Mounjaro
Up to 22.5% weight loss
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from £215.00
Liraglutide
Liraglutide
Take control of your weight loss journey your own way with liraglutide, the daily weight loss injection pen:
- Average weight loss of 8% over 56 weeks
- Reduces appetite and food cravings
- Generic weight loss treatment, making it cheaper than branded medication
Out of stock
Alternative weight loss treatments
Product details
Liraglutide is the generic version of Saxenda containing the active ingredient liraglutide.
Liraglutide mimics the naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released after you eat a meal to signal to the brain that you are full. It is the active ingredient in the weight loss injection, Saxenda.
Liraglutide is injected every day and works best when it is used alongside a calorie-controlled healthy diet and exercise. Over 56 weeks, the average weight loss on the maintenance dose (3mg) of liraglutide is 8%.
Liraglutide is available for people whose body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above, or 27 and above for people with weight-related health issues.
If you think Liraglutide is right for you, you can request it by completing a short online questionnaire for one of our doctors to review. If approved, you can choose rapid home delivery in plain, unmarked packaging or collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours after doctor’s approval.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 20 Nov 2024
Delivery Options
Fully trusted and UK-regulated
How it Works
About liraglutide
What is liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a type of weight loss medication called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the actions of a naturally produced hormone called GLP-1, making you feel full for longer to reduce food cravings and hunger.
Liraglutide is a once-daily weight loss injection pen which used to be available under the brand name Saxenda. Saxenda has also been long-term out of stock for many months due to the manufacturer focusing on other weight loss injections like Wegovy. Since its patent has expired, other manufacturers have been able to make the medication.
Liraglutide injections are used to help overweight or obese people lose weight if they meet the following criteria:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or
- a BMI between 27 and 30 with weight-related health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes)
Liraglutide is most effective when it is used alongside a calorie-controlled healthy diet and exercise plan.
How does liraglutide work?
Liraglutide works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to reduce your appetite by:
- slowing gastric emptying – slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach to help you feel fuller for longer
- increases feelings of fullness – by copying the actions of GLP-1, liraglutide signals to your brain that you’re full to stop you overeating
- stimulates insulin release – to help control blood glucose levels (this can help your body burn fat rather than store it)
How long does liraglutide take to work?
Liraglutide works almost immediately to suppress your appetite. However, it can take a couple of weeks for you to notice any physical effects. Liraglutide is most effective when you reach the highest maintenance dose.
How effective is liraglutide?
Studies have shown that on average 8% of body weight can be lost over 56 weeks when the maintenance dose is used. This is compared to a 2.6% change in body weight using a placebo over the same period.
How to take liraglutide?
Liraglutide is an injectable medication which you can administer yourself. It is a pre-filled injectable pen that you use every day, at the same time. The injection is given under the skin of the:
- abdomen
- thighs
- upper arms (with help)
You can take liraglutide with or without food. Your doctor may advise injecting it after eating a light meal to lower the risk of side effects like nausea.
To inject liraglutide:
Prepare the pen with a new needle
- Check the name and coloured label of your pen. Make sure the pen contains liraglutide and is the correct dose.
- Pull off the pen cap.
- Check the solution is clear. If it is clear and colourless it is safe to use. If the solution is cloudy or discoloured, do not use the pen.
- Take a new needle and remove the paper tab.
- Attach the needle correctly by pushing the needle straight onto the pen and turn until it is secure.
- Remove the outer needle cap and put it to one side. You will need this after injecting to safely remove the needle from the pen.
- Pull off the inner needle cap and throw it away. A small amount of solution may appear at the needle tip – this is normal.
Check the pen’s flow before injection with each new pen
- Turn the dose selector to the flow check symbol, make sure it lines up with the pointer.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up.
- Press and hold the dose button until the dose counter returns to 0. A drop of solution should appear at the needle tip.
- If no drop appears, you will need to repeat steps 8 to 10. You can do this up to 6 times. If there is still no drop, change the needle and repeat steps 8 to 10 once more. If a drop still doesn’t appear, dispose of the pen and use a new one.
Select your dose
- Turn the dose selector until the dose counter shows the correct dose.
Inject your dose
- Insert the needle into your skin exactly as you have been advised to – make sure you can see the dose counter at all times.
- Press and hold down the dose button. Watch as the dose counter returns to 0 and you may feel or hear a click.
- Continue pressing the dose button while the needle is in your skin. Count slowly to 6 while still pressing the dose button.
- Remove the needle from your skin. You can now release the dose button. A small amount of blood may appear at the injection site. Press it gently with a swab. You may see a small drop of solution at the needle tip after injecting. This is normal and does not affect your dose.
Always use liraglutide as prescribed by your doctor.
When to take liraglutide
You can take liraglutide any time of day with or without food, but it should be injected at the same time every day. Pick a time that is convenient for you and when you are most likely to remember.
How long do you need to take liraglutide for?
Each liraglutide pen lasts for around 2 weeks when you first start taking it, this will slowly decrease as your dose increases.
Your doctor will recommend you continue using liraglutide if you have lost at least 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks of treatment. You should then continue taking it for as long as you feel comfortable or until your doctor advises you to stop.
Where can I buy liraglutide?
Liraglutide is a prescription-only medication so you will need to obtain a prescription from your doctor. You can also request a private prescription from a reputable online service like Superdrug Online Doctor.
Can I buy liraglutide online?
Yes, you can obtain liraglutide from Superdrug Online Doctor using our simple, quick, and discreet service:
- complete an online health questionnaire
- one of our doctors will review your request to see if your chosen medication is right for you
- if approved, you can choose to have your medication sent by post or collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 to 3 hours
Can I buy liraglutide over the counter?
No, liraglutide is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a doctor’s prescription to obtain it. alli is a weight loss pill that is available over the counter but works in a different way and does not affect appetite.
Can I get liraglutide on the NHS?
You may be able to obtain liraglutide on the NHS, but you will need to book an appointment with your doctor so they can assess if it is suitable for you.
Side effects of liraglutide
As with all medications, there is a risk of developing side effects when taking liraglutide, although not everyone will get them.
Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- headache
- constipation
Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people):
- indigestion
- stomach lining inflammation
- upper stomach pain or discomfort
- heartburn
- feeling bloated
- Wind
- burping and dry mouth
- feeling tired or weak
- changes in taste
- feeling dizzy
- trouble sleeping
- gallstones
- rash
- bruising, pain, or irritation to the injection site
- low blood sugar
- increased pancreatic enzymes
Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people):
- dehydration
- delayed emptying of the stomach
- inflamed gallbladder
- allergic reactions
- feeling generally unwell
- fast pulse
Rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 1000 people):
- reduced kidney function
- acute kidney failure
How long do liraglutide side effects last?
Most side effects should clear up after the first few weeks or months of using liraglutide.
Mild side effects like headaches may be managed with over-the-counter medications, like painkillers. If you feel sick or vomit, getting some rest, eating light or liquid foods, like soup, and staying hydrated, can help.
What to do if you get liraglutide side effects?
If you experience liraglutide side effects and are finding them difficult to manage or are concerned in any way, speak to your doctor as soon as you can.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E straight away:
- breathing problems
- swelling of the face and throat
- rapid heartbeat
Liraglutide warnings
Do not use liraglutide if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
You should talk to your doctor before using liraglutide if you:
- have severe heart failure
- are over 75 years of age
- have kidney disease or are on dialysis
- have liver problems
- have gut or stomach problems that delay gut emptying
- are due to have anaesthetic
- are diabetic
- have inflammation of the pancreas
- have an inflamed gallbladder or gallstones
- have thyroid disease
- feel your heartbeat racing while resting
- are taking warfarin or any other anticoagulants
- are taking any medications to treat diabetes
Liraglutide and pregnancy
Do not use liraglutide if you are, think you are, or trying to become pregnant. It is not known if liraglutide will affect your baby.
Liraglutide and breastfeeding
Do not use liraglutide while breastfeeding as it is not known if liraglutide will pass into breast milk.
Liraglutide alternatives
Liraglutide is not the only weight loss treatment available, we offer several other weight loss injections. Choosing which one is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances, the active ingredient, and how often it needs to be injected.
Weight loss injections
At Superdrug Online Doctor, we also offer the following weight-loss injections:
A once-weekly injectable pen that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro works by mimicking 2 hormones involved in appetite regulation, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Mounjaro works by making you feel fuller for longer after a meal. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Mounjaro can help you lose an average of 22.5% of your initial body weight within 72 weeks.
Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Like Mounjaro, it is also injected once per week and works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1. Wegovy helps to slow down the transit of food through your digestive system, making you feel fuller for longer, and regulating your appetite. Wegovy users can lose up to 15% of their starting body weight within 68 weeks of treatment.
Weight loss tablets
At Superdrug Online Doctor we also offer the following weight loss tablets:
- Orlistat – contains orlistat, which binds to the fat-breakdown-enzyme lipase to stop around one-third of the fat in your meal being absorbed by the body.
- Xenical – contains the active ingredient orlistat and works by binding to the enzyme that breaks down fat, lipase, to stop your body absorbing some of the fat in your meals.
- Mysimba – contains 2 active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, which act on the part of your brain responsible for your appetite to make you feel less hungry.
- alli – an over-the-counter version of orlistat in a lower dose.
Liraglutide vs semaglutide
Semaglutide and liraglutide are the active ingredients in different injectable weight-loss medications. They both work by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1. Generally, semaglutide is thought to be more effective than liraglutide for weight loss but it can cause more adverse events.
Liraglutide vs tirzepatide
Liraglutide and tirzepatide are both medications used to treat weight loss, but there are differences in the way they work, their side effects and their effectiveness.
For example, liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas tirzepatide mimics 2 hormones, GLP-1 and GIP to regulate appetite. Tirzepatide is more effective than liraglutide for weight loss because, on average, people can lose 15% more weight than if they use liraglutide. However, liraglutide seems to be better tolerated than liraglutide, causing fewer side effects.
If you’re still unsure if liraglutide is the right weight loss treatment for you, you can find more information on all available weight loss solutions with Superdrug Online Doctor.
Liraglutide FAQs
Does liraglutide need to be kept in the fridge?
Before using your liraglutide pen, it will need to be stored in the fridge at a temperature between 2 and 8°C. Once opened, you can continue storing the pen in the fridge or at a temperature below 30°C for up to 1 month.
Is liraglutide the same as Ozempic?
No, Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide whereas the active ingredient is liraglutide in the liraglutide or Saxenda pens. However, they belong to the same class of medication and work in a similar way. Ozempic is not available for weight loss in the UK and is used as a type 2 diabetes medication for regulating blood sugar.
Is it safe to take liraglutide long-term?
Research shows that long-term liraglutide use is safe and effective for weight loss. Clinical trials have assessed the use of liraglutide over 160 weeks and it appears to be safe and well-tolerated.
Can I switch from Mounjaro to liraglutide?
Yes, you can switch from Mounjaro to liraglutide, but you must not take both medications at the same time. If you wish to switch from Mounjaro to liraglutide you must speak to your doctor for advice. You’ll need to wait 5 weeks between finishing Mounjaro and starting liraglutide so the active ingredient can leave your system.
Can I switch from Wegovy to liraglutide?
Yes, you can switch from Wegovy to liraglutide, but you must not take both medications at the same time. If you wish to switch from Wegovy to liraglutide you must speak to your doctor for advice. You’ll need to wait 5 weeks between medications.
What happens if I stop taking liraglutide?
Because liraglutide works by copying the actions of your GLP-1 hormone to regulate your appetite, when you stop taking liraglutide, these positive effects are likely to stop too. It is important to continue with your diet and exercise plan after you stop liraglutide treatment to lower the risk of weight gain.
Can I drink alcohol while taking liraglutide?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking liraglutide but it isn’t recommended. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects and it may make it more difficult to lose weight if you drink frequently, especially high-calorie drinks.
Sources
- Liraglutide for weight management: a critical review of the evidence, PubMed [accessed 17 October 2024]
- Mounjaro KwikPen 10mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 17 October 2024]
- Saxenda 6 mg/mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 17 October 2024]
- The association between alcohol intake and obesity in a sample of the Irish adult population, a cross-sectional study, BMC Public Health [accessed 17 October 2024]
- Treatment: Obesity, NHS [accessed 17 October 2024]
- Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen SmPC, emc [accessed 17 October 2024]