How to Use a Saxenda Pen & Where to Inject

No matter what you’re taking, it’s very important that you follow the instructions on how to take your doses safely and effectively.

Of all the different forms of medications taken at home, injectors can be some of the most daunting, because some people have no experience giving themselves an injection.

But just because you’ve never done it before, doesn’t mean it has to be difficult, dangerous, or frightening. Felix is here to show you just how to inject Saxenda safely and comfortably.

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Review the above video and read the below instructions for guidance on how to use the Saxenda pen.

Step 1: Attach a New Pen Needle

Check the label on your pen to ensure that you’re taking the right pen/dosage, and that the pen contains Saxenda, which is colourless. Then screw on the new pen needle, and remove both of the needle caps to prepare for use.

Step 2: Check the Pen Flow

Each time you start a new pen, you need to check the dose flow. Turn the selector until it’s at the flow check symbol, then press and hold the dose button. Repeat this process until a drop appears at the tip of the needle.

Step 3: Choose Your Dose

Turn the selector again, until the counter shows your current dosage (i.e., 0.6mg, 1.2mg, etc.). 

Step 4: Inject Your Dose

Insert the needle into your skin as instructed by your healthcare practitioner. Use the dose pointer and counter to double-check your selected dosage before administering it. After the dose counter gets to 0, slowly count to 6.

Step 5: Remove the Needle

Carefully remove and dispose of the used Saxenda needle tip, using the sharps containers provided with your Saxenda package. Pen the pen cap back on, before putting it back into storage for the day.

For dosage information and further directions, please visit saxenda.com and read the product monograph that came with your medication.

Does It Matter Where You Inject Saxenda?

Yes, it does matter.

Saxenda is given in the form of subcutaneous injections, which means that it should be injected into the tissue layer that exists between your skin and your muscles.

If you have any questions about injecting Saxenda, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix. They’ll be able to give you any further guidance you may need.

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Where to Inject Saxenda

When considering where to inject Saxenda, the three best places are the front of the waist, thighs, and upper arms.

Where to inject Saxenda in the Stomach

The front of your waist (your stomach and lower abdomen) is the best places at the front of your torso to inject Saxenda.

Where to Inject Saxenda in the Thighs

The upper thighs, (below your hips and above your knees), is the best place to inject Saxenda on your legs.

Where to Inject Saxenda in the Upper Arms

The meaty area just below your shoulders and above your elbow is the best place to inject Saxenda into your arms.

Where NOT to Inject Saxenda

You should never inject Saxenda directly into muscles or veins.

This can cause adverse or dangerous reactions, as well as prevent your medication from functioning the way it’s intended.

Injection Site Rotation

It’s a really good idea to regularly rotate your Saxenda injection sites (i.e., abdomen, thigh, arms).

Not only will this help reduce irritation and inflammation around the injection areas, but it will give those areas a chance to fully heal before being used again.

Injection Site Reactions & Complications

Saxenda can cause side effects and reactions in some people, but not everyone experiences them. The most common side effect of Saxenda are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Acid Reflux

With people taking insulin or with a sulfonylurea, Saxenda may also cause lower blood sugar.

If you start to experience any serious side effects, it’s important that you talk to your healthcare practitioner right away. They may be able to suggest alternative medications or dosages that will work better for you.

Have any other questions about how to safely use Saxenda? We’d love to talk with you. Just take a short online assessment, and speak with a healthcare practitioner at Felix today.