Posts tagged Weight Loss

What’s the difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both weekly injectable medications approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management in adults living with obesity or overweight with at least one weight related condition.

Although they share some similarities, there are key differences in their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential side effects.

Do Mounjaro and Wegovy work in the same way?

Mechanism of Action

Wegovy (semaglutide) mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in appetite regulation and insulin secretion. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide increases insulin release in response to high blood sugar and decreases glucagon secretion This helps to reduce appetite and slows gastric emptying making you feel fuller for longer. It also reduces cravings.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it targets two pathways. Along with the benefits provided by GLP-1 receptor activation similar to Wegovy, Mounjaro also activates GIP receptors, which enhances its effects on blood sugar control and weight loss. The dual mechanism is believed to offer more comprehensive benefits for managing diabetes and weight compared to GLP-1 agonists alone.

Can I expect to lose more weight with Mounjaro than Wegovy?

Efficacy

Clinical trials have shown both medications to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and in promoting significant weight loss in individuals living with obesity or overweight. However, the dual-action mechanism of Mounjaro offers an advantage in terms of efficacy for some patients, leading to greater reductions in blood sugar levels and more significant weight loss compared to GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy. You can expect to lose 15% of your starting weight after 52 weeks on Wegovy but with Mounjaro it’s estimated that you could lose 20% of your starting weight.

Are the side effects different between Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Side Effects

Common side effects of both medications include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as your body gets used to the medication. However, the incidence and severity of side effects may vary between individuals and between the two medications.

There are also specific warnings and precautions associated with each medication, and their use may be contraindicated in certain individuals with particular medical conditions or histories. For example, Wegovy can be prescribed until you are 74 years of age but Mounjaro can be prescribed up until you’re 84.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy, as it is not known if they may affect your unborn child. Therefore, it is recommended to use contraception while using both medications.

Eli Lily, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, recommends that If you wish to become pregnant, you should stop using Mounjaro at least one month in advance but Novo Nordisk, the Manufacturer of Wegovy recommends stopping it at least two months in advance.

Is Mounjaro better than Wegovy?

Conclusion

Wegovy and Mounjaro have been game changers in the battle against obesity. Mounjaro's dual-action mechanism may offer advantages for some patients, but both medications can produce significant weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
26th March 2024

What is the new medicated WebMed Weight Loss Support ?

Not only will we provide you with the medication to control your appetite but lots of support along the way.

Buy Wegovy from Webmed Our mission is to provide you with the best tips and advice to help you reach your health and wellness goals. We understand that taking care of yourself can be difficult, so we’re here to help! Here, you can find delicious recipes for healthy meals, exercise videos and weekly Wellness Coach sessions to help you stay on track.

What help will I get?

First, let’s talk about healthy recipes. Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. We offer a variety of tasty recipes that are packed with nutrients and easy to prepare. From breakfast to dinner, our recipes are sure to please your taste buds and keep you feeling energized.

Second, let’s talk about exercise. Exercise is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our fitness coach Gemma has designed and easy but effective course of exercise videos designed to help you get moving and stay motivated.

Finally, let’s talk about our weekly Wellness Coach sessions. Our coach is a healthcare professional who will help you to reach your health and wellness goals.

How will the Coach optimise my Weight Loss?

Our coach Kim will provide personalized and tailored advice to help you reach your goals. Kim can help you develop a realistic plan to reach your goal weight. She can help you identify unhealthy habits and behaviours that may be hindering your progress and help you create healthy habits to replace them. Kim can also provide motivation, accountability, and ongoing support throughout the process, helping you create a positive mindset and outlook about your weight loss journey. Most importantly she can provide support and encouragement and help you find the strength to keep going when the going gets tough.

Importance of sleep and water consumption when losing weight?

Sleep and water consumption are two of the most important aspects of any weight loss plan. The quality and quantity of sleep you get each night can have a huge impact on how successful you are in achieving your weight loss goals. Not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue and cravings, as well as decreased motivation and focus.

Similarly, drinking enough water is essential for weight loss as it helps to keep the body hydrated, enabling it to function optimally as it plays a crucial role in our overall health. When it comes to losing weight, drinking enough water is often overlooked, but it can be a key factor in achieving weight loss goals. Sometimes when we feel hungry, we are actually just thirsty. By drinking water before and during meals, we can prevent overeating and consume fewer calories overall.

Can water help with digestion?

Water is essential for proper digestion. When we are dehydrated, our bodies can struggle to digest food, which can lead to bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. By drinking enough water, we can help our bodies properly digest food and prevent these issues.

Does drinking water help to reduce water retention?

When we are dehydrated, our bodies tend to hold onto water to prevent dehydration. This can lead to water retention, which can cause bloating and make it appear as though we have gained weight. By drinking enough water, we can help our bodies flush out excess water and reduce water retention.

How much water should you drink when trying to lose weight?

The amount of water you should drink when trying to lose weight can vary depending on your weight, activity level, and other factors. As a general guideline, it is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. However, some experts recommend drinking even more water, especially if you are trying to lose weight.

Why is sleep important for weight loss?                  

Sleep is important for weight loss as it helps to regulate hormones and curb cravings. During sleep, the body produces hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. Not getting enough sleep can lead to an increase in the hormone ghrelin, which triggers hunger, and a decrease in the hormone leptin, which suppresses appetite. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to fat storage. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to keep hormones in balance and cravings at bay. In addition to helping regulate hormones, getting enough sleep also contributes to weight loss by providing energy for physical activity. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to decreased motivation and fatigue, which can prevent you from engaging in physical activity. Getting plenty of sleep will help ensure success on your weight loss journey.

WebMed will provide you with the tools and advice to get you to your goal weight and more importantly stay there.

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
11th December 2023

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is the newest weekly weight loss pen from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda. 

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy works like Saxenda by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake but has a much longer duration of action than Saxenda and so only needs to be used once a week instead of once a day. Wegovy reduces your appetite and slows down the time it takes for your stomach to empty making you feel fuller for longer. This results in you eating less and losing weight.

How effective is wegovy?

In a 68-week medical study of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem:-

ADULTS LOST ON AVERAGE 35 pounds (16kg) or about 15% of their body weight while taking Wegovy! 

These results are about twice the weight loss of that achieved by Saxenda.

Most importantly, while taking Wegovy, people not only lost weight, but also kept it off! 

Can wegovy help with my other weight related conditions?

Adults taking Wegovy experienced much better improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar than with Saxenda. Thus improving their overall cardiovascular health.

How do I take wegovy?

Wegovy is the first and only prescription weight-management medicine taken once weekly. It’s taken on the same day each week, any time of day, with or without food.

Wegovy is available in 5 doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, each of which is taken once a week for 4 weeks. Each dose comes in a different colour pen.

You should follow a monthly dose escalation to reach the fully effective 2.4mg dose after 4 months.

How much will Wegovy cost?

The Wegovy prices are a lot cheaper than Saxenda and the weight loss experienced is even greater than that with Saxenda and the cardiovascular outcomes far better.

What support will I be offered?

From January 2024 we will not only supply you with Wegovy to control your appetite but offer you lots of other help and support to help you reach your weight loss goal and stay there. 

You can use the 5 pillars of support to make sure that you are successful on your weight loss journey and to give you the best possible outcome. These pillars will help you to adopt healthy habits that will enable lifelong success.

We will provide you with delicious healthy recipes every month to inspire you to eat fewer calories to get you to your goal weight.

Our fitness coach Gemma has designed a programme of easy exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home to get you moving and increase your metabolism. This will result in you getting fitter and leaner. 

We will advise you on recommended daily water consumption to aid your weight loss.

Tips and advice on how to achieve the best possible nights sleep.

We understand that losing weight is not a simple process and involves getting your mind into the right gear! Therefore, we will suggest a mindfulness App to help you with stress management. 

Kim, our wellness coach will offer you weekly interactive group coaching sessions to inspire you and help you overcome any obstacles that are holding you back from achieving your goal.

This will all be offered at no extra charge!

What if I am already using Saxenda?

If you would like to change to Wegovy from Saxenda we can help you to do that. We will advise on the new dosage of Wegovy and offer you lots of help and support via our new Holistic Weight Loss Support to get you to your goal weight and stay there.

Medically reviewed by
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
10th December 2023

We have all become familiar with the great convenience and ease of buying goods online but what about when it comes to medicines?

Buying medicines online, in the comfort of your own home, without having to take time off work or interrupt your busy schedule to visit your GP is a service we would all like to access. It becomes even more attractive if the nature of your treatment is for sensitive or intimate conditions.

But it is critical to make thorough and proper checks before making any online pharmaceutical purchases.  The risks associated with ordering meds online without due diligence are too significant to ignore.

How do you know if you are buying genuine medicines from a reputable registered seller?

It is illegal to buy any prescription only medicine unless a doctor has written a prescription specifically for you.

If a website or any seller is willing to sell a prescription only medicine without a prescription, it should be red flagged and don't buy! Avoid such platforms as they may be operating illegally and compromising your health.

How can you check that the website you want to use to obtain medicines is a legitimate online pharmacy?

All websites selling prescription medication in England should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who are a government appointed independent regulator of health and social care.

All fully approved and regulated websites should have a clickable link that will take you to the CQC register to show that they are compliant. Antrobus Medical Limited is the prescribing body for WebMed Pharmacy Ltd.

All medicines supplied from a pharmacy in Great Britain, including internet pharmacies, and must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and meet their standards.

Again, simply click on the logo which should take you through to that particular pharmacy's entry on the GPhC register.

All websites operating in the UK, but outside of England, must be registered with the equivalent body in each country: Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (Northern Ireland).

Therefore, anybody buying medicines from an online pharmacy can check if the pharmacy is legitimately registered by clicking on the logo or going directly to the GPhC website and searching their online register.

What other checks can be made?

For Data Security and Privacy

Always look for secure payment options, SSL encryption. A secure URL should begin with https rather than http. The "S" stands for secure. https://webmedpharmacy.co.uk

Reviewing customer feedback

Whilst they can be manipulated, customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous customers.

Click here for WebMed Pharmacy Trustpilot reviews.

You should be able to easily find the name, address and telephone number. An online supplier who conceals its physical address is a warning sign that their products could be dangerous.

When you order any medication from our UK registered and regulated pharmacy you can be assured that you are doing so safely, legally and discreetly.

It is important to avoid drug interactions. A significant risk of ordering medications online without proper checks is the potential for harmful drug interactions. Some drugs can have adverse effects when taken together or when interacting with certain medical conditions. A licensed healthcare provider is trained to consider these factors, whereas an unlicenced online platform might not provide the necessary guidance.

WebMed Pharmacy Ltd is fully approved and regulated, and only supplies medicines from a MHRA accredited wholesaler. You can confidently order from us, knowing that you can complete an online medical questionnaire in the comfort of your own home and if suitable can be prescribed by our GMC regulated doctor.

At WebMed Pharmacy Ltd we provide a confidential, discreet next working day delivery of your chosen medication, within a 1-hour time slot to the vast majority of postcodes in the UK or Click & Collect from a store near you, with a choice of 6,500+ pickup shops nationwide.

In conclusion, the convenience of ordering medications online should not come at the cost of your health and safety. Doing the correct checks before making any online medication purchase is not only prudent but a critical step to safeguarding your well-being.

Quick easy links to our most popular pages with the confidence of knowing we are a fully approved and regulated pharmacy, only supplying UK sourced medication:

Weight Loss

Erectile dysfunction | Sildenafil | Tadalafil

Gonorrhoea treatment | Chlamydia treatment

Hair Loss treatment | Finasteride

STI Tests | HIV Test Kits

Medically reviewed by: Super intendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 17 March 2016 
Updated and reviewed 2 May 2017
Updated and reviewed 27 February 2021
Updated and reviewed 8 December 2023

Why is there a Worldwide Shortage of Saxenda?

Unfortunately, there has been a growing concern over the worldwide shortage of Saxenda, a popular prescription medication used for weight management. Saxenda, containing the active ingredient liraglutide, has gained significant recognition as an effective treatment option for individuals struggling to live with obesity. However, the scarcity of this medication has raised questions and caused difficulties for patients and healthcare providers alike. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the global shortage of Saxenda and discuss its implications.

How does Saxenda work?

Alternative weight loss medications Saxenda, developed by Novo Nordisk, is an injectable medication designed to help individuals living with obesity to achieve and maintain weight loss. It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). By activating specific receptors in the brain, Saxenda helps regulate appetite, leading to reduced food intake and increased satiety. It also delays the time it takes for food to travel through your stomach and so you feel fuller for longer.

What has caused the Worldwide Shortage of Saxenda?

1. Increased Demand: The primary reason behind the Saxenda shortage is the surge in demand. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise globally, more individuals are seeking medical intervention to address their weight-related health issues. Social Media has also been responsible for the increased as Media stars have advertised how effective Saxenda has been in helping them lose weight. The increased demand has put a strain on the production and supply chain of Saxenda, making it challenging for Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, to keep up with the growing needs.
2. Manufacturing Challenges: Saxenda's manufacturing process is complex and requires stringent quality control measures. Any disruptions in the production line or supply chain can lead to shortages. Manufacturing issues such as raw material shortages, equipment problems, or delays in regulatory approvals can all contribute to the scarcity of Saxenda.
3. Regulatory Hurdles: Different countries have varying regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical products. Obtaining regulatory approvals for Saxenda in certain regions can be time-consuming and complicated. Delays in securing necessary approvals can impact the availability of the medication in those regions, leading to shortages.
4. Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains across various industries, including pharmaceuticals. Lockdowns, transportation restrictions, and workforce shortages have affected the production and distribution of medications, including Saxenda.

Is there a Potential Solution to the shortage of Saxenda?

To address this issue, collaboration between Novo Nordisk, regulatory bodies, and healthcare providers is crucial. We are being advised that increased investment in manufacturing capacity, diversification of production facilities, and streamlined regulatory processes are being instigated to alleviate the Saxenda shortage. 

How will the supply shortage affect patients already using Saxenda?

The Saxenda shortage has significant implications for individuals who rely on the medication for weight management. Patients may experience challenges in accessing their prescribed treatment, potentially leading to setbacks in their weight loss journey and overall well-being.

Is there a suitable alternative for patients who cannot get Saxenda?

In the interim, patients can explore alternative weight management strategies and medications.

The following are possible alternatives to promote weight loss :-
Orlistat, Xenical, Orlos or Alli.

Alternative weight loss medications These medications all contain Orlistat. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from your food. Clinical studies have shown that you are likely to lose 50% more weight if you use Orlistat alongside dieting.

Conclusion

The worldwide shortage of Saxenda poses a significant challenge for individuals who have been using it to battle obesity and healthcare providers who rely on this medication to manage weight-related health issues. Understanding the causes behind the shortage and working towards collaborative solutions can help mitigate the impact on patients. While the situation is complex, the collective efforts of Novo Nordisk, health regulators, and healthcare professionals can pave the way for a more stable supply of Saxenda and improved access to weight management treatments in the future.

Ozempic has not been approved for weight loss in the UK. It only has a licence for controlling blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide which is also the active ingredient in Wegovy.(1)

Wegovy has been approved in the UK for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. In trials used alongside a healthy diet and exercise it helped obese people lose between 15-20% of their body weight – about 2 stone (13kg) on average. Wegovy should be available in the UK early 2023.(2)

Are Ozempic and Saxenda the same thing?

Ozempic was developed for the management of type-2 diabetes and not for weight loss. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide.

Buy Saxenda online From only £50 per pen Liraglutide belongs to the same family of drugs as semaglutide. Under the brand of Victoza it is an anti-diabetic medicine for use in the treatment of type-2 diabetes and under the brand Saxenda it’s an anti-obesity and chronic weight management drug. If it’s used on a daily basis alongside a healthy diet and increased exercise it’s a very effective tool on your weight loss journey.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide, sold in the brand name Ozempic is a medication taken by weekly injection and can be used for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control alongside diet and exercise.(1)

Semaglutide sold under the brand name Wegovy is effectively a modified gut hormone and can also be prescribed, from early next year, for weight loss for obese or overweight adults with an underlying health issue. As well as helping you to lose weight it can also help with all cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, semaglutide can help with weight related conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease.(2)

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutude known under the trade name Victoza can be used for diabetes to improve blood sugar control.(3)

Liraglutide, used for weight loss, is prescribed as Saxenda and is injected daily using a starting dose of 0.6mg and increased weekly by 0.6mg to the maximum therapeutic dose of 3.0mg.(4)

UK weight loss injections, how does it work?

Weight loss injections work by mimicking a hormone called GLP1, which is typically released when a person feels full after a large meal. They act on the receptors in the brain that control your appetite causing you to feel fuller and less hungry resulting in eating less food and reducing calorie intake. They also delay gastric emptying resulting in you feeling fuller for longer.

How long does one pen last?

The starting dose of Saxenda is 0.6mg and your first pen should last 17 days if you follow the recommended dosage schedule. The dosage is increased each week until you reach the maximum dose of 3.0mg when one pen will last 6 days.

The starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25mg and is used weekly for one month. This dosage is increased per month and the maximum dose of 2.4mg will be reached at the start of month 5. This maintenance dosage is then used until you are no longer overweight. Each Wegovy pen has 4 doses in it and so lasts for a month. Wegovy will be available in the UK early 2023.

Where to buy needles?

Buy Saxenda online From only £50 per pen When an order for Saxenda is placed with us at WebMed pharmacy your needles are included at no added cost. Some online pharmacies do not include needles with an order of Saxenda and you can buy these separately when you order your Saxenda but at an  extra cost.

References

1) Ozempic  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9748/smpc (cited November 2022)

2) Wegovy  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/smpc (cited November 2022)

3) Victoza  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6585  (cited November 2022)

4) Saxenda https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2313  (cited November 2022)

Author: Hayley Pritchard
Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 17/11/2022

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide the active substance in Saxenda which is a self-injected prefilled pen used once daily that can help adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 to lose weight and keep it off.

It helps aid adults with excess weight (BMI ≥28) who also have weight-related medical problems or those with  obesity (BMI ≥30) to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is not for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and should not be used with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes eg Victoza, Byetta, Bydureon, Lixumia, Trulicity or Ozempic).

If you are diabetic then we will only supply Liraglutide (Saxenda) if your diabetes is controlled by diet alone and you are not on any medication for it. 

This is because it will affect your diabetes control and adjustments to your usual medicines may be needed.

How does Liraglutide (Saxenda) work?

Saxenda contains the active ingredient Liraglutide.

GLP-1 is a hormone that is released within the body in response to food intake and acts as a physiological regulator of appetite.

Liraglutide, the active substance in Saxenda, is 97% similar to GLP-1 and works in the brain to decrease appetite and thereby reduce food intake resulting in weight loss.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index, BMI of 30 (obese) or 27 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one other chronic health condition (eg, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol).

Once your BMI has reached 27 our doctor will no longer be able to prescribe it for you. Hopefully, the healthy habits that you have acquired on your weight loss journey will enable you to get to a BMI where you are no longer overweight (BMI 18.5-24.9).

You should only continue using Liraglutide (Saxenda) if you have lost at least 5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks on the 3 mg/day dose

How do I use Saxenda?

Please read the patient information leaflet here before using and watch the video.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is administered once daily.

Inject your dose of Liraglutide (Saxenda) under the skin (subcutaneous injection) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. It is also recommended that you alternate the site at which the injection is made.

Do not inject into a vein or muscle.

Push the needle all the way into the skin at a 90º angle.

Inject the Saxenda by pushing the button at the top of the pen and leave the syringe in place while you count slowly to 6 to make sure the full dose is delivered.

If the disposable needle found at the tip of one of your Saxenda pens bends out of shape whilst you are trying to use the pen, you should discard the needle and use a new one.

Never share your Saxenda pen or needles with another person. You may give an infection to them, or get an infection from them.

What does the Liraglutide (Saxenda) pen look like?

You can order an individual pen, 2, 3, 4 or 5 pens at once.

You use a gradually increasing dose over the first 5 weeks.

If you are just starting to use Saxenda then a single pen should last 17 days and a pack of 5 pens should last 44 days.

Once you are on the full dose, a pack of 5 pens should last 30 days

How much Liraglutide (Saxenda) do I need?

You should follow a 5-week dose escalation to reach the fully effective 3-mg dose. The 5-week dose-escalation period can reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Saxenda starting dose is 0.6 mg subcutaneously, SC, per day for 1 week.

You should increase the dose by 0.6 mg each week until the full maintenance dose of 3 mg is reached.

By the start of the fifth week you should be on the maximum maintenance dose.

• Week 1 - 0.6 mg SC once daily x 7 days
• Week 2 - 1.2 mg SC once daily x 7 days
• Week 3 - 1.8 mg SC once daily x 7 days
• Week 4 - 2.4 mg SC once daily x 7 days
• Week 5 onwards ı 3.0 mg SC once daily 

You should have lost at least 5% of your starting body weight by week 12 if you want to continue with Liraglutide (Saxenda).

When do I take Liraglutide (Saxenda)?

Saxenda can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food and drink, but you must stick to taking it at the same time each day such as at breakfast or bedtime. Choose a time of the day that works best for you.

What if I forget to take a dose of Liraglutide (Saxenda)?

If you forget to take a dose, but remember within 12 hours of when you would usually take it, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

If more than 12 hours have passed since you would usually take it, skip the dose and continue like normal the next day.

Do not take a double dose or increase the dose the following day to make up for the missed dose.

If you use more Saxenda than you should, talk to your doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. You may need medical treatment.

The following effects may happen: • feeling sick (nausea) • being sick (vomiting).

Do I store it in a fridge?

Saxenda needs to be stored in a fridge and so it will be delivered in temperature controlled packaging. The packaging has a limited life span and therefore, if you select having it delivered to a pickup shop then you must collect it on the day that it’s delivered there and refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Also, because Saxenda is temperature sensitive, if you order after 4pm on Thursday it will be sent out on Monday for free tracked delivery on Tuesday. You can upgrade to a Saturday delivery for only £4.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) Storage and Expiry

Do not use Saxenda after the expiry date which is stated on the pen label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Before first use: Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep away from the freezer compartment.

Once you start using the pen: You can keep the pen for 1 month when stored at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on in order to protect it from light. Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear and colourless or almost colourless.

What needles do I use?

The Saxenda pens can be used with NovoFine ;32G Tip, one of the thinnest and shortest needles available from Novo Nordisk. NovoFine 32G

Tip needles are single-use, disposable injection needles.

We will supply the Saxenda pen with the needles and a yellow sharps box to dispose of used needles. 

When the sharps bin is full, it should be returned to your nearest local Household Waste Recycling Centre where it will be disposed of properly.

Only fill the bin up to where it says "Do not fill above this line". You can find your local council here www.gov.uk/find-local-council

You must not put used needles or other sharps in any of your household waste bins.

Are there any side-effects?

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side-effects

• Some severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported rarely in patients using Saxenda. You should see your doctor straight away if you get symptoms such as breathing problems, swelling of face and throat and a fast heartbeat.

• Cases of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported uncommonly in patients using Saxenda. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition. Stop taking Saxenda and contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects:-
• Severe and persistent pain in the abdomen (stomach area) which might reach through to your back, as well as nausea and vomiting, as it could be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

Other side effects :-

Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

• Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, constipation – these usually go away after a few days or weeks.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• Problems affecting the stomach and intestines, such as indigestion (dyspepsia), inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis), stomach discomfort, upper stomach pain, heartburn, feeling bloated, wind (flatulence), belching and dry mouth Feeling weak or tired Changed sense of taste Dizziness Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This usually occurs the first 3 months of treatment Gallstones Injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, irritation, itching and rash) Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

The warning signs of low blood sugar may come on suddenly and can include: cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, feeling sick, feeling very hungry, changes in vision, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, being nervous, being anxious, confusion, difficulty concentrating and shaking (tremor).

Your doctor will tell you how to treat low blood sugar and what to do if you notice these warning signs increase of pancreatic enzymes, such as lipase and amylase which may lead to pancreatitis Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• Loss of fluids (dehydration). This is more likely to occur at the start of treatment and may be due to being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea
• Inflamed gall bladder • Allergic reactions including skin rash • Feeling generally unwell
• Faster pulse Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people Reduced kidney function Acute kidney failure. Signs may include reduction in urine volume, metallic taste in mouth and easily bruising

Any tips for managing nausea?

The most common side effect that you may experience when you first start Saxenda is nausea.

This usually improves as your body adjusts to treatment.

If you do experience nausea, there are some general recommendations that you can follow :-

1. Eat bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast, and rice

2. Eat foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin

3. Avoid lying down after you eat

4. Go outside to get some fresh air

If you experience sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea  it is important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.

Are there any contra-indications?

As there is limited therapeutic experience in patients 75 years of age or over, use in these patients is not recommended

Anyone with liver or kidney disease should not take Saxenda

Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or to any of the excipients listed in the patient information leaflet.

This medicine is not recommended if you have a severe stomach or gut problem which results in delayed stomach emptying (called gastroparesis), or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease.

Liraglutide should be used with caution in patients with thyroid disease.

Upon initiation of liraglutide treatment in patients on warfarin or other coumarin derivatives more frequent monitoring of International Normalised Ratio (INR) is recommended.

Severe heart failure

Disease of the pancreas.

Do not use Saxenda if you are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. This is because it is not known if Saxenda may affect the baby. Do not breast-feed if you are using Saxenda. This is because it is not known if Saxenda passes into breast milk.

Special warnings and precautions for use

In patients with diabetes mellitus Saxenda must not be used as a substitute for insulin.

Saxenda should not be mixed with other injectables (e.g. insulins).

For successful weight loss help and advice

See the NHS web site

www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/start-the-nhs-weight-loss-plan

Would you like to know the truth about

Discover the latest scientific advancements on obesity and its causes and how the many common myths about weight can be disproved by going here:
www.truthaboutweight.global/gb/en.html

Download the patient information leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet for Saxenda

Can I buy Saxenda without a prescription?

No, Saxenda is a prescription-only medication and requires a simple, discreet consultation.

In order to buy Saxenda weight loss pens from Webmed Pharmacy you will either need to provide your own doctors prescription or complete an online consultation with us to ensure this medication is suitable for you.

If you want to know more about Saxenda and if it could work for you then call our pharmacy team 0161 491 1899. Your conversation will be in confidence and with discretion.

Buy Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Wegovy vs Saxenda vs Ozempic

Those of us who are living with obesity could all do with a little help in the battle against it.

In the last few years Novo Nordisk have introduced some very effective tools to help win that battle.

These medications make you feel full and less hungry, which can help you to eat less and reduce your body weight. They can help you to not only lose weight but keep it off as well.

The first one to be introduced was Liraglutide which was originally developed as an anti-diabetic drug and is licensed for this purpose under the name Victoza.

When it was discovered that it could be a very effective weight loss aid it was developed for that purpose under the name Saxenda.

The same thing happened with Semaglutide, as it was developed as an anti-diabetic drug too and called Ozempic.

Some websites have already been selling Ozempic as a weight loss medication but it has only been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as an anti-diabetic medication and is not licenced for weight loss.

However, a new formulation of Semaglutide called Wegovy has been approved in the UK for weight loss and will soon be available.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy™ is for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off.

Problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Wegovy™ should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy™ works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake. It also delays gastric emptying which helps you to feel fuller for longer. This can help you eat less, which can lead to WEIGHT LOSS.

How do I take Wegovy?

Wegovy™ is the first and only prescription weight-management medicine taken once weekly. It’s taken on the same day each week, any time of day, with or without food.

Wegovy™ is available in 5 doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg, each of which is taken once a week for 4 weeks. Each dose comes in a different colour pen.

You should follow a 5-week dose escalation to reach the fully effective 2.4mg dose.

What is the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda ?

Both medications involve an escalating dosage schedule but Saxenda is injected on a daily basis while Wegovy is only injected on a weekly basis.

This is not the only difference however, as Wegovy produces much better weight loss and better cardiovascular outcomes.

In a 68-week medical study of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problems:

ADULTS LOST ON AVERAGE 35 POUNDS (16KG) OR ABOUT 15% OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT!

What support do you offer?

We will not only supply you with medication to control your appetite but offer you lots of vital support to help you reach your weight loss goal and live your best life.

• We will provide 5 pillars of support to enable you to be successful on your weight loss journey and to give you the best possible outcome. These pillars will help you change to adopting healthy habits that will enable lifelong success.
• We will offer you lots of delicious healthy recipes with advice on eating out. There will be tips and advice on how to achieve restful sleep along with the recommended daily water consumption.
• There will be a fitness coach who will provide you with easy effective exercise routines that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
• Most importantly we will introduce you to our lifestyle coach who will offer you weekly interactive group coaching sessions to inspire you and help you overcome any obstacles that are holding you back from achieving your goal.

This will all be offered at no extra charge!

Email us at  team@webmedpharmacy.co.uk, to be notified when our new holistic weight management service will begin.

Wegovy is not available in the UK at them moment, but it will be soon. In the meantime we do have an alternative called Saxenda.

Buy Saxenda Online View Saxenda Questions

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 23/03/22

Saxenda UK, A New Weight Management Solution

Obesity is a growing problem in the UK.

A quarter of UK adults are obese and this proportion has risen due to the restrictions of lockdown.

Before the current pandemic, our increasingly sedentary lifestyles and readily available cheap unhealthy food, were resulting in us, as a nation, gaining weight. (1)

Previously, due to us being recommended to work from home, it has left us with ready access to the biscuit jar and unhealthy snacks, that has resulted in an exacerbated obesity problem.

It has been reported that, there is an increased risk in persons with obesity developing the Covid-19 disease. The obese tend to require hospitalisation and are more likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to have invasive mechanical ventilation, suffering an increase in mortality. (6)

You can read our previous blog for more information about how Covid-19 affects those with obesity.

Most of us know that on a basic level, the key to losing weight is simply eating less and moving more, so on a daily basis, calories taken in, amount to less than calories you burn.

Many factors can stand in the way of this change in lifestyle, including time constraints and lack of motivation. In addition, several medical conditions such as Type II diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, as well as certain medications, can make weight loss harder to achieve. That is why medical intervention may sometimes be needed. (1)

Until relatively recently, there was only one medication – orlistat – licensed to treat obesity in this country. Orlistat stops around a third of the fat in your diet being absorbed, helping to prevent weight gain.

However, unpleasant side effects related to this mode of action include oily, loose stools, flatulence, urgency to pass stools more frequently than is normal for you, and an oily rectal discharge. (1)

What is Saxenda and how does it work?

The best tool to be used in the battle against obesity is Saxenda, a brand of the medication liraglutide.

Liraglutide was originally developed as an anti-diabetic drug and is licensed for this purpose under the name Victoza, at a different strength to Saxenda.

Saxenda is available as a pre-filled pen for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection containing 18mg of liraglutide in 3ml of solution. (2)

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, meaning it acts at the receptor for GLP-1, an appetite-regulating substance naturally produced in the body. The way in which liraglutide interacts with the receptor is currently unclear. (2)

Saxenda is different from weight management products that you may have taken in the past.

Saxenda makes you feel full and less hungry, which can help you eat less and reduce your body weight.  It can help you to not only lose weight but keep it off as well.

We realise that losing weight is a complex issue and is not as simple as “eating less and moving more”. If only it were that simple!

That is why we have developed a holistic medicated solution to weight loss that will be available very soon.

We will offer 5 pillars of support to get you to your target weight and maintain it.

• We will have a fitness coach and a wellness coach.
• Our fitness coach has designed a series of simple easy exercises to do to boost your metabolism and our wellness coach will be hosting Saturday morning sessions where she will discuss all aspects of weight loss and be interested to hear how you are progressing and any topics you would like her to cover.
• We’ll have advice on how to achieve restful sleep and the recommended daily water consumption.
• There will be a Wellness App to help you when you feel stressed or anxious and this will be particularly helpful if, at moments like these, you are tempted to comfort eat.

With all the support that we will provide we aim to help to get you to your goal weight and stay there.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Use the Saxenda pen at home or on the go

You can inject your dose in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm. However, we would recommend the stomach area as you're less likely to feel it and you have a bigger area to vary where you inject.

Who can use  Saxenda?

Saxenda is licensed to treat obesity in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27kg/m2 to 30kg/m2 who have one or more of a number of weight-linked health conditions including Type II diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia (raised fat or cholesterol levels in the blood), high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea.

It should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. (2)

Children and young people under the age of 18 should not use Saxenda, as it is not yet known how the drug affects this age group. Furthermore, Saxenda should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to unknown effects on the foetus or baby. (3)

What is the dose for Saxenda?

When starting Saxenda, the initial dose is 0.6mg daily, injected into the abdomen, front of the thigh or upper arm, but not into a vein or muscle. The dose is increased on a weekly basis by a further 0.6mg until the daily dose is 3mg, the maximum recommended daily dose.

The reason for this gradual increase in dose is that gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are minimised.

These side-effects are very common, especially at the beginning of treatment, so lower doses at the start of treatment improve tolerability and make it more likely that the patient will continue treatment.

If Saxenda is still intolerable two weeks after stepping up to the next dose, treatment should be stopped. (2)

How long before Saxenda starts to work?

Patients using Saxenda can expect to have lost at least 5% of their starting weight once they have been on 3mg daily for twelve weeks, given they have also been consuming fewer calories and increasing exercise.

If this hasn’t been achieved, treatment with Saxenda should no longer be continued. (2)

What results have been seen with Saxenda?

Medical studies with more than 3,000 people taking Saxenda were conducted to understand the benefits and risks of Saxenda. The results from the study showed significant weight loss.

Along with a low-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity, some people lost nearly 2.5 times more weight with Saxenda versus placebo (17.3 lb vs 7 lb). Study participants had an average starting weight of 234 lb and an average BMI of 38. (3)

In a different 1-year study, most people who stayed on Saxenda kept the weight off. (3)

Can I use Saxenda alongside other medication?

If you use Victoza for diabetes you should not use Saxenda at the same time. This is because they both contain liraglutide, so using them together will lead to overdose.

Patients taking warfarin or other anticoagulants may need to have more frequent tests to monitor how long it takes their blood to clot. (4)

If you are on medication for diabetes then we will not be able to supply you with Saxenda as you need to be monitored by your healthcare provider. If your diabetes is managed by diet alone then we can supply it to you.

Where can I find Saxenda?

Saxenda is not usually prescribed by your GP and is only offered on the NHS through specialist multidisciplinary weight management (tier 3) services. Access to these services in variable throughout the UK and most people have to resort to buying it privately. (5)

It is available to purchase from Webmed Pharmacy following a simple online assessment by our Doctors - click here to see your options to buy Saxenda and find out if it is suitable for you.

What is Ozempic?

There have been recent posts in the media about some people who have lost a lot of weight using an unlicensed product for weight loss called Ozempic. (7)

The most important difference between Ozempic and Saxenda, is that Saxenda is licenced for use as a weight loss medication in the UK and Ozempic is not. Also, there is very little data available for the use of Ozempic in weight management.

Furthermore, it's unethical to routinely offer Ozempic in a weight management service but some websites and clinics will supply it routinely as they are only interested in making money and not concerned about your safety. You can read more about it here.

Buy Saxenda Online View Saxenda Questions

References

1.       NHS. Obesity – Overview [cited 1st March 2021]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/

2.       NICE. Obese, overweight with risk factors: liraglutide (Saxenda) – Product overview [cited 1st March 2021]. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta664

3.   Novo Nordisk. Saxenda [cited March 2021] https://www.saxenda.com/learn-about-saxenda/what-results-have-been-seen-with-saxenda.html

4.   emc. Saxenda 6 mg/mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen [cited 1st March 2021]. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2313/pil

5.       NICE. Obese, overweight with risk factors: liraglutide (Saxenda) – Estimated impact for the NHS [cited 1st March 2021]

Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta664

6.   World Obesity Organisation. [cited March 2021] https://www.worldobesity.org/resources/policy-dossiers/obesity-covid-19

7.    BBC NEWS. [cited March 2021]   Obesity: Appetite drug could mark 'new era' in tackling condition. Available at   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56011979

Author
Margaret Hudson
Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS
Originally posted 27th December 2019, Saxenda: the newest recruit into the battle against obesity.

Updated: 1st March 2021

Updated 25th January 2022

The world has an opinion on obesity, and this creates problems for those of us who are living with the challenge of losing excess weight. Contradictory information is given to us regularly whether we asked for it or not.

• “You need to eat less carbs…
• “You need to eat more carbs…
• “You need to eat nothing!”

It’s a minefield.

Your situation is definitely NOT helped by the fact that the U.K diet industry is worth £2 billion (and globally in 2019 the loss and weight management industry was valued at $192.2 billion). This means there are a lot of people with a vested interest in what you decide to do next.

We believe in tailoring a weight loss program to each individual, not the other way around. In this blog post, we’ll share some truths to help clear the murky waters surrounding healthy weight loss so you can make decisions that benefit you.

Myth 1: You’re LAZY… Put down the crisps and go for a run!

The truth: Obesity is a complex disease and has nothing to do with your willpower, or how ‘lazy’ you are.

There are a number of reasons this advice is potentially dangerous:

You may avoid seeking medical help

Obesity is a medical condition, and you should be talking with a medical professional to make sure you have the support you need to safely lose weight. You may have an underlying medical condition that is making you retain weight, or you may need additional support from a mental health professional or a health coach to help you transition unhealthy habits that have been embedded since childhood. Working alongside your doctor can help you lose weight safely.

Sudden changes in your exercise regime can be dangerous

If you are not particularly active, suddenly embarking on an intense exercise regime without consulting a professional first is dangerous.

It’s not only the risk of damaging a muscle or a tendon, which will further slow down your progress, but you may trigger a medical emergency.

Start slowly, start walking to strengthen your joints, and listen to your body instead of the internet gurus (and maybe your nan). And go chat to your doctor.

A calorie is not a calorie

You know that 10 calories worth of carrots are better for you than a pint of zero-calorie cola… and yet when it comes to weight loss - we often obsess over how many calories eaten in a day, regardless of the nutrient density of our food, and the other health benefits that they give.

If you have decided a calorie-controlled diet is best for you, try to focus more on nutrient density, than on the number of calories. Your longer-term health will thank you for it. Plus, eating fibre rich foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help you feel fuller.

Myth 2: Weight loss should be measured by the number of Kg (or Ilbs) you ‘lose’

Daily measurements can lead to frequent moments of despair (and can trigger unhelpful behaviour to get things “back on track”).

Truth: You should measure your success with a health focussed goal stick.

Consider changing your success parameters to something that makes you feel good. Things like:

• Blood pressure
• Diet quality
• Physical activity
• How you feel about yourself
• Which clothes fit
• How close you are to proudly marching outside in a swim suit

Rephrase weight loss

The way you talk about weight can affect the way you feel about losing weight.

If you tell people you’re losing weight, instead of working towards lowering your blood pressure - the conversation is all about your numbers.

And weight LOST… is weight that can be GAINED, which isn't motivating.

So if you need to talk about weight consider a reframe- try talking about weight that you have deleted. It’s a small change that has a profoundly different feel, and can really help you move towards sustainable weight loss.

Supporting weight loss with Saxenda

Moving to a calorie controlled diet can be hard. If you find you need help managing feelings of hunger, you may be interested in trying an appetite suppressant. Saxenda (some call it “the skinny pen”) is an injection that helps regulate your hunger hormone GLP-1 which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

The prescription can be signed off by our in house team of doctors, so you can try Saxenda from the convenience of your home if you live in the U.K.

Get more information about trying Saxenda here
(and how to get free access to a health coach)

In summary

Obesity is a hot topic, and with that, you’re likely bombarded with contradictory information. Debunking these popular myths should help you develop a more tailored approach to a weight loss program that suits you.

If you feel you need our help with this, click here to learn more about our weight support products.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/food-trends-2016/do-not-follow-food-trends
[accessed January 7th 2022]

https://www.saxenda.com/about-saxenda/how-it-works.html
[accessed January 9th 2022]

Author: Gemma Boak

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 14/01/22