Saxenda and Heartburn: What Users Say

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda for a very different problem than obesity. I am slightly overweight and have bulimia, which had been under control for years. When I started a new medication for my depression, I began to gain weight. No matter what I ate or didn't eat, I did not lose a single pound and was always starving. Therefore, the bulimia returned. My doctor prescribed me Saxenda to curb my hunger cravings in the evening. I'm now up to 1.8mg and inject every other day. Since then, the cravings are gone. I don't force myself to throw up anymore and am much happier. I also lost 14 pounds. I am still overweight but much happier again. I hope to stay on Saxenda on a low dose for a while. I had the usual side effects at the beginning: dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, and sulfur burps. Most of it is gone now. The dry mouth remains, but the more water I drink, the better I can use the bathroom to avoid constipation."

• Hap...
• February 17, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On Sept 1, 2020, I was 210 lbs and 5.1 ft tall. The start was terrible. Got all the side effects: headaches, dizzy, nausea, heartburn, no energy, irritable, and bad stomach pains. But I stuck it out. The smaller doses didn’t stop my cravings; I was still hungry, so I ate small healthy snacks and smaller meals. As doses increased, side effects got worse, and constipation set in. I’ve been losing approx 5 lbs per month, but I’m okay with my slow progress. Side effects got better except for heartburn and constipation. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was given 1 year to turn it around. As of last week, I am no longer diabetic. Today is Feb. 16, 2021, and I am currently 180 lbs. I’ve lost 2 clothing sizes. I give myself small goals to keep myself motivated. There are days I don’t want to even look at food and some days that I still get cravings. But I’m good with only having a small portion to settle my cravings. I walk and climb an average of 3 times per week for 40 min."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started the pen in late January. I’m a mom of two (19 months and 3-year-old) so I rarely have time to exercise. I started this with low expectations, but it has been amazing. You will have no appetite, but you will have nausea and headaches at first. This is your body’s way of telling you it needs fuel. Try eating small snacks during the day. You basically have to force yourself to eat something. I found that eating about every 3-4 hours (almonds, fruits, yogurt) will stop the nausea and headaches. Drink plenty of water because you will get dehydrated. I had horrible sulfur burps and heartburn for a couple of days. Nothing a little Pepto couldn’t cure. I’m on the 2.4 dosage and have lost 15 lbs in one month. I’m going to try to start walking more once the weather permits. I started at 238 lbs. My goal is to be under 200."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First week down, I'm down 3 lbs. I originally was not happy about that, but I can feel the difference. I have started to monitor my food on MFP to make sure I am doing it right and up the dose tonight. The first few days, I was pretty nauseous, woke up with heartburn in the middle of the night (injection at night), which was resolved with some peppermint oil. I have been eating between 1200-1500 calories a day, and I find that if I cheat (for experimentation) and have a piece of chocolate, then I'm uncomfortably full for what feels like hours. Make sure you stop eating your meal when you feel the slightest bit of no longer hungry. I read somewhere on here that Saxenda is like weight loss surgery in an injection... I couldn't agree more. I will keep updating!"

• Mcj...
• October 7, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Mcjodie Again (second review). I have been on for 6 weeks now, and I have gone from 236 lb to 222 lb, 16 pounds down. I am simply never hungry. A few things from my experience: - If your current dose is working, wait to increase until you feel it less effective. When I tried going up faster, the side effects were worse. I am actually still at 2.4, and it is working great. Since I am paying for this out of pocket, I am thankful I can extend the use. - I would say my side effects have been manageable. However, they are disruptive to my life. I always feel like I have a lump in the back of my throat, like I might get sick, and my stomach always has a mild icky feeling... it's ALL the time. - Anything with onion or garlic gives me heartburn... and they never used to. - Don’t overeat, you will pay for it!! I will check back in a few weeks."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 58, always walk about 4 miles with my dog each day, but at 5'3" and weighing 156 lbs, my weight was slowly creeping up. This is because I love wine, cheese, bread, pasta, takeaways, and any type of salty snack. I've no 'off switch' and no portion control. My clothes were all too tight, I started to feel lethargic and was losing self-confidence as I was becoming a chubby blob. A friend recommended Saxenda to me, and it's worked brilliantly. All the above foods are repellent to my brain, I don't want them at all. I can sit next to a bowl of peanuts and casually ignore them! I'm 4 weeks into using Saxenda today and have lost 16 lbs. Only side effects have been constipation (still) and 3 weeks of heartburn (now gone). I'm still on 1.2 mgs as my appetite is suppressed. Saxenda gives me the willpower that I didn't have to stop eating rubbish."

• Chr...
• April 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have now been on Saxenda for 5 weeks and 2 days and on 3 mg for the last 9 days. Some slight nausea in the beginning and some heartburn last week, also some fatigue, but otherwise okay. In the first week, I lost 4 pounds, but in total, I have lost about 9 pounds, and during the last week, nothing at all. I am on a diet of about 1200-1300 kcal/day. I have about 30-35 pounds to lose, a 58-year-old woman with many years of yo-yo dieting. I still have the same cravings and also appetite, but I feel full very fast, so I eat less. Anyone who has experienced that weight loss increases after some time? Or am I a weak responder to the treatment?"

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is my third week on the medication, and I'm down 11 lbs - a miracle for me! Starting weight was 198 lbs at 5'7, and with PCOS, weight loss has been difficult before Saxenda. I no longer crave sugar, and I'm finally that person who can have a square of chocolate and put the rest in the fridge! I haven't cut out any food groups, but it's been a godsend for portion control - I'm simply not hungry. I've only just upped my dose to 1.2 and was on the min dose of 0.6 for 2.5 weeks. I don't think I'll go any higher. Side effects have been constipation and some heartburn, but the positives massively outweigh this. My goal now is to focus on healthy eating, as when I come off, I don't want to be craving sugar, etc. Wish I'd found this sooner!"

• pma...
• August 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Saxenda at noon on the first day with a .6 dose. By 5 PM, I was feeling nauseated, by the evening, I had thrown up and was honestly scared to take the next dose. I called the Dr., and he prescribed Prilosec because I was having heartburn and Zofran for nausea. I got brave and took the next dose at night, and it made a big difference. I still felt a little nausea, but not throwing up, but decided that I needed to really give this medicine a try, so I have stuck with it. I am now 3 weeks into it, and I can tell that I am losing weight, and I feel like I am listening to my body, and when I get full, I stop eating. Nausea has gone away. I am not as hungry, and I feel like I can make better choices food-wise because I am not starving all the time."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I think I have all the horrible side effects of this drug. I have serious heartburn all day and night. Then comes the belching, which smells like rotten eggs. As soon as I try to sleep, the nausea kicks in, then to top it all, explosive diarrhea all night, so I'm not getting any sleep. Yes, I have lost three pounds a week, but the side effects are so miserable I can't live like this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on 2/19, weighing 247.6 lbs. Six weeks later, I'm at 228, 19.4 lbs gone. I lost the first 10, like in 2 weeks, then lost about 2.5 lbs a week after which is good to me! I try to stay within 1200-1400 calorie daily intake, and I have gone over that amount a couple of times. Side effects were minimal, mostly heartburn, especially if I eat late, so now I just don't eat late, easy fix to that. I pay $30 per box with insurance and the Saxenda coupon, I would recommend this to anyone struggling to lose weight."

• Gen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience with Saxenda was mixed. There were some good things and some not so good things. My first attempt with Saxenda lasted about three weeks. My water intake increased and my sweet tooth disappeared, most food was unappealing. My appetite disappeared completely. I experienced lots of heartburn and nausea. Three weeks in, that became hyperemesis, I vomited multiple times after every meal. I woke up in the night and vomited. I passed out while at my local dog park. The good things: I lost 22 pounds. I became more physically active, and my impulse eating has decreased. I'd recommend Saxenda to others. I would recommend that prescribers offer more support and contact to people taking Saxenda."

• MDL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Saxenda and initially saw some limited results. Side effects were minimal, I had some heartburn and constipation, but nothing else. Lost approx 7 lbs in conjunction with a 2000 kcal p/d diet. However, was unable to lose any more weight despite consistently being in a calorie deficit. Also discovered that Saxenda really didn't help very much with hunger/cravings as it was supposed to. I haven't binged while on it, but remained constantly hungry. Ultimately, a disappointing result."

• Los...
• September 26, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda now for a little over 3 weeks, 24 days to be exact. I have lost 7 pounds to date. The first week was awful for me. I experienced terrible headaches, nausea, heartburn, and insomnia. I was hesitant to continue the drug as I felt terrible. I spoke to my doctor, who advised me not to up my dose the second week, so I continued taking Saxenda at 0.6 for 2 weeks. Miraculously, my side effects lessened by the 10th day, and I was happy I didn't stop. I just increased my dose to 1.2 and feel some nausea and a slight headache once again, but nowhere near as bad as previously. My doctor said everyone's tolerance level is different, and as long as I am losing, I could go back down to 0.6. No need to increase if losing."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for about 3 months. Initially, I had to start below the recommended dose because of nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. Also, I progressed slowly, slower than recommended due to the same side effects. I have gone from 194 lbs to 170 lbs. I am very happy about the weight loss. It has decreased my appetite and reduced my sugar cravings. I do wonder if I will gain all this weight back when/if I stop. It is quite expensive, so I am sure I cannot afford it for much longer."

• Ins...
• March 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on Feb 11, 16. Now at 3.0 max lost 12 lbs so far. Same thing, never hungry but still have dry mouth. Still feel a little sick after shot but not too bad. Heartburn can be bad at times, but starting using an acid-reducing product. One pill works well, maybe 12 hrs, not so for Tums or Rolaids, have to take too many, plus makes me sick. Taking shot after breakfast, good time for me. My work plan pays 80%, which is great. I will continue till I lose 50. First time in my life I don't think about food, so it's worth it... Stay positive, everyone."

• AHC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been using Saxenda for almost 3 months. I am using the 3.0 ml dose. I have recently begun experiencing harsher side effects. About 2 months ago, it was constant heartburn (although I already take omeprazole each morning). About 3 weeks ago, I began experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. Has anyone else noticed these side effects this far into using Saxenda?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 5 weeks ago. Titrated to 3.0 ml. Have lost 14.5 lbs. Side effects minimal: nausea and heartburn for approximately 2 days after increasing the dose. Also, more thirst and dry mouth. Side effects are tolerable. Insurance is covering, and with a discount card, I pay $30. I am using my Fitness Pal app to track calories and nutrients. Mild exercise. Cravings for sweets are minimal, appetite is down. Very pleased with results to this point. Will be curious to see new A1c values at my next visit."

• dav...
• January 30, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First of let me say that I was only able to take the sample pen of Saxenda because it was too expensive, and my insurance, BCBSIL and Express Scripts, only covered $150 of the total $1300 plus that it cost. But I will say that in those 3.5 weeks I lost 16 lbs. It did give me headaches and really bad heartburn. My appetite was gone, and I had no urge to snack on junk food. Between meals, small meals, I would eat a handful of peanuts or a tangerine or small apple and would be completely good. I did not work out. Couldn't really due to fatigue, which was also an issue. If I didn't eat enough through the day, though, I would end up eating bad at night. You must eat but eat healthy. Tums, Pepto, and fiber were my best friends."

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda for 2 weeks, lost 6 pounds. Started with the lowest dose, increased to the next dose yesterday. I have experienced heartburn, but I suffer from GERD, so it's expected. I'm not craving sweets throughout the day. No real side effects yet that I would be concerned about. I'm really happy to see the change in eating habits and patterns. My insurance is amazing, it approved me for 6 months with a copay of $25 per month. Couldn't be happier as not only does it work, but also it's affordable, at least in my case. I eat small portions. I was sent a welcome package with all that is necessary to continue being healthy, along with a plate label with the three food groups in the appropriate portions. Thank you."

• sjs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I didn’t think Saxenda would work for me as I mainly eat out of boredom. My start weight in March ‘24 was 83 kgs, and in 3 months, June ‘24, it is 77 kgs. I find I can’t drink much alcohol, and my meal portions are smaller. I’ve had a couple of episodes of diarrhea when I’ve overindulged, and early on, heartburn was quite prevalent, but I found Gaviscon worked immediately. I haven’t been able to do any exercise due to a bad leg, so I’m happy to have lost the 6 kgs. The injections are simple to do, the biggest downside for me is the cost, and I’m concerned about putting weight back on when I stop taking it. So, apart from the cost, I’m very happy with Saxenda."

• Ava...
• March 23, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking this medication on March 17, and I'm down 6 lbs in less than a week. I have tried everything for weight loss, and this is the first product that has worked in years. I have no appetite and struggle to eat a few bites of anything all day. User beware and prepare for the initial phases of nausea, extreme heartburn, and constipation! However, the good outweighs the bad, and I would recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medication for about 5 weeks. I am down 22 pounds. I take it at night as I feel nauseous on it at times. I am not hungry but feel sick when I need to eat, so I force myself to have something small to feel better. I have bouts of nausea, heartburn, and exhaustion. I think the benefits outweigh the cons, so I keep taking it daily."

• SCM...
• August 26, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is a great medication. I finished the sample pack that my doctor gave me, and I'm down about 8 pounds. I was really looking forward to having the prescription filled... but my insurance doesn't cover it. Even with a discount card from Saxenda, it would have cost over $900. This doesn't make sense! The only side effects I've experienced were a little bit of nausea, heartburn, and feeling a little more tired than usual. The weight loss had already made me feel better, so it was worth it. I have a follow-up in a few days and am anxious to talk with my doctor about what I can do to continue on this medication. Good luck to all of you, and I'm so glad your insurance covers Saxenda!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 5' 10" and started at 232 lbs. Like many people, I was put on a medication that made me gain a lot of weight - over 50 lbs! I started Saxenda a week ago, and I can't believe how quickly the weight is coming off. Today is day 8, and I am down 7 lbs (almost a pound a day). The first few days, my stomach was upset, but it went away. I also have heartburn, but Tums help. I was on 0.06 mg for 7 days, and I just started 1.2 mg. I will keep increasing every 7 days until I'm at 3 mg. I do a high-intensity workout twice a week and restrict my calorie intake to 1700 a day. I notice I am not as hungry as I used to be. I will update in a few months!"