Switching From Saxenda To Wegovy

Want to lose weight but feel like your current medication is not getting you the desired results? Worry not! You can switch from Saxenda to alternatives such as Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide). 

Without a doubt, Saxenda has been proven to be effective in weight management in conjunction with lifestyle changes. If you are wondering whether you can switch, the answer is yes! You just need to follow a set of instructions and precautions outlined in this article for a smooth transition.

Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Saxenda?

Saxenda is an FDA-approved medication with an active ingredient, liraglutide, that prolongs the feeling of fullness and curbs cravings. However, you might not be losing as much weight as you expected due to the following factors:

1. Dosage – Generally, you start Saxenda on a low dose and gradually, increase it so that the body adjusts well to it. You might not have reached the dosage that works for you yet. 
2. Lifestyle – For any weight loss medication to work, you need to be in a calorie deficit. Thus, you need portion control, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep for weight loss. You might not be mindful of these factors that impact your weight. 
3. Underlying Conditions – Certain health conditions such as thyroid, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and more can also affect its efficacy in inducing weight loss or cause adverse reactions. 
4. Duration – Since weight loss with Saxenda is a gradual process, you need to be patient and consistent with dosage for it to cause weight loss. You might be expecting results too soon.

Individual Response – Each body has a unique biochemistry and responds differently to medications due to factors like genetics, metabolism and more.

Similarities & Differences between Saxenda & Wegovy

They both:  

• Are prescribed for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight having weight-related issues
• Need dietary modifications and regular physical activity for weight management.
• Have side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Saxenda vs Wegovy

Parameter	Saxenda	Wegovy
Active Ingredient	Liraglutide	Semaglutide
Frequency	Daily	Weekly
Method	Subcutaneous injection	Subcutaneous injection
Availability	Prescription-based	Prescription-based
Medication Class	GLP-1 receptor agonists	GLP-1 receptor agonists
Recipient	Adults & children above 12 yrs	Adults & children above 12 yrs
Results	Moderate – 4.5%-6% of initial body weight as per clinical trials	Moderate to significant – 6%-15% of initial body weight as per clinical trials

Potential Advantages of Wegovy

Convenience – Saxenda, at times, becomes a less viable option for people because of its daily dosage schedule. Even doctors themselves recommend the weekly dosage due to its ease of administration. Thus, Wegovy becomes a much more convenient option.

Effectiveness – Clinical trials show that Wegovy is more effective in inducing weight loss and has shown better results than Saxenda. Additionally, Wegovy has been approved to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with heart disease, obesity, and overweight.

Switching From Saxenda to Wegovy: Step-by-Step Guide

Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy is relatively effortless due to Saxenda’s short half-life which means it is quickly eliminated from your system. 

1. Schedule a consultation. You must get evaluated by your physician before making the switch.
2. Review insurance coverage. Before you start on Wegovy, you need to check your insurance coverage for the same as plans may vary.
3. Wait for a couple of days: It requires only a one-day wait period for the lowest dose (0.6 mg) of Saxenda to exit your system. The higher doses get cleared in two days.

Other Saxenda Alternatives: Oral Meds

You can also switch to other alternatives that require you to take medications orally such as: 

1. Orlistat (Alli) – This medicine needs to be taken thrice a day. Its mechanism includes blocking the enzyme that breaks down dietary fats into absorbable fatty acids..  
2. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): It is an appetite suppressant with a pill taken once a day for long-term treatment of obesity. 
3. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): It acts in hypothalamic brain regions and helps regulate appetite by influencing eating behavior. You have to take a pill once or twice a day. 

You can couple any medication with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise for best results.

Making the Best Choice: Saxenda or Wegovy?

If the results aren’t showing with Saxenda after long use, you should consider making the switch to Wegovy or any other suitable alternative mentioned above to effectively lose weight and propel yourself ahead in your fitness journey. 

Note: Before you start or switch to any alternative medication – oral or injectable, schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss its suitability, efficacy, potential side effects and dietary adjustments.