How to stop Saxenda and switch to Wegovy or Mounjaro
With the rising popularity of weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which boast significant results when combined with a healthy diet, now might be the time to stop taking Saxenda and consider switching to an alternative to help you on your weight loss journey.
What are the options?
Saxenda
Saxenda changed the landscape of weight loss treatment in the UK back in 2017, when Novo Nordisk modified one of their diabetes treatments, Victoza (liraglutide), which was found to have appetite-suppressing effects.
Wegovy
Wegovy arrived on the scene in 2023, in a similar situation. Also developed by Novo Nordisk, it has the active ingredient semaglutide, which was used in the Ozempic medication to treat diabetes and was later modified to be used for weight loss. This is an excellent option if you are looking for a more effective weight loss treatment that you can use while taking oral contraception.
Mounjaro
Developed by Eli Lilly in November 2022 to treat diabetes, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) only approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in November 2023 to treat weight management, which was released at the end of that same year.
This medication is different as it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, compared to the others, which only focus on the GLP-1 receptor. We have a handy guide to help you understand how the GLP-1 receptor antagonists in weight loss treatments work.
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With the rising popularity of weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which boast significant results when combined with a healthy diet, now might be the time to stop taking Saxenda and consider switching to an alternative to help you on your weight loss journey.
Why switch to another weight loss treatment?
If you’re still taking Saxenda and wondering why so many people are switching to other options, here are a few common reasons below.
Effectiveness
Even though Saxenda has been around longer, the two newer treatments have been proven to be much more effective alternatives. Wegovy is nearly three times as effective[1], and Mounjaro is almost four times as effective (see above). This makes the two newer pens a much more attractive option for those wanting to continue their weight loss journey.
Weight loss “plateau”
If you have found yourself in a situation where, despite taking Saxenda and introducing new lifestyle changes, you are struggling to lose any more weight, coming off Saxenda and restarting on a new treatment can help you achieve additional weight loss, especially if you’re using a more effective pen.
Convenience
Whilst Saxenda requires you to take your treatment daily, Wegovy and Mounjaro eliminate the stress and hassle of potentially missing a dose by offering a weekly injection. Mounjaro and Wegovy pens have four doses that inject an exact amount, which is much more straightforward than injecting a specific amount daily. Furthermore, you’ll only need to get one pen every month instead of multiple at a time.
Following the correct titration plan, as discussed with your prescriber, is essential when taking your treatment. It’s also important to remember that you are not obligated to change the course of treatment—if you are happy using Saxenda and are satisfied with the results you are getting, then it’s fine to continue as you are.
Side effects of stopping Saxenda
Coming off of Saxenda suddenly can cause some unwanted symptoms due to the sudden change in hormones affecting your hunger. These side effects are temporary and should subside once your digestive system has adjusted. Below are some common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increase in appetite
When deciding if you should come off any weight loss treatment, it’s always our advice to let your prescriber know and discuss this with them - don’t try to stop your treatment without any medical supervision or guidance.
Your prescriber will likely recommend that you gradually reduce the strength of your dose to reduce the likelihood of these side effects.
Other changes you can make
Even though you might be swapping treatments, it’s important to ensure you also find time for diet and exercise. Below is a quote from one of our prescribing clinicians, Ian Budd:
”In my experience, optimal results are achieved through combining prescribed treatments with evidence-based lifestyle changes, including nutritionally balanced, portion-controlled meal planning and a structured exercise programme appropriate to your current fitness capacity.
This integrated approach targets the underlying factors contributing to weight gain whilst establishing sustainable behavioural changes that promote lasting weight management success.”
