obesity) or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It is also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity. Saxenda is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Saxenda works by mimicking GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. When injected, liraglutide activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain's appetite control centers, reducing feelings of hunger and helping you eat less. It also slows gastric emptying, which means food stays in your stomach longer and you feel full for a longer period after eating. In clinical trials, patients using Saxenda lost an average of 7–8% of their body weight over 56 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
![Why Is Saxenda So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fde838fefc91e13b5e1f4e6333d34e04954f50629-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Saxenda Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2F82386ef0caab910d4edc382b49e0112ebd8c7956-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
0.6 mg
Starting dose (Week 1)
1.2 mg
Week 2 escalation dose
1.8 mg
Week 3 escalation dose
2.4 mg
Week 4 escalation dose
3.0 mg
Maintenance dose (Week 5 onward)
Saxenda has a findability score of 55 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate in stock. While the broader GLP-1 shortage has eased since 2024, intermittent supply issues still occur at individual pharmacies. The launch of Teva's generic liraglutide in August 2025 has improved availability, and additional generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market after February 2026, which should further ease supply. Using a pharmacy locator tool like Medfinder can save you significant time by showing which nearby pharmacies currently have Saxenda or its generic in stock.
Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Saxenda, including:
Telehealth providers can also prescribe Saxenda in many states, making it easier to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
No, Saxenda is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule classification and is not considered to have abuse potential. This means it can be prescribed without the additional restrictions that apply to controlled substances, and refills are generally easier to obtain.
Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. The gradual dose escalation over 5 weeks is designed to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
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Wegovy (semaglutide)
A newer, more potent GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Shows greater average weight loss (about 15% of body weight) compared to Saxenda's 7–8%.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist injected once weekly. Shows the greatest weight loss among approved medications (over 20% in clinical trials).
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)
An oral combination pill for weight management that works through appetite and reward pathways. Less effective than injectables but taken by mouth.
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)
An oral combination capsule combining an appetite suppressant with an anti-seizure medication. Available as a daily pill.
Prefer Saxenda? We can find it.
Insulin and sulfonylureas
moderateIncreased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); dose reduction of these medications may be needed.
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists
moderate(Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro) — Should not be used together with Saxenda.
Oral medications
moderateSaxenda slows gastric emptying and may affect how quickly other oral medications are absorbed.
Oral contraceptives
moderatePotentially reduced absorption due to delayed gastric emptying.
Warfarin
moderateMonitor INR more frequently when starting Saxenda.
Saxenda remains an effective FDA-approved option for chronic weight management in 2026, especially for patients who prefer a daily injection with a well-established safety profile. While newer medications like Wegovy and Zepbound may offer greater weight loss, Saxenda's growing generic availability through Teva (and additional manufacturers entering the market) is making it more accessible and affordable. If you're having trouble finding Saxenda in stock at your local pharmacy, try using Medfinder to search nearby pharmacies in real time — it can save you hours of calling around.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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