If you use Saxenda to lose weight, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it. These symptoms usually go away with time, but they can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with.

Other possible side effects of Saxenda include injection site reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. In clinical trials, these effects were more common in people who took Saxenda than those who took a placebo.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common side effects that people experience when they stop taking Saxenda. It’s important to speak with your doctor before stopping the medication.

If you’re experiencing nausea, it’s best to take a break from Saxenda and start your weight loss treatment again with a different medication, such as Wegovy.

Your body will have to get used to a new set of hormone levels after you stop Saxenda, which can make you feel more nauseous. Your doctor can help you gradually decrease your dose until you no longer feel nauseous.

Nausea may also be a warning sign that you need to see your doctor for another health problem. For example, it could be a sign of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a common side effect of weight loss medications. It can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially if you haven’t had any food in your stomach.

It can also lead to dehydration, as you might not be able to keep down fluids. If you have to vomit repeatedly, drink plenty of water (and ice chips if needed) until you feel better.

The main risk of taking Saxenda is that it might increase the rate of thyroid tumors in some people. This is because liraglutide causes the release of hormones that affect thyroid gland cells.

Pain in the Lower Back or Upper Abdomen

Pain in the lower back or upper abdomen can be a sign of a serious health condition, such as pancreatitis, kidney stones, peptic ulcer disease, and thoracic radiculopathy.

It's important to seek medical care if you have this kind of pain in your stomach and back, especially if it is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

If the pain is in your right side but under your ribcage, it may be gallstone pain.

Infections, such as appendicitis and bladder infections, can also cause abdominal pain in the upper left abdomen that reaches your back. Spleen problems, such as biliary colic, can also cause this sort of pain in your left side.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of weight loss medications like Saxenda. Symptoms are usually mild and improve within a few days.

Drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-balanced fluids (like diluted fruit juices, broths, sports drinks and caffeine-free sodas) is recommended.

Getting dehydrated can make diarrhea worse, so try to stay hydrated throughout the day.

If your diarrhea is caused by a stomach infection, bacterial or parasite infection, talk to your doctor about treatment.

It is also important to avoid foods that contain too much sugar, as these can increase your chances of developing nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects. Ultra-processed foods (sodas, deli meats, packaged chips) should be avoided as well.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including indigestion, food poisoning, gas, or a stomach virus. If it lasts for a long time, it may be an early warning sign of something more serious.

If you have severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, call your doctor right away. It could be a sign of a life-threatening condition like cancer or heart disease.

It can also be a sign of gastroparesis, which is when your stomach doesn’t empty properly. This condition may be worse when you take Saxenda, and it can cause vomiting or nausea.

Low Blood Sugar

If you're going through withdrawal from Saxenda, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels up. If your levels are too low, it can cause problems with your heart and brain.

Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or change your diet. They can also recommend some ways to help you manage your blood sugar levels while you're going through withdrawal.

If you're planning to stop taking Saxenda, let your doctor know right away if you have any symptoms of low blood sugar such as sweating, dizziness, shakiness, or confusion. These could be signs of a serious medical condition that requires immediate treatment.