How long does Saxenda (liraglutide) stay in your system?

Saxenda® stays in your system for about 3 days. This is based on the half-life of Saxenda, which is the time it takes for 50% of the drug to be removed. The half-life of Saxenda is 13 hours. So if you take 3 mg first thing in the morning (7 am), by the evening (8 pm) you've only got half the dose remaining in your body. That's also why Saxenda requires daily dosing to ensure Saxenda stays in your system long enough to be effective whereas other medications, such as Ozempic® and Wegovy®, are administered weekly. If you miss taking Saxenda for 3 or more days, it is recommended to restart at the lowest dose (0.6 mg) as by that time Saxenda will be out of your system. You should discuss any plans to stop taking your Saxenda prescription with your healthcare provider so they can help you to do this safely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate

‍Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.

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Saxenda® is a registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.