Lawsuits against Saxenda (liraglutide) allege its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, failed to adequately warn patients about serious risks, primarily severe gastrointestinal issues like stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) and intestinal blockages, plus vision loss (NAION), leading to patient suffering and financial burden, with many cases consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a weight-loss drug. It is in the same class of drugs (GLP-1s) as well-known diabetes medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. It has been linked to serious side effects that are not listed on the manufacturer's label. People are filing Saxenda lawsuits due to these injuries.
Like Victoza, Saxenda comes with a so-called “Black Box” warning label – the FDA's highest level warning. The label warns about the risk of thyroid cancer and a potential risk of acute pancreatitis. However, there is no specific mention of an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
However, studies have also shown that Ozempic leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda, with people tolerating Ozempic better. So, if you're looking for a GLP-1 receptor agonist to help you lose weight and improve your blood sugar levels, Ozempic might be the better option.
GPs are reminded the GLP-1 receptor agonist Saxenda will no longer be available in Australia by year end. Saxenda will be unavailable for purchase in Australia after December 2025, and GPs are being advised to discuss alternative treatments with patients.
It is not known if Saxenda® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Do not use Saxenda® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Saxenda may cause your heart rate to increase. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel like your heart is pounding or racing when you are not exerting yourself. Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Saxenda.
Kelly Clarkson uses a prescription weight-loss medication, but specified it's not Ozempic, though she hasn't revealed the exact drug; it helps her body break down sugar, a necessity due to pre-diabetes, alongside healthy habits like a high-protein diet, increased walking, and a better lifestyle after moving to New York. Her doctor encouraged medication due to concerning blood work, leading her to start after a health scare prompted change, though she initially hesitated due to thyroid issues.
There are no withdrawal symptoms, but once you stop taking Saxenda, its appetite-suppressing properties go with it, and it is not uncommon for people to regain weight very quickly as a result. Whilst they may not regain all of it, they tend to put most of the weight back on within six months of coming off of Saxenda.
Saxenda® may cause gallbladder problems including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools. depression or thoughts of suicide ...
About 90% of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, not genetics, including smoking, poor diet (red meat, fried foods), alcohol, sun exposure, pollutants, infections, obesity, and inactivity; only 5–10% are due to inherited genetic defects, with most cancers arising from lifestyle-induced genetic mutations. Tobacco alone accounts for about a third of cancer deaths, while diet, obesity, and inactivity contribute significantly, with controllable factors being key to prevention.
Summary: A causal link between Saxenda and thyroid cancer in humans has not been established, though UK guidance advises caution in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Oral options include Contrave (naltrexone / bupropion), Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER), and Xenical (orlistat). Plenity is an FDA-approved medical device that you take by mouth. If you're unable to fill your Saxenda prescription, your prescriber may consider an alternative treatment.
No, GPs cannot prescribe Saxenda for weight loss under current NHS guidelines. They must refer you to a specialist tier 3 weight management service where consultants can prescribe it as part of a comprehensive programme. Some GPs may prescribe it privately, but this is uncommon.
Saxenda black box warning
The boxed warning tells users that Saxenda side effects may include the development of thyroid cancer (thyroid C-cell tumors). The boxed warning also includes a contraindication for patients with specific health conditions.
She followed a low-carb diet, high in lean proteins and healthy fats, and eliminated processed foods from her meals. This helped in reducing her calorie intake while maintaining her energy levels for her workouts.
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Kelly Clarkson apologized to fans for canceling and postponing several dates of her Las Vegas residency in July 2025 due to vocal strain and health issues, expressing regret for inconveniencing them and emphasizing her need to rest to deliver quality shows, stating, "We can't help our bodies sometimes".
Saxenda® should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years. This is because the effects of this medicine have not been studied in this age group. There is little experience with Saxenda® in patients ≥ 75 years old. It is not recommended if you are 75 years or older.
The most common side effects of Saxenda that affect more than 1 in 10 people, include: nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick) constipation.
Drink enough water to avoid dehydration
When starting Saxenda, it can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea (runny poo) that can last for a few days. This increases your risk of dehydration, which can cause serious kidney problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water or non-sugary beverages.
In addition to the planned discontinuation, a shortage of Saxenda® is anticipated in Canada starting as early as October 2025 or sooner.
Saxenda® should be injected under the skin (this is called subcutaneous injection) in the stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm as instructed by your (or your teen's) health care provider. Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
Saxenda interactions with vitamins and minerals
Chromium may decrease blood sugar levels. Saxenda may also cause low blood sugar as a side effect. * Taking chromium with Saxenda can increase your risk of having low blood sugar. Due to this, your doctor may recommend avoiding chromium products during Saxenda treatment.