Saxenda Dosage Guide: 0.6mg Start to 3mg Max (5-Week Titration Schedule)

Saxenda dosing starts at 0.6 mg once daily and is gradually increased by 0.6 mg every week until reaching the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily-this FDA-approved titration schedule takes approximately 5 weeks to complete. The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight adults (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition.

This gradual dose escalation is essential to minimize the most common side effects-particularly nausea, which affects up to 44% of patients at the maximum dose. According to the FDA-approved prescribing information, Saxenda should be taken at the same time each day and used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise for optimal weight loss results.

TL;DR

• Saxenda dosing starts at 0.6 mg daily and gradually increases by 0.6 mg each week over 5 weeks until reaching the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg.
• Each Saxenda pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide (enough for 30 doses at 0.6 mg or 6 doses at 3.0 mg).
• Always take Saxenda at the same time daily via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. 
• If you miss a dose, take the next dose as usual-never double up. Missing more than 3 days requires restarting at 0.6 mg. 
• Store unused pens in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C); pens in use can be kept at room temperature but must be discarded after 30 days.

Official FDA Dosing Schedule

The official Saxenda dosing schedule follows a structured 5-week titration protocol designed to help your body adjust to the medication while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Healthcare providers typically assess weight loss after 16 weeks for adults to determine if treatment should continue.

Week-by-Week Titration Protocol

When you first start Saxenda, the starting dose is 0.6 mg once a day for at least one week. You should gradually increase your dose by 0.6 mg, usually every week, until you reach the recommended maintenance dose of 3.0 mg once a day:

If a patient experiences difficulty tolerating a dose increase, they may be advised to remain at the current dose for an additional week before progressing. According to clinical guidelines, you may experience an increase in additional side effects when you increase the dose of Saxenda.

Critical Protocol Rules

• Minimum 1 week per dose level – even if well tolerated, do not advance faster than the prescribed dosing schedule
• Daily subcutaneous injection – inject in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm using a new needle for each injection
• Consistent timing – Saxenda can be taken at any time of day, but it’s best to stick to the same time each day (±2 hours maximum) for optimal results
• With or without food – Saxenda can be administered regardless of meals

Saxenda Pen Dose Calculations

Saxenda is administered via a prefilled, multi-dose pen that delivers the medication subcutaneously. Each Saxenda pen contains 18 mg of liraglutide in 3 mL of solution. The dose counter on the pen shows exactly how much medicine remains.

Doses Per 18mg Pen – Breakdown

How many doses are in a single Saxenda pen depends on your current dose level:

Key insight: A single pen will contain six doses if you’re at the highest dosage of 3.0 mg. If starting at the lowest dose of 0.6 mg, a Saxenda pen would last for approximately 30 doses. A pack of five Saxenda pens lasts for six weeks when starting treatment; once you reach the maintenance dose, a pack of five pens will last for 30 days.

Starting Dose Protocol

Saxenda treatment begins with a low starting dose that is gradually increased over several weeks to help the body adjust and minimize side effects, particularly nausea-the most common side effect experienced at the start of treatment.

Week 1 Saxenda Starting Dose (0.6mg)

Mandatory: A minimum 7-day period at 0.6 mg helps prevent severe nausea in approximately 67% of cases. If you experience persistent nausea or other side effects, eating bland, low fat foods such as crackers, toast, or rice can help reduce stomach problems. Getting fresh air and avoiding strong odors may also help manage nausea symptoms.

Maintenance & Maximum Dosing

The maintenance dose of Saxenda is 3 mg once a day-this is also the maximum recommended dosage for adults. At this dose, the medication delivers its full therapeutic benefit for weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda 3mg Dose Administration

Critical: If you miss a dose of Saxenda, you should take the next dose as usual the following day without doubling up. Missing more than three days of Saxenda usually requires restarting at the 0.6 mg dose and gradually increasing again to minimize side effects.

Weekly Dose Increase Guidelines

It is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule to minimize side effects and ensure the medication works effectively. You should not increase your Saxenda dose unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Saxenda Weekly Dose Increase Rules

Warning: Never advance doses if vomiting occurs 2+ days consecutively. Severe stomach and bowel problems may occur with Saxenda. Additionally, pancreatitis may occur while using this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away.

Complete Pen Usage Schedule

Understanding how long each pen lasts helps patients plan prescription refills and maintain consistent treatment.

Saxenda Pen Doses Per Pen Timeline

Storage requirements: All new and unused Saxenda pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). After first use, pens can be stored at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) or refrigerated. Pens in use should be thrown away after 30 days even if they still have medicine left. Never freeze Saxenda-any Saxenda that has been frozen must not be used. When not in use, keep the pen cap on to protect from light.