Saxenda (liraglutide) affects digestion, appetite regulation, hydration, and multiple organ systems. While many patients experience mild nausea, others develop severe, persistent, or permanent side effects, some requiring hospitalization or surgery.
This page outlines Saxenda side effects, from common reactions to serious complications, and explains when symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.
Why Saxenda Causes Side Effects
Saxenda’s GLP-1 activity:
- slows gastric emptying
- alters intestinal motility
- suppresses appetite
- affects fluid balance
- changes vascular regulation
With daily dosing, these effects may become continuous rather than intermittent.
Common Saxenda Side Effects
Frequently reported effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- fatigue
- dizziness
Symptoms often appear early but may persist.
Severe Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Persistent Vomiting & Inability to Eat
Some patients experience:
- ongoing vomiting
- inability to tolerate food or fluids
- dehydration
- repeated ER visits
Vomiting lasting more than a few days is not normal.
Motility Disorders & Bowel Shutdown
Reported conditions include:
- gastroparesis
- ileus
- severe constipation
- generalized GI dysmotility
➡️ Related: Motility Disorders
Kidney-Related Side Effects
Prolonged GI symptoms may lead to:
- dehydration
- acute kidney injury
- worsening kidney disease
- dialysis in severe cases
➡️ Related: Dehydration and Kidney Damage
Gallbladder Side Effects
Weight loss and altered digestion may increase the risk of:
- gallstones
- gallbladder attacks
- gallbladder inflammation
- gallbladder removal surgery
➡️ Related: Gallbladder Removal
Pancreatitis Risk
Symptoms may include:
- severe upper abdominal pain
- pain radiating to the back
- vomiting
- hospitalization
➡️ Related: Pancreatitis
Vision Side Effects & Blindness (NAION)
Reported vision problems include:
- sudden vision loss
- blurred or dim vision
- loss of peripheral vision
- NAION
NAION can cause permanent blindness.
➡️ Related:
Long-Term & Persistent Side Effects
Some Saxenda users report symptoms that:
- continue months after stopping
- require permanent dietary restrictions
- interfere with work and daily life
- cause chronic disability
➡️ Related: Permanent Injuries
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Get urgent help if you experience:
- vomiting lasting more than 48–72 hours
- inability to eat or drink
- severe abdominal pain or swelling
- no bowel movement for several days
- minimal urine output
- sudden vision changes
Saxenda Side Effects and Lawsuits
Saxenda side effects are part of broader GLP-1 litigation, particularly cases involving:
- severe motility disorders
- kidney injury
- gallbladder surgery
- pancreatitis
- blindness / NAION
➡️ Saxenda lawsuits: Lawsuits
Saxenda can cause side effects ranging from mild nausea to severe, permanent, and life-altering injuries, particularly with long-term daily use. Persistent or escalating symptoms should never be ignored.
If you experienced serious side effects after using Saxenda, medical and legal review may be appropriate.
➡️ Start your review: File a Claim