Saxenda

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Replies

  • htimpaired
    htimpaired Posts: 1,404 Member
    I'm currently on day 10, and I've lost 7 pounds without actively changing my diet or exercise routine. I'm just never hungry. Only a little low level nausea so far.

    Just curious-what is this medicine doing to help you learn how to change your diet/eating habits? I'm glad people are finding some modest success, but you have to stop the med eventually, right? Then what happens?
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    Hi all, I've started a group. Just search for Saxenda or Liraglutide and it will come up.

    Cheers.
    M
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    Hi all, I've started a group. Just search for Saxenda or Liraglutide and it will come up.

    Cheers.
    M

    Also, I think I've sent everyone an invite but if not it was an honest error!

  • mappyone
    mappyone Posts: 2 Member
    Are you in Canada or the US?

    I'm in Canada. My company is with Manulife and they will not cover it. Even after trying to get pre-approved for Victoza which is the same drug, they declined citing the reasons I am using the drug for is not the way it is intended to be used. (Will only cover if I am diabetic.) Luckily, I have not crossed that line yet but am trying to prevent becoming diabetic by using Liraglitude to lose weight. I tried Victoza for a trial of 2 initial injection pens and it worked! If only insurance companies would understand the struggle.
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    htimpaired wrote: »
    I'm currently on day 10, and I've lost 7 pounds without actively changing my diet or exercise routine. I'm just never hungry. Only a little low level nausea so far.

    Just curious-what is this medicine doing to help you learn how to change your diet/eating habits? I'm glad people are finding some modest success, but you have to stop the med eventually, right? Then what happens?

    This. I read every response, but never saw this addressed. Plus, I have a problem congratulating folks on not eating. It is great that you can feel that success, but this isn't a lifetime medication, is it? I would be worried about what life is like off of it.
  • shinycrazy
    shinycrazy Posts: 1,081 Member
    edited January 2016
    htimpaired wrote: »
    I'm currently on day 10, and I've lost 7 pounds without actively changing my diet or exercise routine. I'm just never hungry. Only a little low level nausea so far.

    Just curious-what is this medicine doing to help you learn how to change your diet/eating habits? I'm glad people are finding some modest success, but you have to stop the med eventually, right? Then what happens?

    This. I read every response, but never saw this addressed. Plus, I have a problem congratulating folks on not eating. It is great that you can feel that success, but this isn't a lifetime medication, is it? I would be worried about what life is like off of it.

    For me (on tanzeum, t2 diabetes drug similar to saxenda), when I go off of the med, I will hopefully be at my goal weight and having had many months of doing learning portion control and a nutrient dense way of eating I will be able to continue it. This drug needs me to eat right and use portion control to work, so yeah, I'm not worried about leaving this tool behind me!
  • Chubbybutch
    Chubbybutch Posts: 3 Member
    I got a script yesterday for it (I'm in Canada) and Greenshield won't cover it...Manulife said yes but they are double checking with a supervisor, however it seems from the above post it won't be covered. \Heartbroken.
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    If anyone in Canada finds themselves on the Public Service Health Care Plan they'll cover it. But not the needles for some puzzling reason.
  • Chubbybutch
    Chubbybutch Posts: 3 Member
    Good news! Turns out my manulife plan will cover it! Just took the first shot. We will see.
  • scarycheri72
    scarycheri72 Posts: 9 Member
    edited January 2016
    Hi all

    I just started Saxenda. I live in Canada. I have had 3 doses at the lowest dosage. I was fortunate to have my insurance company cover everything. Between my benefits and my husbands I am at coverage 100% including needle tips. We are with Great West Life. I was put on this medication because I have PCOS. I am NOT diabetic. I have a BMI over 27 and have been struggling for 3 years to take off 50 lbs that I suddenly gained in a 6 month period. Not only do I have PCOS but I also have ulcerative colitis. I saw a nutritionist a year ago who put me on a plan that would help with both conditions. I also worked out 5 days a week. I have been on metformin for 3 years. Initially I lost 10 lbs but at this point I have only been able to maintain.

    So far I have had some slight nausea and really don't feel like eating. I was a little freaked out about the who injection thing but I ok with it now.

    I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be what I need
  • scarycheri72
    scarycheri72 Posts: 9 Member
    edited February 2016
    shinycrazy wrote: »
    htimpaired wrote: »
    I'm currently on day 10, and I've lost 7 pounds without actively changing my diet or exercise routine. I'm just never hungry. Only a little low level nausea so far.

    Just curious-what is this medicine doing to help you learn how to change your diet/eating habits? I'm glad people are finding some modest success, but you have to stop the med eventually, right? Then what happens?

    This. I read every response, but never saw this addressed. Plus, I have a problem congratulating folks on not eating. It is great that you can feel that success, but this isn't a lifetime medication, is it? I would be worried about what life is like off of it.

    This medication is to be used while following a healthy eating plan and exercise.

    In my situation, 8 years ago in a 6 month period I put on 50 lbs. After 3 Gp's and 3 years of being accused of being lazy and chalking it up to aging
    I finally saw an endocrinologist who diagnosed me with PCOS. I started metformin and joined weight watchers and joined Zumba. lost 5 lbs. no more no less. I met with a nutritionist and had a personalized meal plan made up for me. Joined the gym and worked out an hour 5 days a week. Lost nothing.

    My specialist saw how hard I was working and not seeing results. He offered Saxenda to help jump start things for me. After some blood work and hormone testing he found that my pancreas was not doing its job. All carbs were being stored as fat. I needed help.

    The be approved by insurance I had to provide a 4 page questionnaire completed by the doctor documenting that I had a BMI greater than 27. That I had attempted to make life changes to lose weight. It took weeks to receive the ok.

    The medication costs $400 a month. It is a daily injection. It is not a magic cure for being over weight rather an aid while making positive life style changes to lose weight and keep it off.

    In addition to helping my body break down the food properly it also acts as an appetite suppressant. I feel full after eating very little however the foods I chose to eat are healthy.

    In Canada, Saxenda offers a support program complete with a dietitian and registered nurse to aid in meal planning, medical questions. Etc.

    This is not a life time medication however once weaned off the meds one should be able to maintain the weight with the healthy eating and life style habits learned over the year of being on the meds.



  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member
    If anyone in Canada finds themselves on the Public Service Health Care Plan they'll cover it. But not the needles for some puzzling reason.

    I am on PSHCP and I thought that was strange, too. The pharmacy (Costco) INSISTS that if I get an Rx, it'll be covered, though. I'll believe it when I see it. I haaaaate PSHCP. -_-
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    miluti wrote: »
    If anyone in Canada finds themselves on the Public Service Health Care Plan they'll cover it. But not the needles for some puzzling reason.

    I am on PSHCP and I thought that was strange, too. The pharmacy (Costco) INSISTS that if I get an Rx, it'll be covered, though. I'll believe it when I see it. I haaaaate PSHCP. -_-

    My pharmacy told me to fight it and I'll win. I'm nervous to rock the boat though.
  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member
    miluti wrote: »
    If anyone in Canada finds themselves on the Public Service Health Care Plan they'll cover it. But not the needles for some puzzling reason.

    I am on PSHCP and I thought that was strange, too. The pharmacy (Costco) INSISTS that if I get an Rx, it'll be covered, though. I'll believe it when I see it. I haaaaate PSHCP. -_-

    My pharmacy told me to fight it and I'll win. I'm nervous to rock the boat though.

    Hmm... Well, I'll get an Rx and try it - if they deny it, I'll appeal it in writing....we'll see what happens. ;)
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    ;)
  • deannaalexander
    deannaalexander Posts: 2 Member
    I hope this information might help anyone currently being denied by US health insurance companies for a Saxenda prescription: I was prescribed Saxenda in Nov 2015. My insurance denied it. I appealed, providing all documentation it was needed, and the appeal was denied. I went to my benefits administrator (the HR person at my employer that chooses the healthplan and authorizes special situations) and attempted to get an override. This was possible because my employer is "self-insured". I explained that I have PCOS, my doctor has prescribed Saxenda and my weight and health may never reverse if I can't get it under control. He reviewed the health plan and discovered that it covered gastric bypass surgery, and that before authorizing surgery the health plan would require attempts at prescription weight loss medication, but that ironically the weight loss medication was required but not covered. As a result of seeing this inconsistency, my health plan administrator actually added the drug to the plan and after coordinating getting the insurance company updated, I was able to be approved, finally receiving the medication in February 2016. My cost is $150 for a 90 day supply, and it appears that in order to get it renewed, I will have to demonstrate weight loss success.
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    Wow! That's fantastic! Congratulations on changing the system!!!!

    You should join the group, we're pretty great :p
  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member
    Kudos, Deanna!!! You are not only a champion for your own health, but for any others that might find themselves in your position within your workplace. You've paved the way!! :)
  • fredtrena
    fredtrena Posts: 2 Member
    Hi Everyone, I just found this message board when searching for some results that people have had using Saxenda. I just started yesterday and I felt so clumsy trying to use the injecting pen...never have had to do anything like that before...and removing the needle of course I stuck my index finger with it after I did a dose in my tummy! It bled and hurt for a little bit and kind of had a darker color in the area for many hours but it has since gone away...thank goodness. I will be much more cautious going forward...all was fine this morning for my 2nd dose. :) Today I have definitely noticed I am much more tired and feel very full this evening...very good thing! Feeling full for long times is hard though...its almost like I've overeaten and very stuffed and I'm just waiting for things to digest. Not a new feeling for me, because I have eaten to the point of being stuffed before, but I would definitely say that it is a new feeling when I haven't eaten so much to be stuffed!

    What is the group that is mentioned in this board? Thanks for sharing!
  • lulufilippelli
    lulufilippelli Posts: 3 Member
    Hi all

    I just started Saxenda. I live in Canada. I have had 3 doses at the lowest dosage. I was fortunate to have my insurance company cover everything. Between my benefits and my husbands I am at coverage 100% including needle tips. We are with Great West Life. I was put on this medication because I have PCOS. I am NOT diabetic. I have a BMI over 27 and have been struggling for 3 years to take off 50 lbs that I suddenly gained in a 6 month period. Not only do I have PCOS but I also have ulcerative colitis. I saw a nutritionist a year ago who put me on a plan that would help with both conditions. I also worked out 5 days a week. I have been on metformin for 3 years. Initially I lost 10 lbs but at this point I have only been able to maintain.

    So far I have had some slight nausea and really don't feel like eating. I was a little freaked out about the who injection thing but I ok with it now.

    I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be what I need

    Hi There, I am also in Canada and just started Saxenda a week ago just curious what results you have had to-date. I am also with Great West Life and have 100% coverage for everything.
  • lulufilippelli
    lulufilippelli Posts: 3 Member
    Hi Everyone,
    I just started Saxenda a week ago, just curious what kind of results everyone has and side effects.

  • lingle12
    lingle12 Posts: 4 Member
    Day 23...titrated up to the 2.4 dose. Experiencing the worst side effects to date. Energy is better but burping and nausea have been pretty bad. I may stay at this dose two weeks. I am down 7 lbs from my start on saxenda on February 15,2016 and 17.5 since September 2015. I exercise four times a week (circuit train, spin, walk-run) and consistently around 1200-1500 calories per day. I have a 158 day streak going on MFP currently. I am about 20 from my goal wt so am hopeful. Under the care of my endocrinologist . BCBS approved four month trial coverage after a long appeal process but if these results hold steady I shouldn't have any trouble with continued coverage. I pay 30/month with the discount card.
  • Cmascia
    Cmascia Posts: 1 Member
    Hi everyone! I'm confused about what's happening with this medication because I've researched and searched the Internet and I've only read about the success people have had on Saxenda, or the rough side effects that they've had. Ive read that for most people it immediately curbs their appetite. However, I've had neither success, nor side effects! I eat relatively healthy (I have a bad sweet tooth tho) and exercise 5-6 times a week (cardio and strength). My BMI is 32, I'm about 5'3 and 178 lbs. I've been stuck at this weight for a while, I do have hypothyroid, but it's under control. My doctor ran a bunch of tests and no hormonal issues, so she gave me a sample of Saxenda and said her patients have had a lot of success on it! I'm on day 4 and I haven't noticed any changes in my appetite, I haven't lost any weight, but I've also had no side effects... no nausea, no tiredness, nothing. I'm thinking it's just not working for me. Has anyone had this problem with Saxenda? Is it possible the 0.6 dosage is too low? I can't be the only person that Saxenda doesn't work for, can I? As a side note, my doctor put me on phentermine for 3 months and I lost about 5 lbs... So that really didn't work for me either. Ugh. I'm at my wits end. Nothing is helping me :-( My self esteem is really starting to suffer and I had high hopes for Saxenda.
  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member
    Cmascia wrote: »
    Hi everyone! I'm confused about what's happening with this medication because I've researched and searched the Internet and I've only read about the success people have had on Saxenda, or the rough side effects that they've had. Ive read that for most people it immediately curbs their appetite. However, I've had neither success, nor side effects! I eat relatively healthy (I have a bad sweet tooth tho) and exercise 5-6 times a week (cardio and strength). My BMI is 32, I'm about 5'3 and 178 lbs. I've been stuck at this weight for a while, I do have hypothyroid, but it's under control. My doctor ran a bunch of tests and no hormonal issues, so she gave me a sample of Saxenda and said her patients have had a lot of success on it! I'm on day 4 and I haven't noticed any changes in my appetite, I haven't lost any weight, but I've also had no side effects... no nausea, no tiredness, nothing. I'm thinking it's just not working for me. Has anyone had this problem with Saxenda? Is it possible the 0.6 dosage is too low? I can't be the only person that Saxenda doesn't work for, can I? As a side note, my doctor put me on phentermine for 3 months and I lost about 5 lbs... So that really didn't work for me either. Ugh. I'm at my wits end. Nothing is helping me :-( My self esteem is really starting to suffer and I had high hopes for Saxenda.

    The 0.6mg dose is just to help you wean into it, so don't expect much change at that level. :) You should be increasing by 0.6mg weekly until you hit the 3.0mg dose (unless your doctor wants you to stop at a lower dose... I myself stayed at 2.4mg for nearly a month as I had a hard time adjusting to that dosage). Keep with it and increase your doses as prescribed and you will eventually see some changes! My weight hasn't changed much (stuck around 10-13 lbs), but I went from a size 24 jeans to a size 20 between November and February. :D Non-scale victories, we call them! :) Keep it up girl! :):)
  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member
    Hey all - Just created a facebook group for Saxenda Users. I thought it might be a good spot to get conversation going? It's set up as secret, so that no one can see that you're part of the group unless they are also in the group! I figured a lot of folks don't want the world knowing their business, so I have it locked up tight. ;)

    If you'd like to be added, please inbox me the email address you use for your facebook log-in, and I'll add you! :)
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    miluti wrote: »
    Hey all - Just created a facebook group for Saxenda Users. I thought it might be a good spot to get conversation going? It's set up as secret, so that no one can see that you're part of the group unless they are also in the group! I figured a lot of folks don't want the world knowing their business, so I have it locked up tight. ;)

    If you'd like to be added, please inbox me the email address you use for your facebook log-in, and I'll add you! :)

    There are 2 that I belong to already plus the group on here; that's enough for me. I appreciate the invitation though. Thanks!
  • miluti
    miluti Posts: 30 Member

    There are 2 that I belong to already plus the group on here; that's enough for me. I appreciate the invitation though. Thanks!

    What are the two you belong belong to? I created it as I couldn't find any others... :\
  • Acacia2India
    Acacia2India Posts: 446 Member
    miluti wrote: »

    There are 2 that I belong to already plus the group on here; that's enough for me. I appreciate the invitation though. Thanks!

    What are the two you belong belong to? I created it as I couldn't find any others... :\

    The main one, and by far the most popular, is Saxenda Support Group.

    The other is slower; Saxenda Struggles And Success Support Group.

    Good luck to you, I hope you find what you are looking for. I know it can take time to find the right online community.
  • mrskarenlea
    mrskarenlea Posts: 2 Member
    I started Saxenda about 10 days ago. no real side effects except I had a bad headache the first couple of days. then I got the flu over Christmas. I can tell the Saxenda is working as normally I have a big sweet tooth but I find I am choosing more of the savoury now so cravings are definitely decreased. I am rarely hungry and when I do eat, I can only eat a small amount or I feel sick. I am taking it in the morning and I am up to 1.2 mg/day. I go up to 1.8 in 3 days. For a girl who hates needles, I have to say that these ones are so small, I can even watch them go into my belly :smile:

    I'm down about 5 lbs in 10 days - that works for me! I was worried that I would have issues with IBS but its the opposite - this causes me constipation but that is easily handled with a bit of Senokot

    This drug is not cheap. I am in Canada and my drug plan covers 80% of the cost. My first month cost about $800 and then I paid 20% of that. I have struggled with my weight for so long that if this continues to work like it does, I will gladly pay the money every month. I am eating less so it probably balances out

    I am with Sunlife insurance under the Public Service Health Care plan. I had to stop taking this for other reasons for a few weeks but I am back on it again and weight is going in the right direction!
  • KC5115
    KC5115 Posts: 70 Member
    Just had my first dose today. I have really struggled getting the weight off so I am excited to see if this is what finally helps me.