Saxenda (liraglutide (injection))
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Older daily injection. Lower efficacy than newer GLP-1s; rarely first-line in 2026. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk. FDA-approved status: weight-loss.
Peak weight loss
8.4%
Trial
SCALE
Time to peak
56 wks
List price
$1,349/mo
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Saxenda pricing across every channel
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda 8.4% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 cheapest | - | $1,349 | Get → |
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Saxenda cost in 2026
| Payment channel | Monthly | 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $756 |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | Not available | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | $4,788 |
| Telehealth: compounded (limited post-FDA crackdown) | Not available | - |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $16,188 |
Dosing
Daily subcutaneous injection (3 mg max).
What to expect on Saxenda
For someone starting at 220 lbs on Saxenda for 12 months, the projection is:
Expected loss at 12 mo
16.7 lbs
Final weight
203.3 lbs
Cost / lb lost
$287
Modeled from SCALE phase 3 data. Adjust for your own weight on the full calculator.
✓ Pros
- Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
✗ Cons
- Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Most-reported in SCALE. Side effects are typically worst during dose escalation and improve over time.
NauseaDiarrheaConstipationVomitingHeadache
→ Full Saxenda side effects guide (timing, severity, when to call)Related cost guides
- → Saxenda Cost (And Whether It Is Still Worth It) - savings card, telehealth, and the honest comparison vs newer GLP-1s
- → GLP-1 Savings Cards Compared - manufacturer copay programs for Saxenda and others
- → GLP-1 Prior Authorization Guide - what insurers want for Saxenda and how to win an appeal
- → Cheapest GLP-1 Finder - all 8 drugs ranked by cost-per-pound-lost
Compare Saxenda to other GLP-1s
Saxenda coverage by major insurer
Coverage stance and per-carrier details for Saxenda. Each link goes to the full prior-auth requirements, cost table, and appeal playbook for that carrier.
Related guides
How much does Saxenda cost? →
Same list price as Wegovy, half the weight loss - the honest cost vs efficacy framing.
Saxenda cost in 2026 →
Cash-pay, savings card, and the honest comparison vs newer once-weekly GLP-1s.
How much does Wegovy cost? →
Real prices: insurance, NovoCare, telehealth, full WAC. Plus the savings card path.
Cheapest GLP-1 in 2026 →
Side-by-side cash-pay prices for every FDA-approved GLP-1, ranked by $/lb lost.
GLP-1 savings cards compared →
Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic - eligibility and the government-insurance trap.
Full GLP-1 cost comparison chart →
Every drug, every channel, every dollar in one table.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.