Saxenda Drug Information

Generic name: LIRAGLUTIDE

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [EPC]

Save on Saxenda at your pharmacy Compare prices near you and start saving today—no enrollment required.
See Prices

Uses of Saxenda

  • is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:
  • Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with body weight greater than 60 kg and obesity.
  • Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Limitations of Use
  • SAXENDA contains liraglutide. Coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products or with any other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is not recommended.
  • The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established. SAXENDA is a glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:
  • Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with body weight greater than 60 kg and obesity. ( 1 )
  • Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use:
  • Coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended. ( 1 )
  • The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes have not been established. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration of Saxenda

WeekDaily Dose
10.6 mg
21.2 mg
31.8 mg
42.4 mg
5 and onward3 mg

Side Effects of Saxenda

  • The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information:
  • Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
  • Risk for Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Anti-Diabetic Therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • Heart Rate Increase [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
  • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]
  • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]
  • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Most common adverse reactions, reported in greater than or equal to 5% are: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reactions, headache, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, upper abdominal pain, pyrexia, and gastroenteritis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk Inc. at 1-844-363-4448 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. SAXENDA was evaluated for safety in 5 double-blind, placebo controlled trials that included 3,384 overweight or obese adult patients treated with SAXENDA for a treatment period up to 56 weeks (3 trials), 52 weeks (1 trial), and 32 weeks (1 trial) and one trial of 56 weeks in 125 pediatric patients with obesity aged 12 years and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 )]. All patients received study drug in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity counseling. In the adult trials, patients received SAXENDA for a mean treatment duration of 46 weeks (median, 56 weeks). Baseline characteristics included a mean age of 47 years, 71% female, 85% white, 39% with hypertension, 15% with type 2 diabetes, 34% with dyslipidemia, 29% with a BMI greater than 40 kg/m 2 , and 9% with cardiovascular disease. In one of the 56-week trials, a subset of patients (with abnormal glucose measurements at randomization) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] were enrolled for a placebo-controlled 160-week period instead, followed by a 12-week off-treatment follow-up. For those participating in this 160-week period, patients received SAXENDA for a mean treatment duration of 110 weeks (median, 159 weeks). For all trials, dosing was initiated and increased weekly to reach the 3 mg dose. In adult clinical trials, 9.8% of patients treated with SAXENDA and 4.3% of patients treated with placebo prematurely discontinued treatment as a result of adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were nausea (2.9% versus 0.2% for SAXENDA and placebo, respectively), vomiting (1.7% versus less than 0.1%), and diarrhea (1.4% versus 0%). Adverse reactions reported in greater than or equal to 2% of SAXENDA-treated adult patients and more frequently than in placebo-treated patients are shown in Table 2 . Adverse reactions reported in greater than or equal to 3% of SAXENDA-treated pediatric patients and more frequently than in placebo-treated patients are shown in Table 3 . Table 2. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of SAXENDA-treated Adult Patients and More Frequently than Placebo Placebo N=1941 % SAXENDA N=3384 % Nausea 13.8 39.3 Diarrhea 9.9 20.9 Constipation 8.5 19.4 Vomiting 3.9 15.7 Injection Site Reaction 1 10.5 13.9 Headache 12.6 13.6 Hypoglycemia in T2DM 2 6.6 12.6 Dyspepsia 2.7 9.6 Fatigue 4.6 7.5 Dizziness 5 6.9 Abdominal Pain 3.1 5.4 Increased Lipase 2.2 5.3 Upper Abdominal Pain 2.7 5.1 Gastroenteritis 3.2 4.7 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 1.7 4.7 Abdominal Distension 3 4.5 Eructation 0.2 4.5 Urinary Tract Infection 3.1 4.3 Flatulence 2.5 4 Viral Gastroenteritis 1.6 2.8 Insomnia 1.7 2.4 Dry Mouth 1 2.3 Asthenia 0.8 2.1 Anxiety 1.6 2 1 The most common reactions, each reported by 1% to 2.5% of SAXENDA-treated patients and more commonly than by placebo-treated patients, included erythema, pruritus, and rash at the injection site. 2 Defined as blood glucose <54 mg/dL with or without symptoms of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes not on concomitant insulin (Study 2, SAXENDA N=423, Placebo N=212). See text below for further information regarding hypoglycemia in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus. Table 3. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of SAXENDA-treated Pediatric Patients and More Frequently than Placebo in a 56 Week Clinical Trial Placebo N=126 % SAXENDA N=125 % Nausea 14.3 42.4 Vomiting 4 34.4 Diarrhea 14.3 22.4 Hypoglycemia 1 4 15.2 Gastroenteritis 4.8 12.8 Dizziness 3.2 10.4 Pyrexia 7.1 8 Abdominal discomfort 0.8 4.8 Constipation 2.4 4.8 Dyslipidemia 3.2 4.8 Fatigue 3.2 4.8 Cough 3.2 4 Depression 2.4 4 Dyspepsia 2.4 4 Pain in extremity 2.4 4 Injection site pain 3.2 3.2 Flatulence 0 3.2 Increased Blood Creatine Kinase 2.4 3.2 Increased Lipase 0.8 3.2 Rash 0 3.2 1 Defined as blood glucose <70 mg/dL with symptoms of hypoglycemia. Pediatric patients did not have type 2 diabetes mellitus. See text below for more detailed hypoglycemia information. Hypoglycemia Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes In a clinical trial in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight (excess weight) or obesity, severe hypoglycemia (defined as requiring the assistance of another person) occurred in 3 (0.7%) of 422 SAXENDA-treated patients (all taking a sulfonylurea) and in none of the 212 placebo-treated patients. In this trial, among patients taking a sulfonylurea, hypoglycemia defined as a plasma glucose less than 54 mg/dL with or without symptoms occurred in 31 (28.2%) of 110 SAXENDA-treated patients and 7 (12.7%) of 55 placebo-treated patients. The doses of sulfonylureas were reduced by 50% at the beginning of the trial per protocol. Among patients not taking a sulfonylurea, blood glucose less than 54 mg/dL with or without symptoms occurred in 22 (7.1%) of 312 SAXENDA-treated patients and 7 (4.5%) of 157 placebo-treated patients. In a SAXENDA clinical trial in adult patients with overweight (excess weight) or obesity with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with basal insulin and SAXENDA in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity and up to 2 oral anti-diabetes medications, severe hypoglycemia was reported by 3 (1.5%) of 195 SAXENDA-treated patients and 2 (1%) of 197 placebo-treated patients. No meaningful difference in hypoglycemia, defined as blood glucose less than 54 mg/dL with or without symptoms, was reported between groups. Adult Patients without Type 2 Diabetes In SAXENDA clinical trials in adult patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus, there was no systematic capturing or reporting of hypoglycemia; patients were not provided with blood glucose meters or hypoglycemia diaries. Spontaneously reported symptomatic episodes of unconfirmed hypoglycemia were reported by 46 (1.6%) of 2,962 SAXENDA-treated patients and 19 (1.1%) of 1,729 placebo-treated patients. Fasting plasma glucose values obtained at routine clinic visits less than 54 mg/dL, irrespective of hypoglycemic symptoms, occurred in 2 (0.1%) SAXENDA-treated patients and 1 (0.1%) placebo-treated patients. Pediatric Patients without Type 2 Diabetes In a 56-week placebo-controlled clinical trial of pediatric patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus in which blood glucose meters were provided, 19 (15.2%) of SAXENDA-treated patients had hypoglycemia with a blood glucose less than 70 mg/dL with symptoms as compared to 5 (4%) of placebo-treated patients. Four (4) events of hypoglycemia defined as a plasma glucose less than 54 mg/dL occurred in 2 (1.6%) of 125 SAXENDA-treated patients and 1 event occurred in 1 (0.8%) of 126 placebo-treated patients. No severe hypoglycemic episodes, defined as requiring assistance of another person to actively administer carbohydrate, glucagon, or other resuscitative actions, occurred in the SAXENDA treatment group. Acute Pancreatitis In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, acute pancreatitis was confirmed by adjudication in 9 (0.3%) of 3,291 SAXENDA-treated patients and 2 (0.1%) of 1843 placebo-treated patients. In addition, there were 2 cases of acute pancreatitis in SAXENDA-treated patients who prematurely withdrew from these clinical trials, occurring 74 and 124 days after the last dose. There were 2 additional cases in SAXENDA-treated patients, 1 during an off-treatment follow-up period within 2 weeks of discontinuing SAXENDA, and 1 that occurred in a patient who completed treatment and was off-treatment for 106 days. In a SAXENDA pediatric clinical trial, pancreatitis was not independently adjudicated. Pancreatitis was reported in 1 (0.8%) SAXENDA-treated patient and resulted in treatment discontinuation. Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions In the adult clinical trials, approximately 68% of SAXENDA-treated patients and 39% of placebo-treated patients reported gastrointestinal disorders; the most frequently reported was nausea (39% and 14% of patients treated with SAXENDA and placebo, respectively). Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported more frequently among patients receiving SAXENDA (4.8%) than placebo (1.4 %). There have been reports of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, associated with volume depletion and renal impairment. Most episodes of gastrointestinal events were mild or moderate and did not lead to discontinuation of therapy (6.2% with SAXENDA versus 0.8% with placebo discontinued treatment as a result of gastrointestinal adverse reactions). The percentage of patients reporting nausea declined as treatment continued. Other common adverse reactions that occurred at a higher incidence among SAXENDA-treated patients included diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, dry mouth, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, flatulence, eructation and abdominal distension. There have been reports of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, associated with volume depletion and renal impairment. In a pediatric clinical trial, 8% of patients treated with SAXENDA versus no patients who received placebo discontinued treatment as a result of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were due to vomiting and nausea (4.8% and 3.2% of SAXENDA-treated patients, respectively). Cardiovascular Safety Cardiovascular safety was assessed (LEADER, NCT01179048) in 9,340 patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease randomized to liraglutide 1.8 mg or placebo in addition to standard of care treatments for type 2 diabetes for a median duration of 3.5 years. The primary endpoint was the time from randomization to first occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) defined as: cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke. No increased risk for MACE was observed with liraglutide 1.8 mg. The total number of primary component MACE endpoints was 1,302 [608 (13.0%) with liraglutide 1.8 mg and 694 (14.9%) with placebo]. Liraglutide 1.8 mg (Victoza) is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. The efficacy of liraglutide at doses below 3 mg daily has not been established for weight reduction. Asthenia, Fatigue, Malaise, Dysgeusia and Dizziness Events of asthenia, fatigue, malaise, dysgeusia and dizziness were mainly reported within the first 12 weeks of treatment with SAXENDA and were often co-reported with gastrointestinal events such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Immunogenicity The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, the incidence of antibodies to SAXENDA cannot be directly compared with the incidence of antibodies of other products. Patients treated with SAXENDA may develop anti-liraglutide antibodies. Anti-liraglutide antibodies were detected in 42 (2.8%) of 1505 SAXENDA-treated adult patients with a post-baseline assessment. Antibodies that had a neutralizing effect on liraglutide in an in vitro assay occurred in 18 (1.2%) of 1505 SAXENDA-treated patients. Presence of antibodies may be associated with a higher incidence of injection site reactions and reports of low blood glucose. In clinical trials, these events were usually classified as mild and resolved while patients continued on treatment. In a pediatric clinical trial, anti-liraglutide antibodies were detected in 14 (12%) of 117 SAXENDA-treated patients with a post-baseline assessment; 5 (4.3%) had persistent antibodies as defined by more than 2 antibody visits at least 16 weeks apart. Two patients (1.7%) remained positive throughout the follow-up period; 1 (0.9%) had antibodies cross reactive to native GLP-1. No patients had neutralizing antibodies. Allergic Reactions Urticaria was reported in 0.7% of SAXENDA-treated patients and 0.5% of placebo-treated patients. Anaphylactic reactions, asthma, bronchial hyperreactivity, bronchospasm, oropharyngeal swelling, facial swelling, angioedema, pharyngeal edema, type IV hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients treated with liraglutide in clinical trials. Cases of anaphylactic reactions with additional symptoms such as hypotension, palpitations, dyspnea, and edema have been reported with marketed use of liraglutide. Anaphylactic reactions may potentially be life-threatening. Breast Cancer In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, breast cancer confirmed by adjudication was reported in 17 (0.7%) of 2379 SAXENDA-treated women compared with 3 (0.2%) of 1300 placebo-treated women, including invasive cancer (13 SAXENDA- and 2 placebo-treated women) and ductal carcinoma in situ (4 SAXENDA- and 1 placebo-treated woman). The majority of cancers were estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive. There were too few cases to determine whether these cases were related to SAXENDA. In addition, there are insufficient data to determine whether SAXENDA has an effect on pre-existing breast neoplasia. Papillary Thyroid Cancer In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, papillary thyroid carcinoma confirmed by adjudication was reported in 8 (0.2%) of 3291 SAXENDA-treated patients compared with no cases among 1,843 placebo-treated patients. Four of these papillary thyroid carcinomas were less than 1 cm in greatest diameter and 4 were diagnosed in surgical pathology specimens after thyroidectomy prompted by findings identified prior to treatment. Colorectal Neoplasms In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, benign colorectal neoplasms (mostly colon adenomas) confirmed by adjudication were reported in 20 (0.6%) of 3,291 SAXENDA-treated patients compared with 7 (0.4%) of 1,843 placebo-treated patients. Six positively adjudicated cases of malignant colorectal neoplasms were reported in 5 SAXENDA-treated patients (0.2%, mostly adenocarcinomas) and 1 in a placebo-treated patient (0.1%, neuroendocrine tumor of the rectum). Cardiac Conduction Disorders In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, 11 (0.3%) of 3,384 SAXENDA-treated patients compared with none of the 1,941 placebo-treated patients had a cardiac conduction disorder, reported as first degree atrioventricular block, right bundle branch block, or left bundle branch block. Hypotension Adverse reactions related to hypotension (hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, circulatory collapse, and decreased blood pressure) were reported more frequently with SAXENDA (1.1%) compared with placebo (0.5%) in SAXENDA clinical trials in adults. Systolic blood pressure decreases to less than 80 mmHg were observed in 4 (0.1%) SAXENDA-treated patients compared with no placebo-treated patients. One of the SAXENDA-treated patients had hypotension associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions and renal failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Laboratory Abnormalities Liver Enzymes Increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than or equal to 10 times the upper limit of normal were observed in 5 (0.15%) SAXENDA-treated patients (two of whom had ALT greater than 20 and 40 times the upper limit of normal) compared with 1 (0.05%) placebo-treated patient during the SAXENDA clinical trials. Because clinical evaluation to exclude alternative causes of ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increases was not done in most cases, the relationship to SAXENDA is uncertain. Some increases in ALT and AST were associated with other confounding factors (such as gallstones). Serum Calcitonin Calcitonin, a biological marker of MTC, was measured throughout the clinical development program [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . More patients treated with SAXENDA in the clinical trials were observed to have high calcitonin values during treatment, compared with placebo. The proportion of patients with calcitonin greater than or equal to 2 times the upper limit of normal at the end of the trial was 1.2% in SAXENDA-treated patients and 0.6% in placebo-treated patients. Calcitonin values greater than 20 ng/L at the end of the trial occurred in 0.5% of SAXENDA-treated patients and 0.2% of placebo-treated patients; among patients with pre-treatment serum calcitonin less than 20 ng/L, none had calcitonin elevations to greater than 50 ng/L at the end of the trial. Serum Lipase and Amylase Serum lipase and amylase were routinely measured in the SAXENDA clinical trials. Among SAXENDA-treated patients, 2.1% had a lipase value at anytime during treatment of greater than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal compared with 1.0% of placebo-treated patients. 0.1% of SAXENDA-treated patients had an amylase value at anytime in the trial of greater than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal versus 0.1% of placebo-treated patients. The clinical significance of elevations in lipase or amylase with SAXENDA is unknown in the absence of other signs and symptoms of pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of liraglutide, the active ingredient of SAXENDA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Gastrointestinal Acute pancreatitis; hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis, sometimes resulting in death; ileus, intestinal obstruction, severe constipation including fecal impaction, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration Hepatobiliary Hyperbilirubinemia, elevations of liver enzymes, cholestasis and hepatitis Hypersensitivity Rash, pruritus, angioedema and anaphylactic reactions Neoplasms Medullary thyroid carcinoma Neurologic Dysesthesia, headache Pulmonary Pulmonary aspiration has occurred in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation. Renal Acute kidney injury, sometimes requiring hemodialysis; increased serum creatinine General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Allergic reactions: rash and pruritus Immune System Angioedema and anaphylactic reactions Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Cutaneous amyloidosis, alopecia

Warnings & Cautions for Saxenda

  • Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including SAXENDA. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 )
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated. ( 5.3 )
  • Hypoglycemia: Can occur in adults when SAXENDA is used with an insulin secretagogue (e.g. a sulfonylurea) or insulin. The risk may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues or insulin. In the pediatric clinical trial, patients did not have type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurred in SAXENDA-treated pediatric patients. Inform all patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. ( 5.4 )
  • Heart Rate Increase: Monitor heart rate at regular intervals. ( 5.5 )
  • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. ( 5.6 )
  • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. SAXENDA is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.7 )
  • Hypersensitivity Reactions: Postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema). Discontinue SAXENDA and other suspect medications and promptly seek medical advice. ( 5.8 )
  • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors Liraglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and/or carcinomas) at clinically relevant exposures in both genders of rats and mice [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Malignant thyroid C-cell carcinomas were detected in rats and mice. It is unknown whether SAXENDA will cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as the human relevance of liraglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and liraglutide use in humans. SAXENDA is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of SAXENDA and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with SAXENDA. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to low test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin may indicate MTC, and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values greater than 50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated. 5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including liraglutide [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . After initiation of SAXENDA, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back) and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue SAXENDA and initiate appropriate management. 5.3 Acute Gallbladder Disease In SAXENDA clinical trials in adults, 2.2% of SAXENDA-treated patients reported adverse events of cholelithiasis versus 0.8% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of cholecystitis was 0.8% in SAXENDA-treated patients versus 0.4% in placebo-treated patients. The majority of SAXENDA-treated patients with adverse events of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis required cholecystectomy. Substantial or rapid weight loss can increase the risk of cholelithiasis; however, the incidence of acute gallbladder disease was greater in SAXENDA-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients even after accounting for the degree of weight loss. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia with use of SAXENDA, including severe hypoglycemia. In patients with type 2 diabetes, monitor blood glucose prior to starting SAXENDA and during SAXENDA treatment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. In the pediatric clinical trial, patients did not have type 2 diabetes but were provided with blood glucose meters. Clinically significant hypoglycemia, defined as blood glucose <54 mg/dL, occurred in 1.6% of the SAXENDA- treated patients compared to 0.8% of placebo-treated patients [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Inform all pediatric patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. 5.5 Heart Rate Increase Mean increases in resting heart rate of 2 to 3 beats per minute (bpm) were observed with routine clinical monitoring in SAXENDA-treated adult patients compared to placebo in clinical trials. More patients treated with SAXENDA, compared with placebo, had changes from baseline at two consecutive visits of more than 10 bpm (34% versus 19%, respectively) and 20 bpm (5% versus 2%, respectively). At least one resting heart rate exceeding 100 bpm was recorded for 6% of SAXENDA-treated patients compared with 4% of placebo-treated patients, with this occurring at two consecutive study visits for 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Tachycardia was reported as an adverse reaction in 0.6% of SAXENDA-treated patients and in 0.1% of placebo-treated patients. In a clinical pharmacology trial that monitored heart rate continuously for 24 hours, SAXENDA treatment was associated with a heart rate that was 4 to 9 bpm higher than that observed with placebo. In a pediatric clinical trial, mean increases from baseline in resting heart rate of 3 to 7 bpm were observed with SAXENDA treatment. Heart rate should be monitored at regular intervals consistent with usual clinical practice. Patients should inform health care providers of palpitations or feelings of a racing heartbeat while at rest during SAXENDA treatment. For patients who experience a sustained increase in resting heart rate while taking SAXENDA, SAXENDA should be discontinued. 5.6 Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, in some cases requiring hemodialysis, in patients treated with liraglutide [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . The majority of the reported events occurred in patients who had experienced gastrointestinal reactions leading to dehydration such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions to SAXENDA that could lead to volume depletion, especially during dosage initiation and escalation [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] . 5.7 Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including liraglutide, has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . In SAXENDA clinical trials, severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported more frequently among patients receiving SAXENDA (4.8%) than placebo (1.4%). Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have also been reported postmarketing with GLP-1 receptor agonists. SAXENDA is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. 5.8 Hypersensitivity Reactions There have been reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema) in patients treated with SAXENDA [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the patient should discontinue SAXENDA and other suspect medications and promptly seek medical advice. Anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Use caution in a patient with a history of anaphylaxis or angioedema with another GLP-1 receptor agonist because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to these reactions with SAXENDA. 5.9 Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation SAXENDA delays gastric emptying [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . There have been rare postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation who had residual gastric contents despite reported adherence to preoperative fasting recommendations. Available data are insufficient to inform recommendations to mitigate the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation in patients taking SAXENDA, including whether modifying preoperative fasting recommendations or temporarily discontinuing SAXENDA could reduce the incidence of retained gastric contents. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers prior to any planned surgeries or procedures if they are taking SAXENDA.

Drug Interactions with Saxenda

Oral Medications

SAXENDA causes a delay of gastric emptying, and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. In clinical pharmacology trials, liraglutide did not affect the absorption of the tested orally administered medications to any clinically relevant degree. Nonetheless, monitor for potential consequences of delayed absorption of oral medications concomitantly administered with SAXENDA.

Pregnancy Safety for Saxenda

Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to SAXENDA during pregnancy. SAXENDA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Additionally, weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant patient and may cause fetal harm.

When a pregnancy is recognized, advise the pregnant patient of the risk to a fetus, and discontinue SAXENDA (see Clinical Considerations ). Animal reproduction studies identified increased adverse embryofetal developmental outcomes from exposure during pregnancy. Liraglutide exposure was associated with early embryonic deaths and an imbalance in some fetal abnormalities in pregnant rats administered liraglutide during organogenesis at doses that approximate clinical exposures at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3 mg/day. In pregnant rabbits administered liraglutide during organogenesis, decreased fetal weight and an increased incidence of major fetal abnormalities were seen at exposures below the human exposures at the MRHD (see Animal Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryofetal risk Appropriate weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight is currently recommended for all pregnant patients, including those who already have overweight or obesity, because of the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy. Animal Data Liraglutide has been shown to be teratogenic in rats at or above 0.8-times systemic exposures in obese humans resulting from the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3 mg/day based on plasma area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) comparison.

Liraglutide has been shown to cause reduced growth and increased total major abnormalities in rabbits at systemic exposures below exposure in obese humans at the MRHD based on plasma AUC comparison. Female rats given subcutaneous doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 1 mg/kg/day liraglutide beginning 2 weeks before mating through gestation day 17 had estimated systemic exposures 0.8-, 3-, and 11-times the exposure in obese humans at the MRHD based on plasma AUC comparison. The number of early embryonic deaths in the 1 mg/kg/day group increased slightly.

Fetal abnormalities and variations in kidneys and blood vessels, irregular ossification of the skull, and a more complete state of ossification occurred at all doses. Mottled liver and minimally kinked ribs occurred at the highest dose. The incidence of fetal malformations in liraglutide-treated groups exceeding concurrent and historical controls were misshapen oropharynx and/or narrowed opening into larynx at 0.1 mg/kg/day and umbilical hernia at 0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg/day.

Pregnant rabbits given subcutaneous doses of 0.01, 0.025 and 0.05 mg/kg/day liraglutide from gestation day 6 through day 18 inclusive, had estimated systemic exposures less than the exposure in obese humans at the MRHD of 3 mg/day at all doses, based on plasma AUC comparison. Liraglutide decreased fetal weight and dose-dependently increased the incidence of total major fetal abnormalities at all doses. The incidence of malformations exceeded concurrent and historical controls at 0.01 mg/kg/day (kidneys, scapula), greater than or equal to 0.01 mg/kg/day (eyes, forelimb), 0.025 mg/kg/day (brain, tail and sacral vertebrae, major blood vessels and heart, umbilicus), greater than or equal to 0.025 mg/kg/day (sternum) and at 0.05 mg/kg/day (parietal bones, major blood vessels). Irregular ossification and/or skeletal abnormalities occurred in the skull and jaw, vertebrae and ribs, sternum, pelvis, tail, and scapula; and dose-dependent minor skeletal variations were observed.

Visceral abnormalities occurred in blood vessels, lung, liver, and esophagus. Bilobed or bifurcated gallbladder was seen in all treatment groups, but not in the control group. In pregnant female rats given subcutaneous doses of 0.1, 0.25 and 1 mg/kg/day liraglutide from gestation day 6 through weaning or termination of nursing on lactation day 24, estimated systemic exposures were 0.8-, 3-, and 11-times exposure in obese humans at the MRHD of 3 mg/day, based on plasma AUC comparison.

A slight delay in parturition was observed in the majority of treated rats. Group mean body weight of neonatal rats from liraglutide-treated dams was lower than neonatal rats from control group dams. Bloody scabs and agitated behavior occurred in male rats descended from dams treated with 1 mg/kg/day liraglutide.

Group mean body weight from birth to postpartum day 14 trended lower in F 2 generation rats descended from liraglutide-treated rats compared to F 2 generation rats descended from controls, but differences did not reach statistical significance for any group.

Pediatric Use of Saxenda

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with body weight above 60 kg and an initial BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m 2 or greater for adults (obese) by international cut-offs. Use of SAXENDA for this indication is supported by a 56-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 251 pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years, a pharmacokinetic study in pediatric patients, and studies in adults with obesity. In the pediatric clinical trial, one SAXENDA-treated patient had an event of pancreatitis ; more episodes of hypoglycemia confirmed by self blood glucose monitoring occurred in SAXENDA-treated patients compared to placebo ; and mean increases in resting heart rate of 3 to 7 bpm from baseline were observed with SAXENDA-treated patients . The safety and effectiveness of SAXENDA have not been established in patients less than 12 years of age.

Contraindications for Saxenda

  • is contraindicated in:
  • Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
  • Patients with a serious hypersensitivity reaction to liraglutide or to any of the excipients in SAXENDA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with SAXENDA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )].
  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. ( 4 )
  • Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any excipients in SAXENDA. ( 4 )

Overdosage Information for Saxenda

Overdoses have been reported in clinical trials and post-marketing use of liraglutide. Effects have included severe nausea, severe vomiting and severe hypoglycemia. In the event of overdosage, consider contacting the Poison Helpline (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.

Initiate appropriate supportive treatment according to the patient’s clinical signs and symptoms.

Clinical Studies of Saxenda

Weight Management Trials in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

The safety and efficacy of SAXENDA for chronic weight management in conjunction with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity were studied in three 56-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. In all studies, SAXENDA was titrated to 3 mg daily during a 4-week period. All patients received instruction for a reduced-calorie diet (approximately 500 kcal/day deficit) and physical activity counseling (recommended increase in physical activity of minimum 150 mins/week) that began with the first dose of study medication or placebo and continued throughout the trial.

Study 1 enrolled 3,731 patients with obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 ) or with overweight (BMI 27-29.9 kg/m 2 ) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either SAXENDA or placebo. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of abnormal blood glucose measurements at randomization.

All patients were treated for up to 56 weeks. Those patients with abnormal glucose measurements at randomization (2,254 of the 3731 patients) were treated for a total of 160 weeks. At baseline, mean age was 45 years (range 18 to 78), 79% were female, 85% were White, 10% were Black or African American, and 11% were Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity.

Mean baseline body weight was 106.3 kg, and mean BMI was 38.3 kg/m 2. Study 2 was a 56-week trial that enrolled 635 patients with type 2 diabetes and with either overweight or obesity (as defined above). Patients were to have an HbA 1c of 7% to 10% and be treated with metformin, a sulfonylurea, or a glitazone as single agent or in any combination, or with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity alone. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either SAXENDA or placebo. The mean age was 55 years (range 18 to 82), 50% were female, 83% were White, 12% were Black or African American, and 10% were Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity.

Mean baseline body weight was 105.9 kg and mean BMI was 37.1 kg/m 2. Study 3 was a 56-week trial that enrolled 422 patients with obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 ) or with overweight (BMI 27-29.9 kg/m 2 ) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition such as treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension; patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. All patients were first treated with a low-calorie diet (total energy intake 1,200-1,400 kcal/day) in a run-in period lasting up to 12 weeks. Patients who lost at least 5% of their screening body weight after 4 to 12 weeks during the run-in were then randomized, with equal allocation, to receive either SAXENDA or placebo for 56 weeks.

The mean age was 46 years (range 18 to 73), 81% were female, 84% were White, 13% were Black or African American, and 7% were Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity. Mean baseline body weight was 99.6 kg and mean BMI was 35.6 kg/m 2. The proportions of patients who discontinued study drug in the 56-week trials were 27% for the SAXENDA-treated group and 35% for the placebo-treated group, and in the 160-week trial the proportions of patients who discontinued were 47% and 55%, respectively. In the 56-week trials, approximately 10% of patients treated with SAXENDA and 4% of patients treated with placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction . The majority of patients who discontinued SAXENDA due to adverse reactions did so during the first few months of treatment.

In the 160-week trial the proportions of patients who discontinued due to an adverse reaction was 13% and 6% for SAXENDA- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Effect of SAXENDA on Body Weight in 56-week Trials For Study 1 and Study 2, the primary efficacy parameters were mean percent change in body weight and the percentages of patients achieving greater than or equal to 5% and 10% weight loss from baseline to Week 56. For Study 3, the primary efficacy parameters were mean percent change in body weight from randomization to Week 56, the percentage of patients not gaining more than 0.5% body weight from randomization (i.e., after run-in) to Week 56, and the percentage of patients achieving greater than or equal to 5% weight loss from randomization to Week 56. Because losing at least 5% of fasting body weight through lifestyle intervention during the 4- to 12-week run-in was a condition for their continued participation in the randomized treatment period, the results may not reflect those expected in the general population. Table 4 presents the results for the changes in weight observed in Studies 1, 2, and 3. After 56 weeks, treatment with SAXENDA resulted in a statistically significant reduction in weight compared with placebo.

Statistically significantly greater proportions of patients treated with SAXENDA achieved 5% and 10% weight loss than those treated with placebo. In Study 3, statistically significantly more patients randomized to SAXENDA than placebo had not gained more than 0.5% of body weight from randomization to Week 56. Table 4. Changes in Weight at Week 56 for Studies 1, 2, and 3 Study 1 (Obesity or overweight with comorbidity) Study 2 (Type 2 diabetes with obesity or overweight) Study 3 (Obesity or overweight with comorbidity following at least 5% weight loss with diet) SAXENDA N=2487 Placebo N=1244 SAXENDA N=423 Placebo N=212 SAXENDA N=212 Placebo N=210 Weight Baseline mean (SD) (kg) 106.2 106.2 105.7 106.5 100.4

Percent change from baseline (LSMean) -7.4 -3 -5.4 -1.7 -4.9 0.3 Difference

from placebo (LSMean) (95% CI) -4.5 * (-5.2; -3.8) -3.7 * (-4.7; -2.7) -5.2 * (-6.8; -3.5) % of Patients losing greater than or equal to 5% body weight 62.3% 34.4% 49% 16.4% 44.2% 21.7% Difference from placebo (LSMean) (95% CI) 27.9 * (23.9; 31.9) 32.6 * (25.1; 40.1) 22.6 * (13.9; 31.3) % of Patients losing greater than 10% body weight 33.9% 15.4% 22.4% 5.5% 25.4% 6.9% Difference from placebo (LSMean) (95% CI) 18.5 * (15.2; 21.7) 16.9 * (11.7; 22.1) 18.5 * (11.7; 25.3) SD = Standard Deviation; CI = Confidence Interval * p < 0.0001 compared to placebo. Type 1 error was controlled across the three endpoints. Includes all randomized subjects who had a baseline body weight measurement.

All available body weight data during the 56 week treatment period are included in the analysis. In Studies 1 and 2 missing values for Week 56 were handled using multiple imputations analysis. In Study 3 missing values for Week 56 were handled using weighted regression analysis.

The cumulative frequency distributions of change in body weight from baseline to Week 56 are shown in Figure 2 for Studies 1 and 2. One way to interpret this figure is to select a change in body weight of interest on the horizontal axis and note the corresponding proportions of patients (vertical axis) in each treatment group who achieved at least that degree of weight loss. For example, note that the vertical line arising from ‑10% in Study 1 intersects the SAXENDA and placebo curves at approximately 34% and 15%, respectively, which correspond to the values shown in Table 4. Figure 2. Change in body weight (%) from baseline to Week 56 (Study 1 on left and Study 2 on right) The time courses of weight loss with SAXENDA and placebo from baseline through Week 56 are depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4. Figure 3. Change from baseline (%) in body weight (Study 1 on left and Study 2 on right) Figure 4. Change from baseline (%) in body weight during Study 3 Effect of SAXENDA on Body Weight in a 160-week Trial (Study 1, Subset of Patients with Abnormal Blood Glucose at Randomization) The numbers and percentages of patients known to have lost greater than or equal to 5% body weight at Week 56 and/or Week 160 in Study 1 (patients with abnormal glucose at randomization only) are summarized in Table 5 for descriptive purposes. Table 5. Changes in Weight at Week 56 and Week 160 for Study 1 (Subset of Patients with Abnormal Blood Glucose at Randomization) SAXENDA N=1505 Placebo N=749 Baseline mean body weight (SD) (kg) 107.5

Number (%) of patients known to lose greater than or equal to

5% body weight at 56 weeks 817 (56%) 182 (25%) Number (%) of patients known to lose greater than or equal to 5% body weight at 160 weeks 424 (28%) 102 (14%) Number (%) of patients known to lose greater than or equal to 5% body weight at both 56 weeks and 160 weeks 391 (26%) 74 (10%) Number (%) of patients with weight assessment at 160 weeks 747 (50%) 322 (43%) SD = Standard Deviation Includes all randomized subjects who had a baseline body weight measurement. All available body weight data at 56 and 160 weeks are included in the analysis. Effect of SAXENDA on Anthropometry and Cardiometabolic Parameters in 56-week Trials Changes in waist circumference and cardiometabolic parameters with SAXENDA are shown in Table 6 for Study 1 (patients without diabetes mellitus) and Table 7 for Study 2 (patients with type 2 diabetes). Results from Study 3, which also enrolled patients without diabetes mellitus, were similar to Study 1. Table 6. Mean Changes in Anthropometry and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Study 1 (Patients without Diabetes) SAXENDA N=2487 Placebo N=1244 Baseline Change from Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Baseline Change from Baseline (LSMean 1 ) SAXENDA minus Placebo (LSMean) Waist Circumference (cm) 115 -8.2 114.5 -4 -

Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) 123 -4.3 123.3 -1.5 -2.8 Diastolic Blood Pressure

(mmHg) 78.7 -2.7 78.9 -1.8 -

Heart Rate (bpm) 2 71.4 2.6 71.3 0.1 2.5 HbA 1c (%)

5.6 -0.3 5.6 -0.1 -

Baseline % Change from Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Baseline % Change from

Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Relative Difference of SAXENDA to Placebo (LSMean) Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 193.8 -3.2 194.4 -0.9 -

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 111.8 -3.1 112.3 -0.7 -2.4

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 51.4 2.3 50.9 0.5

Triglycerides (mg/dL) † 125.7 -13 128.3 -4.1 -7.1

Based on last observation carried forward method while on study drug 1 Least squares mean adjusted for treatment, country, sex, pre-diabetes status at screening, baseline BMI stratum and an interaction between pre-diabetes status at screening and BMI stratum as fixed factors, and the baseline value as covariate. 2 See Warnings and Precautions * Baseline value is the geometric mean † Values are baseline median, median % change, and the Hodges-Lehmann estimate of the median treatment difference. Table 7. Mean Changes in Anthropometry and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Study 2 (Patients with Diabetes Mellitus) SAXENDA N=423 Placebo N=212 Baseline Change from Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Baseline Change From Baseline (LSMean 1 ) SAXENDA minus Placebo (LSMean) Waist Circumference (cm) 118.1 -6 117.3 -2.8 -

Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) 128.9 -3 129.2 -0.4 -2.6 Diastolic Blood Pressure

(mmHg) 79 -1 79.3 -0.6 -

Heart Rate (bpm) 2 74 2 74 -1.5 3.4 HbA 1c (%)

7.9 -1.3 7.9 -0.4 -

Baseline % Change from Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Baseline % Change From

Baseline (LSMean 1 ) Relative Difference of SAXENDA to Placebo (LSMean) Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 171 -1.4 169.4 2.4 -

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 86.4 0.9 85.2 3.3 -2.3

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) * 45.2 4.8 45.4 1.9

Triglycerides (mg/dL) † 156.2 -14.5 155.8 -0.7 -13.5

Based on last observation carried forward method while on study drug 1 Least squares mean adjusted for treatment, country, sex, background treatment, baseline HbA 1c stratum and an interaction between background treatment and HbA 1c stratum as fixed factors, and the baseline value as covariate. 2 See Warnings and Precautions * Baseline value is the geometric mean † Values are baseline median, median % change, and the Hodges-Lehmann estimate of the median treatment difference. figure-2 figure-3 figure-4

Weight Management Trial in Pediatric Patients Ages 12 and Older with Obesity

SAXENDA was evaluated in a 56-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel group, placebo controlled multi-center trial in 251 pubertal pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years, with BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m 2 or greater for adults by international cut-off points 1 and BMI of 95 th percentile or greater for age and sex (NCT02918279). After a 12-week lifestyle run-in period, patients were randomized 1:1 to SAXENDA once-daily or placebo once-daily. The SAXENDA dose was titrated to 3 mg over a 4- to 8-week period based on tolerability as judged by the investigator. Escalation of the trial product was not allowed if the subject had a self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) <56 mg/dL or <70 mg/dL in the presence of symptoms of hypoglycemia during the week prior to or during the dose escalation visits.

The proportion of patients who reached the 3 mg dose was 82.4%; for 8.8% of patients 2.4 mg was the maximum tolerated dose. The mean age was 14.5 years: 40.6% of patients were male, 87.6% were White, 0.8% were Asian, 8% were Black or African American; 22.3% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. The mean baseline body weight was 100.8 kg, and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 35.6 kg/m 2. The proportions of patients who discontinued study drug were 19.2% for the SAXENDA-treated group and 20.6% for the placebo-treated group; 10.4% of patients treated with SAXENDA and no patients treated with placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction . The primary endpoint was change in BMI SDS. At baseline, mean BMI SDS was 3.14 in the SAXENDA group and 3.20 in the placebo group.

At Week 56, treatment with SAXENDA resulted in statistically significant reduction in BMI SDS from baseline compared to placebo. The observed mean change in BMI SDS from baseline to Week 56 was -0.23 in the SAXENDA group and -0.00 in the placebo group. The estimated treatment difference in BMI SDS reduction from baseline between SAXENDA and placebo was -0.22 with a 95% confidence interval of -0.37, -0.08; p=0.0022. The time course of change in BMI SDS with SAXENDA and placebo from baseline through Week 56 are depicted in Figure 5. Figure 5. Change from Baseline in BMI SDS Changes in weight and BMI with SAXENDA are shown in Table 8. Changes in waist circumference and cardiometabolic parameters with SAXENDA are shown in Table 9. Table 8. Changes in Weight and BMI at Week 56 for Study 4 (Pediatric Patients Ages 12 to Less than 18) SAXENDA N=125 Placebo N=126 SAXENDA minus Placebo Body Weight Baseline mean Body Weight (kg) 99.3

Mean Change from Baseline (%) -2.65 2.37 -5.01

BMI Baseline mean BMI (kg/m 2 ) 35.3

Mean Change from Baseline (%) -4.29 0.35 -4.64 Proportion of patients with

greater than or equal to 5% reduction in baseline BMI at Week 56 (%) 43.3% 18.7% 24.6% Proportion of patients with greater than or equal to 10% reduction in baseline BMI at Week 56 (%) 26.1% 8.1% 18% Full Analysis Set. For body weight and BMI, baseline values are means, changes from baseline at Week 56 are estimated means (least-squares) and treatment contrasts at Week 56 are estimated treatment differences. Missing observations were imputed from the placebo arm based on a jump to reference multiple (x100) imputation approach.

Table 9. Mean Changes in Anthropometry and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Study 4 (Pediatric Patients Ages 12 to Less than 18) SAXENDA N=125 Placebo N=126 Baseline Change from Baseline Baseline Change from Baseline SAXENDA minus Placebo Waist Circumference (cm) 105 -4.35 107 -1.42 -2.93 Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) 116 -1.21 117 0.84 -2.05 Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) 72 0.77 73 -0.46 1.24 Heart Rate (bpm) * 75 1.87 78 -0.14 2.01 HbA 1c (%) 5.3 -0.1 5.3 -0.03 -0.06 Baseline % Change from Baseline Baseline % Change from Baseline Relative Difference of SAXENDA to Placebo Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) ** 154.2 0.84 152.2 -0.03 0.88 LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) ** 85.5 1.74 82.5 3.01 -1.27 HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) ** 42.7 5.14 42.7 3.33 1.81 Triglycerides (mg/dL) ** 109.1 -0.12 112.2 -1.35 1.23 * See Warnings and Precautions Full Analysis Set. Baseline values are means, changes from baseline at Week 56 are estimated means (least-squares) and treatment contrasts at Week 56 are estimated treatment differences. Missing observations were imputed from the placebo arm based on a jump to reference multiple (x100) imputation approach. ** Baseline values are geometric means. figure-5

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

Ready to save on Saxenda?

Compare prescription prices at over 70,000 pharmacies and start saving today—no enrollment required.

Compare Saxenda Prices