How to Get Saxenda For Free

The following ways can provide Saxenda for free or at a discounted price in the United Kingdom (UK).

NHS prescription

The National Health Service (NHS) offers Saxenda free of charge to those who are eligible and exempt from paying any prescription medication costs.

To obtain it free of charge, or at a discounted rate, you must obtain a Saxenda prescription from a Tier 3 weight management service. These services have specialists with extensive knowledge and experience in weight management. (Usually, a GP refers you to these services if you meet the eligibility criteria.)

Patient Assistance Programs

Novo Nordisk (manufacturer of Saxenda) offers “Patient Assistance Programs” that provide financial assistance to patients with affordability issues who meet the eligibility criteria.

Government Assistance Programs

Government-run programs, such as prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), offer prescription medications at a lower price.

Similarly, the NHS Low Income Scheme can help you pay for NHS prescriptions if you do not have capital or savings over £6,000 and are either a pensioner or student, are earning a wage, are living in a care home, or are receiving state benefits.

You can contact your local adult social care services to find out if you are eligible for government-run assistance programs for NHS prescription medications, such as Saxenda.

What is its price in private? Are there any discounts?

According to NICE guidelines, the list price of Saxenda is £196.20 per 18mg (3ml) pre-filled pen.

If you are willing to pay this price and your private prescriber considers Saxenda safe and suitable for you, you can get it with a private prescription. However, the company offers a discounted price if purchased through a secondary-care tier 3 weight management service.

Saxenda Weight Loss Pen

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Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 8 reviews

• Suppresses appetite
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• Online prescription - No doctor visit

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What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a prescription medicine used for weight management in obese and non-diabetic adults (BMI ≥35 or at least ≥32.5 for members of minority ethnic groups) with high blood sugar levels (HbA1c 6% to 6.4%) and cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and dyslipidemia.

In the United Kingdom, it is approved as an adjunct weight management option alongside a low-calorie diet and physical activity.

How does it work?

Saxenda's active ingredient is “Liraglutide,” which is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptors are present in specific brain regions that regulate hunger and food intake. GLP-1 agonists, such as Saxenda, bind to these receptors, reducing appetite and, consequently, food intake.

Moreover, following a low-calorie diet when using Saxenda is easier because it helps control appetite and increases satiety. However, for better results, it should be used in conjunction with regular exercise and a controlled diet.

Benefits of Saxenda in weight management

Saxenda (Liraglutide) is associated with a significant reduction in mean body weight. One key feature of weight loss with Liraglutide is that it remains maintained over an extended period. Thus, it facilitates both the induction and maintenance of weight loss.

In addition to reducing mean body weight, Liraglutide also lowers cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, waist circumference, and fasting lipid levels. Furthermore, it decreases fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels, offering better glycemic control (blood sugar control).

Side effects of Saxenda

The most common side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, injection site reaction, stomach pain, fatigue, and low blood sugar.

Though rarely, it may also cause some severe side effects, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, kidney failure, and life-threatening allergic reactions. Moreover, you should also keep a check on your mental well-being because it can cause mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Who should not use Saxenda?

Saxenda should not be used in the following cases.

• If you or your family member has ever been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome.
• If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to Saxenda.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Moreover, Saxenda should be used with caution (after discussing it with a healthcare professional) if you have severe stomach problems, depression, mental health issues, or problems with your kidneys, pancreas, or liver.

You should also consult with your healthcare professional before using Saxenda if you are lactating or plan to lactate.

Can it be used with other weight loss medications?

It is advisable to avoid taking Saxenda when using other weight loss prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or herbal products, as the safety and efficacy of combining these with Saxenda are not well understood.

Is it safe for children?

The safety and effectiveness of Saxenda in diabetic children aged 12 to 17 is yet unknown. So, it would be better to avoid using it in children with type 2 diabetes.

Authored & Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Published on: 04/01/2023 Reviewed on: 05/06/2025