Weight loss injections? Which one to buy and where

There are many weight loss medications currently available but which you go for, depends on your preference and if they are suitable for you.

Those of us who are living with obesity could all do with a little help in the battle against to lose weight. In the last few years, a company called 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. A very effective weight loss aid was developed for that purpose, under the name of Saxenda.

Saxenda Weight Loss injection

Saxenda Weight Loss Injections are injected under the skin (subcutaneously) and you have the choice of injecting your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by Webmed Pharmacy.

Do not inject into a vein or muscle.

Saxenda injections for weight loss should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

Saxenda weight loss injections are taken over a 5 week period with an escalating  dosage schedule to reach the maximum therapeutic dosage levels to help achieve your maximum weight loss. You then continue on the programme until you reach your goal weight with a healthy BMI.

Saxenda weight loss injections, mimic one of your body's natural responses to control your appetite.

Your body naturally produces an appetite hormone known as glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) that helps to regulate your hunger

Your body naturally produces an appetite hormone known as glucagon that helps to regulate your hunger.

Saxenda contains the active ingredient Liraglutide that is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonist that mimics the effect of glucagon. This regulates your appetite and leads to you eating fewer calories that results in you losing weight.

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).

Liraglutide weight loss injection

Liraglutide weight loss injection works like GLP-1, by regulating your appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.

Your body naturally produces an appetite hormone known as glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) that helps to regulate your hunger.

Liraglutide 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, those who have 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 (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol).

About Wegovy UK weight loss injection

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.

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.

Wegovy™ will be 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™ will be 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 month dose escalation to reach the fully effective 2.4mg dose.

However, Wegovy is unavailable in the UK at the moment.

If you want help with your weight loss journey now - Saxenda is your best option BUY SAXENDA

Semaglutide injections UK

A new formulation of Semaglutide, which is called Wegovy™, has been approved in the UK for weight loss and will soon be available.

This 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.

Semaglutide 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.

Semiglutide (Wegovy) is not available in the UK at the moment. We do have an alternative product called Saxenda.

What is the difference between Wegovy and Saxenda ?

Both Saxenda and Wegovy medications involve an escalating dosage schedule. The difference being is 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.

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.

See our Excellent Saxenda UK Reviews

WebMed Pharmacy has  many excellent reviews on Saxenda.

WebMed Pharmacy specialises in treatments where patients may feel embarrassed or awkward talking to their GP, simply find it difficult to get an appointment or don't want to take time off work.

You can complete a simple online medical questionnaire in the comfort of your own home and if suitable can be prescribed Saxenda UK by one of our own Doctors.

• We offer a confidential, discreet next working day delivery of medicines, for sensitive or intimate conditions, within a 1 hour time slot to most postcodes in the UK.
• We provide treatments for weight loss along many other prescription medications.

WebMed Pharmacy is owned by WebMed Pharmacy Ltd.

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

Saxenda has possible side effects?

Saxenda is like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

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 :-

Common: side effects which 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.

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.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a self-injected prefilled pen used once daily. It contains the active substance Liraglutide and helps aid adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems or those with  obesity (BMI ≥30)  to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Saxenda should be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.

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 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.

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.


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

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).

We know how hard it is trying to achieve weight loss and all the challenges that come with it and we are here to assist you in making the right choices when considering the Saxenda weight loss option.

If you want to know more about Saxenda weight loss options 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 Saxenda Online View Saxenda Questions

Foods to avoid while on Saxenda?

There aren’t any specific foods to avoid while on Saxenda that you absolutely shouldn't eat. The Saxenda treatment plan is more focused on making it easier for you to stick to a calorie controlled diet.

Generally, you should cut down on the following foods to avoid while on Saxenda which are usually unhealthy:

High sugar foods, like;

• biscuits, cakes and chocolates
  
• Any fried food
  
• Excessive amounts of alcohol
  
• Any food high in saturated fats
  
• Fizzy type drinks that are high in sugar
  
• Avoid energy drinks or sweetened caffeinated drinks
  
• Large portions of food especially takeaway food where you don't know the calorie or nutrition content.

As there isn’t a specific diet plan designed for Saxenda, you should look to reducing your calorie intake and just as importantly, get some exercise like walking.

By reducing your appetite and making your food craving more manageable, Saxenda is designed to help you to eat fewer high-calorie foods and sustain your weight loss over time.


If you find it difficult to determine what to eat, you could go to the NHS web site and follow the NHS’s weight loss plan by downloading their free NHS Weight Loss Plan app https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/




There are many organisations you could join to give you support like Slimming World, Get Slim, weight watchers and healthier for life plant based diet program.




Before starting a weight loss plan or exercise plan, you should speak to your GP or health care provider first, to check the suitability in relation to your medical history or conditions.

How long does the Saxenda weight Loss pen last?

Saxenda weight loss pen is administered once daily.

How much Saxenda do I need and how long does it last?

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.

Saxenda UK Dose




The Saxenda UK 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 Saxenda dose.

How To Purchase Saxenda Weight Loss Pens?


We all know that to lose weight we have to eat less and exercise more but we can all benefit from a little help on our weight loss journey. 

Saxenda is very effective tool to help lose weight and keep it off when used alongside healthy diet exercise.

Saxenda UK weight loss products are available by precription, to purchase Saxenda you must complete an online consultation, to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.

Buy Saxenda Online View Saxenda Questions

Treatment Available Online

The treatment that we offer is second line treatment for those who don’t want an injection or don't want to go to the doctors surgery.

Sex without using a condom can increase your risk of getting a STI. Also, sex toys should be washed and covered with a new condom each time they are used.

The treatment for gonorrhoea that we prescribe is two tablets of Suprax (400mg) and four tablets of Azithromycin(2G). Both are taken together as a single dose.

You will need to complete an online or phone consultation before a treatment can be sent to you but don't worry, this is a fairly simple and very discreet service

Testing for Gonorrhoea

If you have put yourself at risk and are concerned, then you should wait 14 days before taking a test as it may take this amount of time before the infection can be detected.

If you visit your GP you will probably be signposted to a genitourinary medicine, GUM, clinic which may also be called a Sexual Health Clinic. If you find it difficult to either get an appointment at a clinic or are simply short of time or indeed too embarrassed to go to a clinic, you can choose to order a test from us at Webmed Pharmacy.

You can get a test kit from our web site

Our test kits are sent to The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) in London. They are the largest independent providers of clinical laboratory diagnostic services in the UK. Once the lab has received your sample, your results will be available 2-3 days later.

The kits are posted in discreet plain unmarked packaging with no indication of their contents or who it‘s from.

Gonorrhoea Symptoms

   Symptoms in Men

• Burning sensation/pain when urinating
• Inflammation of the foreskin
• An unusual discharge from the tip of the penis that may be green, yellow or white.
• Tenderness or pain in the testicles

    Symptoms in Women

• Burning sensation/pain when urinating.
• Bleeding between periods and/or heavier periods.
• A change in vaginal discharge which may be thick and green or yellow in colour.
• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• Bleeding after sex

How Does Gonorrhoea Infection Treatment Work?

The Treatment That We Offer Is Second Line Treatment For Those Who Don’t Want An Injection Or Are Unable To Get To A Sexual Health Clinic.

Cefixime belongs to a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins which are related to penicillin. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls.

The cell walls are vital to their survival and thus this causes the death of the bacteria and the subsequent elimination of the infection. The combination of the two antibiotics Suprax (Cefixime) and Azithromycin taken as a single dose will treat urogenital and rectal gonorrhoea in both women and men.read more

Buy Treatment for Gonorrhoea Online

You can Buy the Treatment for Gonorrhoea Online on our web site.

Gonorrhoea Antibiotics Treatment

The combination of the two antibiotics Suprax (Cefixime) and Azithromycin taken as a single dose will treat urogenital, rectal and throat gonorrhoea in both women and men.

First Class Pharmacy Service
✅  Discreet Packaging
✅  Free DPD 24 hour tracked delivery
✅  Over 6,500 Shop Collection Locations
✅  Includes FREE test of cure (worth £40)

Buy Gonorrhoea Treatments ➡

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

Erectile Dysfunction (or ED) is a challenge faced by many men at some point in their lives, and shouldn’t get in the way of you having fun with your partner.

You don’t need to miss out on the joy of sex because you don’t relish the idea of discussing your erections with your doctor. There is now a safe way to get treatment for erectile dysfunction from a fully registered online pharmacy in the U.K which employs its own in house doctors.

Get your prescription from a registered doctor based in the U.K without leaving home.

Here at Webmed Pharmacy, we specialise in helping people with conditions they may feel embarrassed talking about. We designed our family business to offer discreet support you can access remotely. Most of the time, you’ll simply complete a medical consultation questionnaire that will be reviewed by our U.K registered doctors (to make sure you’re getting the right treatment) before we dispatch your medication for next day delivery.

Get discreet next day delivery to a location of your choice

You don’t want to advertise you've just received a delivery from a pharmacy, especially if you're receiving your parcel at work. This is why discreet delivery is really important to us. We deliver in plain DPD delivery bags to a place of your choice (including pick up locations) using the reliable DPD delivery service at no extra cost.

Our delivery is next working day, as long as you order before 4pm (with the exception of weekend orders, which will be processed as if they were ordered on a Monday for Tuesday delivery). You can upgrade on a Friday to a Saturday or Sunday delivery for a small charge.

You can even track your delivery with a one-hour delivery window, that counts down to a 15-minute window as your delivery time approaches.

Now you know how easy it is to order, let’s answer your next question…

Which tablets do I need for a date tomorrow?

The best prescription for you likely depends on what you need, although when you complete the medical consultation questionnaire, our doctor may recommend a different medication for you, so use this as rough guidance.

You’re going out for dinner and you’re hoping you’ll make it to the bedroom afterwards (and enjoy the morning after too).

If you’re eating out, you’ll want to look at Tadalafil (also known by the brand name Cialis).

Tadalafil is one of our customer’s favourites because it is still effective when taken with food and the duration of action is up to 36 hours. This means you can take this on Friday and enjoy your weekend without worrying about having to take it ‘at the right time’.

Buying notes
Cialis is a brand name and is more expensive than buying similar tablets containing the same active ingredient, Tadalafil.

Both Cialis and Tadalafil require a prescription (which we can provide for free)

You’re dating regularly and can predict roughly when you’ll be having sex

Sildenafil (known by the brand name Viagra) starts to work after around 30-60 minutes and lasts roughly 4-6 hours.

It’s a good option if you know you're going to need it, and can take it early enough for it to work.

Just be aware that Sildenafil (Viagra) works best on an empty stomach so you may want to factor that into date night planning.

Buying notes
Viagra is a brand name and is more expensive than buying similar tablets containing the same active ingredient, Sildenafil. Both require a prescription which we can provide online for free.

Viagra Connect works in the same way as Viagra, but does not require a prescription and can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies.

You’re not sure when you’ll be having sex, but you need a fast-acting solution for when you do.

The most recently introduced treatment for ED may be a good fit for you. Spedra has the quickest onset of action and can have the desired effect just 15 mins after taking it.

Spedra contains the active ingredient Avanafil.

You’re anticipating frequent sex (twice a week or more)

There are daily options if you’re frequently sexually active. Tadalafil Daily (and Cialis Daily).

Both of these options have the same active ingredient and work in the same way as the other options, increasing blood flow to the penis.

Take these at the same time each day (but not with grapefruit juice) and you’ll find the low dose builds up over the first five days. After the first five days, you should be able to get a spontaneous erection without prior planning.

If I take ED medication will I have an erection the whole time?

You should only get an erection if you take these tablets as prescribed and you’re sexually aroused. If you find you have an erection and are not sexually aroused, you should call your doctor.

Can I ask your doctor or pharmacist a question?

Absolutely, If you have any questions or doubts about what treatment to take, or what’s best for you, our pharmacists are here to help. You can call us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 491 1899.

Start your online medical consultant questionnaire for ED tablets here

References

1. Viagra Patient Information Leaflet  [cited 20/11/20]
   Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1072.pdf
2. Tadalafil Patient Information leaflet  [cited 20/11/20]
   Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8637.pdf

Author: Gemma Boak

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 17/02/22 

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

There is enough evidence to suggest that how active we are and the exercise we do, can show on our faces.

Our activity levels and lifestyle choices have a direct relationship with how healthy our skin looks and feels - but is there a connection between the types of exercise we choose and ageing of the skin?

Sagging skin is a natural part of the ageing process. As we age, our collagen starts to break down and is not replenished so the skin gradually starts to lose its elasticity and firmness and coupled with a loss of volume and gravity – the skin will begin to sag.

So, is it possible that some forms of exercise will cause or even worsen sagging skin? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the repetitive impact of pounding the pavement or other unforgiving surfaces can result in sagging facial muscles. A long-term disadvantage of intense athletic training is that the skin’s collagen and fibrous tissues (along with fatty cells) are thinned, and the skin is less supported. While this could also be due to fat loss, low intensity workouts or more gentle yoga sessions can also be beneficial, so it’s important to take on a mixture of high and low intensity workouts. This is backed up by other studies which show that swapping intense, repetitive motion for slower more gradual movement can also help your skin in the long run. (Womens Health)

Resistance training can further boost your skin’s youthful appearance since it increases the production of growth hormone. This handy hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain, and some studies show that it can aid cell repair as well as influencing fibroblast cells to create more collagen. (Womens Health)

Since exercise reduces the production of stress hormones, which cause blood vessels to constrict and impair healing, when you work out, you’re minimising the damage stress does to your face. This, as well as increasing the flow of those good nutrients your skin loves, (women’s health) has got to be a good argument to pop on your gym leggings, right?

The science behind how exercise impacts our body

Frequent aerobic training can reduce inflammation and improve immunity by helping the blood carry oxygen and nutrients to working cells throughout the body, including the skin. This means it can help relieve major skin conditions such as acne and eczema which are often triggered by inflammation.

In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Getting your heart pumping improves mitochondrial function which allows your bloodstream to release more energy. As well as helping you to feel good and look better, increased blood flow to the skin can also decrease signs of ageing by clearing cellular debris out of the system. Think of it as cleansing the skin from the inside.

Despite its many clear benefits, however, exercising sadly isn’t a preventative measure for skin ageing on its own (iiaa). Some people believe that exercise will tighten skin and reduce wrinkles through increases in collagen or from muscles toning and pulling the skin taut. On the other hand, others think that exercise, particularly weight lifting, could instead generate more wrinkles from the act of straining and muscles pulling on the skin (webmd).

How does exercise promote collagen?

Rather than spending a bomb on cosmetics, is it now time to consider spending a couple of hours a week working up a sweat to look younger for longer?

We’ve already mentioned that workouts can increase the function of mitochondria, the power centres of every cell. The more powerful mitochondria are, the better the metabolism of your skin cells and the more elastic they become. In other words, better cell function ensures proper collagen production which helps you look and feel younger. So, it’s not only the gorgeous post-treadmill flush that makes you look glowing.

A recent study from Victoria University in Australia found that the key to maximising the body’s mitochondria levels is practicing cardio. Endurance exercises have been proven to increase mitochondria levels in muscles up to almost double. The research showed that cycling for 30-45 minutes twice a week along with weekly walks boosts the collagen-filled layer of the skin to make it appear more youthful. (doctor.ndfu.com)

Facial Exercises

Your face contains over 50 different muscles and unlike most of the rest of the body, a lot of these facial muscles are rarely used. By carrying out regular facial exercises you promote the circulation of blood to different areas of the face, replenishing the oxygen supply in the muscles and the skin. This will result in a bright, plumper complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.

Performing facial toning exercises frequently will keep your face looking fit in the long run. Furthermore, regular facial muscle exercises improve blood flow, supplying your skin cells with nutrients leading to a stimulation of skin cell regeneration and prevention of wrinkles.

When to be careful

If you have rosacea, acne, eczema, or psoriasis you may need to take special care to keep your skin protected while exercising. For acne-prone skin, keep gentle, fragrance-free cleansing wipes in your gym bag. Be sure to cleanse your face and other areas that tend to break out immediately after exercising.

For eczema-prone skin wear fabrics that keep perspiration away from the skin, since the wet-dry-wet-dry cycle will dry out your skin and provoke flare-ups. Above all, avoid exercising with makeup on your face (Everydayhealth.com)

Article by Holly Mason of The Skin Investment Clinic with contributions from Personal Trainer, Belinda Andrews
www.theskininvestmentclinic.com
holly@theskininvestmentclinic.com
T: 07887855539

It’s a much-anticipated time of year with parties, gatherings and festivities taking place throughout the month. And while you’re ready to make up for lost time, don’t miss out by letting your sexual health fall to the wayside. There’s an easy – and discreet - way to access STI testing and treatment plus emergency contraception.

Discreet STI testing

Make sure you’re in the clear with testing kits that screen you for a full range of sexually transmitted infections. There are single test packs or ones that test you for seven of the most common infections, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Genital herpes
• Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Ureaplasma
• Mycoplasm

And to be on the safe side, there’s also testing for HIV and Syphilis plus sexual health screening that works as a full MOT for complete peace of mind, including kits that are especially for men who have sex with men.

You can do the tests in the privacy of your own home and once the lab receives your kit, you’ll be sent the results within two to three working days.

Order an STI testing kit

STI treatment at home

If you find out you’re positive for one of the most common STIs listed above, then you can order a treatment pack to be sent to your home for the next working day.

You’ll complete a medical consultation questionnaire that will be reviewed by our doctor  to make sure you’re getting the right treatment, and your  medication   will be delivered the next working day if ordered by 4pm Monday to Friday.

This is a discreet and quick way to get the treatment you need at home. However, it’s worth noting that you may need to visit your GP for certain treatments, depending on the infection.

Order an STI treatment pack

Need emergency contraception now?

Whether we’re in or out of party season, it’s always good to know where you can get emergency contraception when you need it.

The morning after pill can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex, depending on the type you take. But the sooner you take it, the better.

What’s more, you can order the morning after pill online and it will be sent to you confidentially the next working day, so you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing the package.

It works by stopping ovulation, so if you’re in the second half of your cycle where you have already ovulated, you should seek other types of emergency contraception from your GP or sexual health clinic, such as the emergency coil.

Order the morning after pill

If you have any questions or doubts about what treatment to take, or what’s best for you, our pharmacists are here to help. You can call us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 491 1899.

Author: Gemma Boak

Medically reviewed by: Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons)MRPharmS 09/12/21