Medicated Weight Management - Saxenda®
Saxenda® Medicated Weight Management Programme
At Kennedy’s Pharmacy, our priority is to help you become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself. We strive to provide the best service for your health and wellbeing as well as displaying professionalism and encouragement, and giving expert medical and lifestyle advice to the wider community we serve.
*We are experiencing a shortage with Saxenda. This course is temporarily not available. We do have other programmes available:
What is the Medicated Weight Management Service?
The Medicated Weight Management Service can help you achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss with support and health advice from your local pharmacist at Kennedy’s Pharmacy. In addition, we can privately prescribe an injectable medication called Saxenda® and provide you with all the necessary components to the programme such as pen needles and a yellow sharps bin to dispose of the medication safely. We provide a patient support pack with thorough information about the treatment and a patient journal to help you take control of your weight goals and jot down your thoughts and feelings.
Making an Appointment
Information on this service can be sought from both Rasharkin and Dunloy pharmacies, however, at present, appointments are available in Dunloy only. You can use the form at the bottom to leave your details.
The pharmacies can be contacted as below:
Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)
Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Saxenda® work?
Saxenda® is an injectable medication which contains the active ingredient liraglutide which is 97% similar to a hormone which is released after eating. This triggers areas in your brain that control appetite making you feel fuller and less hungry for longer, meaning you eat less. In combination with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise, it has been shown to be effective for weight loss.
Is the Medicated Weight Management Service suitable for me?
You’re eligible for the Medicated Weight Loss Service if:
- You are aged 18 to 75
- You have a BMI of over 30
- Or a BMI of over 27 but have been diagnosed with a condition that is made worse by weight gain such as a heart condition or high cholesterol
If you are unsure of your BMI it can be checked here:
BMI calculator | Check your BMI - NHS | Please fill in your details (www.nhs.uk)
You are not eligible for the service if your BMI or age falls outside the indicated ranges above, if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, if you are hypersensitive to any of the listed ingredients, if you are currently prescribed another GLP-1 receptor agonist or if you have certain health conditions. Your pharmacist can provide advice regarding eligibility.
What happens at the first consultation?
At your first consultation, the pharmacist will perform a risk assessment taking into account current medications and health conditions. The pharmacist will calculate your BMI by measuring your current weight and height and your blood pressure and “central” fat distribution will also be measured and recorded. The pharmacist will discuss the dosing regimen and demonstrate how to use the Saxenda® injection pen, providing advice on storage and side effects as well as providing dietary and lifestyle advice and supporting materials. Patients are encouraged to visit the pharmacy weekly initially whereby we can provide additional weight measurements and encouragement.
How much does the service cost?
The initial consultation costs £30.00. If Saxenda® is deemed suitable and the patient is happy to be prescribed treatment, each Saxenda® pen will cost £60.00. Generally 3-5 pens are needed per month depending on patient dose.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is encouraged as it is an agreed time that suits both the patient and pharmacist and free from distractions within the pharmacy. However, please feel free to call the pharmacy at any time to determine appointment availability or seek advice from the pharmacist.
The pharmacies can be contacted as below:
Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)
Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)
Are there any side effects from this medication?
As with most medications, there are some side effects reported with use. These side effects normally go away after a few days or weeks and there are certain ways to alleviate these. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and headache.
Are there any drug interactions with this medication?
The pharmacist will conduct a thorough medication history and advise if the patient is unsuitable for treatment. Some medications that may interact include diabetic medications and treatments used to thin the blood.
What other weight management options are available?
If you are deemed unsuitable for treatment with Saxenda®, we have other medicated weight management options called Wegovy and Orlistat. Click here for more information on this weight management service.