Biolide - Daily Injection (Liraglutide) - Weight Loss Pen

What is Biolide?

Biolide is a prescription weight loss injection that contains the active ingredient liraglutide.

It belongs to a group of medicines known as GLP‑1 receptor agonists, which are commonly used in weight management treatments.

It’s taken once daily using a pre-filled pen and is designed to help manage weight alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Is Biolide the same as Saxenda?

Biolide and Saxenda both contain the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and so work in the same way to support weight loss.

Biolide is a generic version of Saxenda, meaning it’s designed as a similar treatment option, but at a lower cost.

Is Biolide the same as Plaobes?

Like above, both Biolide and Plaobes contain the same active ingredient and work identically in your body.

They are both what is referred to as a ‘branded generic’ meaning that although they’ve technically got brand names, they’re both sold at a lower price point compared to branded liraglutide like Saxenda.

How does Biolide work?

Biolide works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that helps control your appetite called GLP-1. The active ingredient, liraglutide, targets areas of the brain that regulate hunger, and slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you:

• feel fuller after eating
• less likely to snack between meals
• feel satisfied for longer

How much weight can you lose on Biolide?

Weight loss with Biolide can vary from person to person, but clinical studies of liraglutide suggest you may lose around 5% to 10% of your starting body weight over time.

How much you lose will depend on factors like your starting weight, how your body responds to the treatment, and whether you follow a healthier diet and lifestyle alongside it.

How quickly does Biolide work?

Biolide starts working from the first few days by helping to reduce your appetite, but noticeable weight loss usually takes several weeks.

As your dose is gradually increased, the appetite-suppressing effects become stronger, helping you feel fuller more consistently over time.

Benefits of Biolide

• Helps reduce appetite and cravings.
• Helps you feel fuller for longer after eating.
• Supports steady, sustainable weight loss.
• Once-daily injection for consistent routine.
• Can help improve portion control.

Biolide dosage

Each Biolide pre-filled pen contains 3ml of solution, which is equivalent to a total of 18mg of liraglutide.

You can adjust the dose on the pen (from 0.6mg up to 3.0mg), so how long one pen lasts will depend on your prescribed daily dose.

A standard dosage schedule looks like:

How many doses are in a single pen?

The pen is designed to deliver set daily doses (including 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg and 3.0mg), so how many doses you get depends on what dose you’re currently on.

In theory, if you stayed on the starting dose of 0.6mg, there would be up to 30 doses in a pen.  But in practice, this wouldn’t be the case, as you’ll gradually increase how much treatment you use every week.

If you increase your dose in line with the dosage schedule above, the number of doses you get from a single pen would look like:

In other words:

• Your first pen would run out on day 17.
• Your second pen would run out on day 25.
• Your third pen would run out on day 31.
• And every pen after this would run contain six doses, lasting six days.

Do you have to start on the lowest dose?

Yes, starting on the lowest dose of Biolide is important when starting treatment. It’s designed to be taken this way so your body can adjust to the medicine gradually, helping to reduce the chance of common side effects like nausea.

Is Biolide right for me?

Biolide may be right for you if you’re looking for medical support to help manage your weight, especially if diet and exercise alone haven’t worked for you.

To be eligible for a weight loss injection like Biolide, you must:

• have a BMI of 30 or higher
• have a BMI of 27 or higher, and a weight-related health condition

The best way to find out if Biolide is right for you is to complete an online consultation. This will be reviewed by one of our GPhC-approved prescribing pharmacists, who will assess your:

• medical history
• current BMI and health
• weight loss goals

How to inject Biolide

Always use Biolide exactly as directed in the patient information leaflet or by your prescriber. It should be injected once daily, at the same time each day.

Using the pen:

• Wash your hands and remove the pen cap.
• Check the solution is clear and colourless (do not use if cloudy or damaged).
• Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose.
• Choose an injection site (abdomen, thigh or upper arm) and inject under the skin.
• Press and hold the dose button until it returns to ‘0’, then keep the needle in place for a few seconds to ensure the full dose is taken.

After your injection:

• Remove and safely dispose of the needle in a sharps bin.
• Replace the pen cap after each use.

Biolide side effects

Like all medicines, Biolide can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to treatment, especially during the first few weeks or when your dose is increased.

The most frequently reported side effects affect the digestive system and may include:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain or indigestion

Who shouldn’t use Biolide weight loss injections

Biolide isn’t suitable for everyone, and it should only be used following a medical assessment.

You may not be able to use Biolide if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers (like medullary thyroid carcinoma)
• have a known allergy to liraglutide or any of the ingredients
• have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes

You should also speak to your prescriber before starting Biolide if you:

• have kidney or liver problems
• are taking other medicines, particularly for diabetes
• have any ongoing medical conditions that may affect your treatment

Storage information

Biolide pens should be stored correctly to keep the medicine safe and effective.

Before first use, your pen should be kept in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze the pen, and do not use it if it has been frozen.

Once you’ve started using a pen, you can usually keep it at room temperature (below 30°C) or in the fridge for up to 30 days, as long as it’s kept away from direct heat and sunlight.

To protect the medication:

• always keep the cap on the pen when not in use
• store it without a needle attached
• keep it out of sight and reach of children

Alternatives to Biolide weight loss injections

There are several alternative weight loss treatments available if Biolide isn’t right for you. The best option will depend on your health, preferences, and how you want to take your treatment.

Other weight loss injections

If you prefer an injectable treatment but want a different option, alternatives include:

• Wegovy (semaglutide): a once-weekly injection that helps reduce appetite and calorie intake.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): a once-weekly injection that targets multiple appetite signals by targeting two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP.

These are typically taken less frequently than Biolide and may be suitable if you prefer a weekly dosing routine.

Tablet alternatives

If you’d prefer not to use injections, there are oral options available:

• Orlistat: works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from food.
• Mysimba: works on the brain to help control appetite and cravings.

These can be a good option if you’re uncomfortable with injections or if injectable treatments aren’t suitable for you.

GLP-1 weight loss pills, like Wegovy Pills and Foundayo, may also become available in 2026, depending on approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Frequently asked questions about Biolide

Who manufactures Biolide?

Biolide is manufactured by Biocon, a global pharmaceutical company that produces generic medicines, including liraglutide treatments for diabetes and weight management.

Can I drink alcohol on Biolide?

While you can usually drink alcohol while taking Biolide, but it’s best to keep it to a minimum.

Alcohol isn’t known to directly interact with liraglutide, but it can make side effects worse and slow your progress.

Do I need to change my diet when taking Biolide injections?

You don’t have to follow a strict diet while taking Biolide, but it’s recommended for the best results as it’s designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie, balanced diet.

The treatment works by reducing your appetite, which can make it much easier to eat less and make healthier choices without feeling as hungry.

Should I exercise on Biolide?

Yes. Like other weight loss treatments, Biolide is intended to be used alongside increased physical activity to support your results and help maintain weight loss over time.

Can my GP prescribe liraglutide?

In most cases, liraglutide for weight loss isn’t prescribed directly by a GP on the NHS.

Instead, it’s usually prescribed through a specialist weight management service, often after referral and assessment.

Sources

• A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (2015). NEJM. [Accessed 28 May 2026]