Saxenda (liraglutide (injection))
Older daily injection. Lower efficacy than newer GLP-1s; rarely first-line in 2026. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved status: weight-loss.
Peak weight loss
8.4%
Trial
SCALE
Time to peak
56 wks
List price
$1,349/mo
Saxenda pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated April 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda 8.4% weight loss | $63 cheapest | — | $399 | — | $1,349 | N/A |
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Saxenda cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $756 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | Not available | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | $4,788 |
| Telehealth — compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | Not available | — |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $16,188 |
Dosing
Daily subcutaneous injection (3 mg max).
What to expect on Saxenda
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Saxenda for 12 months, the projection is:
Expected loss at 12 mo
16.7 lbs
Final weight
203.3 lbs
Cost / lb lost
$287
Modeled from SCALE phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
✗ Cons
- Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Most-reported in SCALE. Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
NauseaDiarrheaConstipationVomitingHeadache
→ Full Saxenda side effects guide (timing, severity, when to call)Compare Saxenda to other GLP-1s
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.