Saxenda INJECTION PROTOCOL

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

SAXENDA (LIRAGLUTIDE) WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION PROTOCOL

DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: 1ST APRIL 2025
REVIEW DATE: 1ST APRIL 2026
VERSION NUMBER: 1.0

INTRODUCTION

This protocol outlines the safe, ethical, and effective use of Saxenda (liraglutide 3mg) for weight loss within the HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK clinic. It is designed in alignment with UK regulations, including MHRA guidance, Save Face, CQC standards, and the clinic’s internal policies on Medicines Management, Patient Safety, Infection Control, Consent, and Record Keeping.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND

Saxenda is a daily injectable prescription medicine that mimics the GLP-1 hormone. It is used to regulate appetite and calorie intake by increasing satiety and reducing hunger. Saxenda is licensed for weight management in adults with a BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities.

Private clinics may, following ethical review and individualised clinical judgement, prescribe Saxenda off-label for:

  • Lifestyle-related weight concerns where traditional interventions have failed

  • Early prevention of obesity progression

  • Aesthetic and wellness-related goals under close supervision

PRODUCT STORAGE INFORMATION

  • Store Saxenda pens refrigerated at 2-8°C before first use

  • Once in use, pens may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for a maximum of 30 days

  • Protect from direct sunlight

  • Record all batch numbers and expiry dates in patient records

STAFF REQUIREMENTS

  • Only medically qualified professionals (Doctors, Dentists, NMC Registered Nurses) with accredited training in weight management and injection technique may prescribe/administer

  • Practitioners must hold indemnity insurance covering the use of GLP-1 agonists

INCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Age 18+

  • BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with one or more weight-related conditions

  • No contraindications to liraglutide

  • Willingness to commit to lifestyle and dietary changes

Private Wellness Use Considerations

  • Clients with a BMI <27 may be considered in select cases where there is a documented failure of lifestyle change alone, with psychological or quality of life impacts. A full risk-benefit analysis must be documented.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome

  • History of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease

  • Severe gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., gastroparesis)

  • Hypersensitivity to liraglutide or any ingredients

  • Active eating disorders or uncontrolled psychiatric illness

PRE-TREATMENT ASSESSMENT

  • Full medical history

  • BMI and weight recording

  • Lifestyle and dietary history

  • Blood pressure measurement

  • Baseline bloods (optional but recommended in CQC-registered clinics)

  • Patient consent

DOSING SCHEDULE

  • Week 1: 0.6 mg daily

  • Week 2: 1.2 mg daily

  • Week 3: 1.8 mg daily

  • Week 4: 2.4 mg daily

  • Week 5+: 3.0 mg daily (maintenance dose)

Titration should be paused if side effects are severe. Do not exceed 3mg/day.

INJECTION TECHNIQUE & SITE ROTATION

  • Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh

  • Rotate sites daily

  • Administer at the same time each day, with or without food

SIDE EFFECTS & MANAGEMENT

Common Side Effects (Temporary):

  • Nausea (39%)

  • Diarrhoea (20%)

  • Constipation (19%)

  • Headache (14%)

  • Injection site redness (10%)

Serious Reactions:

  • Signs of pancreatitis (severe upper abdominal pain)

  • Persistent vomiting or dehydration

  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

All adverse events must be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

LIFESTYLE & AFTERCARE ADVICE

  • Encourage regular physical activity (150 minutes per week)

  • Nutritional counselling (low GI, high protein diet)

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine in excess

  • Encourage regular meal patterns

MONITORING & FOLLOW-UP

  • Initial review at 2 weeks

  • Monthly weigh-in and side effect assessment

  • Review at 3 months to evaluate progress and continue or discontinue

  • Long-term follow-up every 3-6 months if continuing

PATIENT SELF-ADMINISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Demonstrate pen usage at initial visit

  • Provide written and verbal instructions

  • Emphasise site rotation

  • Discuss safe needle disposal

  • Provide sharps container

COMPLIANCE & REGULATION

This protocol aligns with:

  • MHRA and EMA product guidance

  • NICE CG189 & PH53 (where applicable)

  • Save Face and JCCP guidance for non-surgical interventions

All practitioners must stay updated through CPD, and this protocol is reviewed annually or with any change in national guidelines.

CONTACT & URGENT SUPPORT
For side effects or queries:

DOCUMENTATION

  • Record each treatment, batch, expiry, dosage, injection site

  • Signed consent and treatment plan in patient records

REVIEW & AUDIT

  • Reviewed annually under the Medicines Management and Weight Loss Treatment audits

  • Spot-checks on record-keeping and consent