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Is Saxenda Available in the Philippines? Here’s What You Need to Know

Written by Weight Loss Team

Published 09/24/2025

Updated 09/30/2025

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Filipinos are becoming more proactive about weight management, especially as obesity and its health complications continue to rise. Among the new generation of weight loss aids, Saxenda has sparked growing interest across the country. But what exactly is it, and how can you get it in the Philippines? This guide answers all your questions based on science, expert insights, and real Filipino needs.

What is Saxenda and How Does It Work?

Saxenda is a prescription injectable medication that helps adults with excess weight or obesity lose weight and keep it off. Its active ingredient, liraglutide, mimics a hormone in your body that regulates appetite. By activating this hormone, Saxenda makes you feel full longer, helping you eat less without forcing extreme restrictions.

It works on the brain’s hunger control center.
Reduces appetite and food cravings naturally.
It is injected once daily using a pre-filled pen.

Unlike diet pills that often rely on stimulants, Saxenda is not addictive and doesn’t rely on caffeine or diuretics. Saxenda (liraglutide) is FDA-approved in certain jurisdictions for weight management under strict medical supervision. Use in the Philippines should be under licensed physician guidance with verified prescription. Clinical trials have shown weight loss effects under controlled conditions, but individual response varies. You can read more about the science behind liraglutide on Healthline.

Is Saxenda Available in the Philippines?

Saxenda is a prescription injectable medication and may only be sold through licensed medical providers and pharmacies. It should not be publicly marketed as a direct consumer product. Any price claims should clearly state they are estimates and subject to medical prescription verification. This is one of the most affordable options in the country and includes discreet packaging and nationwide delivery. For Filipino readers curious about other prescription weight loss solutions, it's worth exploring this beginner's guide to fat burners to compare Saxenda with oral options.

Saxenda vs. Other Weight Loss Medications

Saxenda contains liraglutide and is one of several GLP-1 receptor agonists under medical research. Availability and regulatory approval depend on country and local laws.

Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all GLP-1 medications used under medical supervision; their usage and approval differ.

Medication	Active Ingredient	Frequency	Available in PH?	Main Use
Saxenda	Liraglutide	Daily	Yes	Weight loss
Ozempic	Semaglutide	Weekly	Limited	Type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss)
Wegovy	Semaglutide	Weekly	Not yet	Weight loss

Both Saxenda and Ozempic are GLP-1 receptor agonists. You can find a deeper dive on Ozempic in this article breaking down what you’ll need to know about Ozempic.

Who Should Consider Using Saxenda?

Saxenda is best for adults who:

Have a BMI over 30 (obese)
Have a BMI over 27 with weight-related health issues like hypertension or high cholesterol
Have tried diet and exercise with limited success

Saxenda is not for everyone. It is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer. A proper consultation with a Filipino medical professional is necessary before starting treatment. For context, Unicef Philippines has reported increasing obesity rates among adults in urban areas, highlighting the importance of medically supervised weight loss programs.

What Are the Side Effects of Saxenda?

Most users tolerate Saxenda well, but like all medications, there are possible side effects. These may include:

Nausea or vomiting (usually temporary)
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache
Fatigue
Injection site irritation

According to Mayo Clinic, these effects are generally mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, so it’s crucial to stay in touch with your doctor while using Saxenda. To reduce side effects, Filipino users are often advised to follow a step-up dosing plan, gradually increasing the dose over the first four weeks.

How to Get a Prescription for Saxenda in the Philippines

In the Philippines, you can get a Saxenda prescription by:

Visiting an endocrinologist or obesity specialist
Consulting a licensed online doctor through telehealth platforms
Using trusted e-pharmacies like Andyou, which offer virtual consultations

Make sure the provider discusses your medical history and guides you through proper injection technique. For convenience and discretion, online consultations are becoming increasingly popular in Metro Manila and beyond.

Does Saxenda Actually Help You Lose Weight?

Clinical trials show that Saxenda users lose up to 8 to 10 percent of their starting weight after 6 to 12 months of consistent use, especially when combined with lifestyle changes. This is significantly more than what is typically achieved with diet and exercise alone. For Filipino users, results vary depending on factors like diet, physical activity, and how early the medication is started. Saxenda works best as part of a sustainable routine, not a quick fix. To complement Saxenda’s effects, Filipinos are encouraged to explore supportive practices like habit stacking for health goals.

Is It Safe for Long-Term Use?

Saxenda can be used long-term, especially for those who regain weight quickly after stopping previous diets. The FDA has approved it for extended use, provided that regular check-ups are done to monitor progress and any potential side effects. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research, long-term use of liraglutide has been associated with sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health. Doctors in the Philippines typically recommend reassessing after 16 weeks. If you haven’t lost at least 4% of your starting weight by then, your doctor might suggest stopping or switching medications.

What to Expect with Saxenda and Filipino Lifestyle

Injecting yourself daily may sound intimidating at first, but most Filipino users adjust within a week or two. Saxenda pens are user-friendly and come with clear instructions. As with any weight loss program, results depend on your willingness to adjust your habits. Here are some local lifestyle tips:

Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice
Walk 10,000 steps daily or take advantage of local group classes like Zumba or boxing
Reduce sugary drinks and replace them with water or unsweetened iced tea

Saxenda will not work in isolation. For the best outcomes, pair it with smart choices and accountability. You can also refer to this Andyou article for a diet plan guide while on GLP-1 medications.

Where to Buy Saxenda in the Philippines

Saxenda is available in selected major pharmacies and through authorized online platforms. Make sure the provider is licensed and provides cold-chain delivery, as the medication must be refrigerated. Avoid buying Saxenda from unverified sources, social media sellers, or marketplaces with unclear sourcing. Since it’s a prescription medication, using unapproved suppliers can risk your health.

What’s Next if Saxenda Isn’t for You?

Saxenda isn’t for everyone, but Filipinos have other science-backed options, such as:

Intermittent fasting or calorie cycling
Herbal fat burners like green tea extract
Weight loss supplements like L-carnitine (if used with guidance)
Meal replacements and low-carb shakes
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for emotional eating

To explore more, this guide to weight loss diet alternatives outlines various Filipino-friendly foods. If you’re not ready for injectables, you might also consider tracking your daily habits with a free mobile app or consulting a nutritionist in your area. The key is to find a method that matches your lifestyle and goals.

Taking the First Step Toward a Healthier You

Weight loss is not just about numbers on the scale, especially for Filipinos juggling work, family, and daily stress. It’s about feeling better, gaining confidence, and living longer. Saxenda offers a science-backed path to progress, but it requires consistency and care. Speak with a medical professional, weigh your options, and explore reputable platforms like Andyou to get started. For more real-world weight loss strategies, read through the Andyou weight loss section to find a solution that suits you best

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from a licensed professional. Prescription medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide should only be used under doctor supervision. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved in the Philippines.

Weight Loss Team

The &you Weight Loss Team combines medical science with personal care, guiding Filipinos through their weight loss journey with trusted medications, holistic support, and culturally relevant health expertise.