Is it safe to take Saxenda with other medications?

In this article, we're exploring the safety of combining Saxenda with other medications. If you're considering Saxenda for weight management, we'll guide you on whether it plays well with other medicines and if any dietary factors need attention.

What is the active ingredient in Saxenda?

The active ingredient in Saxenda is liraglutide. Liraglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and has an impact on appetite.

Does Saxenda (Liraglutide) interact with other medications?

Yes, Saxenda can interact with certain medications. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with Saxenda, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. According to drugs.com, there are two medications that can majorly interact with Saxenda. These two medications are bexarotene and gatifloxacin.

Bexarotene is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as retinoids. It is primarily used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of skin cancer. Bexarotene works by affecting the growth of skin cells.

Gatifloxacin is an antibiotic that falls under the fluoroquinolone class. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and certain types of pneumonia.

What are the typical adverse reactions reported from Liraglutide's interactions with other medications?

Interactions between liraglutide and other medications often have similar adverse reactions. Below is a list of medications and the interactions you can expect to find if you use them alongside Saxenda, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

• Acarbose: Both Liraglutide and Acarbose can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Alogliptin: Both Liraglutide and Alogliptin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Canagliflozin: Both Liraglutide and Canagliflozin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Dapagliflozin: Both Liraglutide and Dapagliflozin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Empagliflozin: Both Liraglutide and Empagliflozin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Ertugliflozin: Both Liraglutide and Ertugliflozin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Fenfluramine: Fenfluramine might decrease blood glucose concentrations when given with Liraglutide.

• Glibenclamide: Both Liraglutide and Glibenclamide can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Gliclazide: Both Liraglutide and Gliclazide can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Glimepiride: Both Liraglutide and Glimepiride can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Glipizide: Both Liraglutide and Glipizide can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Insulin: Both Liraglutide and Insulin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Linagliptin: Both Liraglutide and Linagliptin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Metformin: Both Liraglutide and Metformin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Pioglitazone: Both Liraglutide and Pioglitazone can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Repaglinide: Both Liraglutide and Repaglinide can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Saxagliptin: Both Liraglutide and Saxagliptin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Sitagliptin: Both Liraglutide and Sitagliptin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Somatrogon: Somatrogon might increase blood glucose concentrations, opposing the blood glucose-lowering effects of Liraglutide.

• Tolbutamide: Both Liraglutide and Tolbutamide can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

• Vildagliptin: Both Liraglutide and Vildagliptin can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Does Saxenda (Liraglutide) interact with alcohol?

Yes, Saxenda (Liraglutide) can interact with alcohol. It's important to be cautious when consuming alcohol while using Saxenda, as alcohol can affect blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. The interaction may lead to both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), depending on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption.

Does Saxenda (Liraglutide) interact with food?

Saxenda (Liraglutide) is generally taken independently from meals. However, certain foods, especially high-fat meals, may delay the absorption of Saxenda. It's recommended to administer Saxenda at least 30 minutes before a meal to optimise its effectiveness. As with any medication, it's advisable to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the medication's prescribing information regarding the timing of administration in relation to meals.

If you have concerns or questions about how to take Saxenda in conjunction with food, consulting with your healthcare provider will ensure you receive accurate and personalised guidance based on your individual health needs.

Sources

• BNF - Liraglutide Interactions

• Drugs.com - Liraglutide Interactions

• Drugs.com - Liraglutide Food Interactions

• DrugBank - Liraglutide Interactions