Is Saxenda Being Discontinued? What Patients Should Know and How to Transition
Is Saxenda Being Discontinued? What Patients Should Know and How to Transition
- Jason K
For many patients using Saxenda to support weight loss, recent reports of its potential discontinuation have sparked confusion and concern. Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) has been a trusted treatment for obesity since its approval in 2014, helping thousands manage their weight when diet and exercise alone weren’t enough.
But with the rise of newer GLP-1 weight loss options like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda may be phased out as early as 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this change, how to transition to other medications, and how pharmacists at Over the Border Meds can support you during the switch.
📉 Why Is Saxenda Being Discontinued?
While no official public announcement has been made by the manufacturer (Novo Nordisk), healthcare professionals and pharmacies have started to see reduced availability of Saxenda across North America.
There are several reasons Saxenda may be gradually phased out:
Wegovy (a once-weekly semaglutide injection) is now the preferred GLP-1 for obesity due to greater weight loss and better dosing convenience
Novo Nordisk is shifting focus to newer products with broader applications
Insurance companies are increasingly prioritizing Wegovy over Saxenda for coverage
As supply dwindles, some patients are already being advised to prepare for a switch.
🔄 What Are the Best Alternatives to Saxenda?
Thankfully, two newer and more potent GLP-1 options are available:
✅ 1. Wegovy (semaglutide)
Once-weekly injection (vs. Saxenda’s daily injection)
FDA-approved for weight management
Results in greater average weight loss (up to 15% of body weight)
Same active ingredient as Ozempic (used for diabetes)
✅ 2. Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Weekly injection approved for diabetes and now used off-label or under Zepbound branding for weight loss
Dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
May result in even more weight loss than Wegovy
A popular alternative if semaglutide isn’t well tolerated
Both options are now considered first-line therapies for weight loss and are widely used by patients transitioning off Saxenda.
🧭 How to Transition from Saxenda to Wegovy or Mounjaro
Switching to a new GLP-1 medication should always be done with guidance from your healthcare provider, but here’s a general overview:
📆 Timing the Switch
Most providers recommend starting the new medication after your last Saxenda dose
No need to “wash out” or take a break between treatments
🧪 Dosing Considerations
Saxenda starts at 0.6 mg daily and titrates up to 3 mg
Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly and increases every 4 weeks
Mounjaro begins at 2.5 mg weekly and increases every 4 weeks as tolerated
Since each drug has a different potency and dosing frequency, your doctor or pharmacist can help determine the best titration schedule to avoid side effects like nausea or vomiting.
💡 How Over the Border Meds Can Help
Ordering from Canada through a trusted prescription referral service like Over the Border Meds offers several key benefits for U.S. patients:
💊 Access to Affordable GLP-1 Alternatives
Wegovy 2.4 mg pen from Canada: ~$469.95 USD
Mounjaro 15 mg from Canada: ~$752 USD
Savings of up to 60% compared to U.S. prices
💬 Personalized Pharmacist Support
Not sure which medication to switch to or how to adjust your dose? The team at Over the Border Meds can:
Review your Saxenda dosing history
Coordinate with your prescriber
Determine the right number of pens and extra needles
Walk you through side effect management and dose timing
📦 Easy Ordering for U.S. Patients
Valid U.S. prescriptions accepted
No insurance needed
Shipped discreetly and legally to your home
⚠️ What Happens If You Stop Saxenda Without a Replacement?
GLP-1 medications like Saxenda help regulate appetite and control food cravings. If you suddenly stop without starting another medication:
Hunger may return quickly
You may experience weight regain
Energy and motivation could decrease
That’s why it’s important to plan your transition ahead of time, before Saxenda becomes unavailable in your area.
🛑 What If Wegovy or Mounjaro Aren’t Covered by My Insurance?
Unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss—even when medically necessary. That’s why Americans are turning to Canada to access these medications without insurance and at lower costs.
Over the Border Meds works exclusively with licensed Canadian pharmacies and ships to all 50 U.S. states. Plus, you can use coupon code Hello10 to get 10% off your first order.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Be Prepared for the Transition
While Saxenda has helped many, it’s likely being phased out in favor of more advanced GLP-1s like Wegovy and Mounjaro. The good news? These alternatives are:
Easier to use (weekly vs. daily)
More effective for weight loss
Readily available from Canada at much lower prices
If you’re unsure what your next step should be, reach out to Over the Border Meds. Their pharmacists can help you understand your options, adjust your dose, and save money while continuing your weight loss journey.