How To Get Saxenda Without Insurance: Your Options For Affordable Access

If you’re considering starting a GLP-1 weight loss treatment, Saxenda is an excellent option. Below, we unpack how to access Saxenda without insurance, as well as other alternatives.

Overview of Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable medication used for chronic weight management in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

You may be eligible if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. [1]  

You may have heard of other medications in this class, including Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide. The active ingredient in Saxenda (liraglutide) works in the same way by mimicking GLP-1, a natural gut hormone released after eating. 

Here’s how GLP-1s work within your body to promote weight loss: 

• Reduce appetite by acting on brain areas that regulate hunger
• Lower blood sugar and help reduce cravings
• Slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel fuller longer after meals [1]

These effects make it easier to stick to lifestyle changes that promote weight loss, like eating a balanced diet, fewer calories and smaller portions.

Benefits and Risks of Saxenda 

Clinical studies have found that people who took Saxenda for 56 weeks lost an average of 8% of their body weight when using the medication alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. [2]

They also experienced additional health benefits, including:

• Reduced waist circumference
• Improved blood sugar (glucose) control
• Lower blood pressure

While liraglutide is considered safe for most people, there are a few groups of people who shouldn’t take the medication. These include those with a personal or family history of:  

• Thyroid tumors (including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)) 
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

You should always let your healthcare provider know about any medical conditions you have or medication you’re taking so they can ensure  the drug is suitable for you. 

Side Effects of Saxenda  

As with any drug, Saxenda comes with potential side effects. The most common ones include: 

• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Vomiting 
• Headache 

These side effects are more likely to occur when you first start treatment or when your dose increases. They’re usually mild or moderate in severity and improve over time. [2]

More serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• Gallbladder problems
• Kidney problems

Accessing Saxenda Without Insurance 

You don’t need insurance to get Saxenda if you’re eligible; you can get a prescription and pay for it out of pocket. You can do this by visiting your primary care provider and paying for your medication at a pharmacy, or by using an online pharmacy. 

At ZipHealth, you can complete an online consultation to find out if Saxenda or another weight loss medication is right for you. If so, you can get a prescription and order the medication online — no insurance necessary. 

How Much Does Saxenda Cost Without Insurance? 

The cost of Saxenda varies depending on the provider, but it can cost up $1,599 per month without insurance. 

The good news is that you can also get Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 (which contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda) for $179 at ZipHealth. 

Purchasing Saxenda Online

You don’t need to visit a doctor in person or go to a pharmacy to access Saxenda or an alternative like Compounded* Liraglutide with B12.

With ZipHealth, you get:

• A prescription for the right weight loss medication (if you’re eligible)
• Clinical support throughout your journey
• Fast, discreet delivery of your medication

If you decide to purchase Saxenda online, it’s important to remember that online pharmacies vary in quality. Some are trustworthy and provide genuine, prescription-only medications from licensed healthcare professionals, while others operate completely unregulated.

Here’s what to look for in a safe, legitimate online pharmacy:

• A valid prescription is required: Saxenda and similar medications should only be given after a medical review.
• Avoid extremely low prices: If the cost seems too good to be true, the medication may be unsafe or ineffective.
• Check for proper licensing: The pharmacy should be licensed in the U.S. and your state. Look for accreditation by your state board of pharmacy. [3]

How to Start Your Weight Loss Journey 

At ZipHealth, you can get Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 (the same ingredient as Saxenda) for weight management without insurance, as well as other weight loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro.

Simply start your free consultation today to see what treatment is best for you.

*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

References

[1] Highlights of prescribing information. [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/206321s007lbl.pdf 

[2] Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11–22. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892 

[3] Office of the Commissioner. The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicines over the Internet [Internet]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2019. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-buy-medicines-safely-online-pharmacy