Saxenda in Australia
Saxenda Key Facts
Discontinued in Australia (Dec 2025)
Novo Nordisk discontinued Saxenda in December 2025, shifting manufacturing focus to the more effective Wegovy. Existing stock may remain at some pharmacies but is not being replenished.
Long-established safety profile
Liraglutide in clinical use since 2010 (as Victoza for diabetes). Over 12 years of real-world data. Common GLP-1 side effects apply. Generally well-tolerated with gradual dose escalation.
12 years globally; now discontinued in AU
FDA approved Dec 2014. TGA approved 2016. Discontinued in Australia December 2025. The same molecule continues as Victoza for diabetes.
Was ~$370-400/month
No longer being supplied. Was private prescription only, never PBS listed for weight management. Patients being transitioned to Wegovy or alternatives.
No longer available
Novo Nordisk advises patients to transition to Wegovy or discuss alternatives with their doctor. Remaining stock may be limited.
Saxenda Australian Regulatory Status
Saxenda Mechanism of Action
First-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss. Same mechanism as Ozempic/Wegovy (appetite reduction, slowed gastric emptying) but requires daily injection and produces less weight loss than semaglutide.
Saxenda Dosing Schedule
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6mg | Week 1 | Starting dose (daily) |
| 1.2mg | Week 2 | Escalation |
| 1.8mg | Week 3 | Escalation |
| 2.4mg | Week 4 | Escalation |
| 3mg | Week 5+ | Maintenance dose |
Saxenda Side Effects
Very common
- Nausea (39%)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Common
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Increased heart rate
- Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
- Acute kidney injury
Saxenda Clinical Evidence
SCALE Obesity
8% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo
SCALE Maintenance
Maintained weight loss after initial diet
Compare Saxenda with Other Medications
Saxenda vs Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~15% avg. weight loss
Saxenda vs Wegovy
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~15-17% avg. weight loss
Saxenda vs Mounjaro
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
~21% avg. weight loss
Contrave vs Saxenda
Opioid antagonist + NDRI combination
~5-8% avg. weight loss
Orlistat vs Saxenda
Lipase inhibitor
~3-5% avg. weight loss
This website is for informational and research purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.