Belviq vs. Saxenda

• Are Belviq and Saxenda the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Belviq?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Saxenda?
• What Is Belviq?
• What Is Saxenda?
• What Drugs Interact with Belviq?
• What Drugs Interact with Saxenda?
• How Should Belviq Be Taken?
• How Should Saxenda Be Taken?

Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) and Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin]) are used for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Belviq and Saxenda belong to different drug classes. Belviq is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist and Saxenda is an analog of human GLP-1 and acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Common side effects of Belviq include:

• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
• mental problems,
• slow heartbeat,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• feeling tired,
• fatigue,
• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• cough,
• back pain,
• constipation,
• painful erections,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• upper respiratory tract infection,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• urinary tract infection,
• muscle pain,
• sore throat, or
• rash.

Common side effects of Saxenda include:

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• vomiting,
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
• decreased appetite,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• fatigue,
• abdominal or stomach pain or upset,
• indigestion,
• bloating,
• gas,
• urinary tract infection,
• dry mouth,
• changes in taste,
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
• belching,
• injection site reactions or redness,
• lack of energy or weakness,
• gastroenteritis,
• anxiety, or
• insomnia.

Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Belviq is also approved for use by adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin]) Injection is an analog of human GLP-1 and acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese), or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).

Belviq may interact with antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), triptans, bupropion, dextromethorphan, or St. John's Wort. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Saxenda may interact with other oral medications taken at the same time. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Belviq is taken orally. The recommended dosage of Belviq is one 10mg tablets taken twice per day. Belviq should be discontinued if 5% weight loss is not achieved by week 12 of therapy.

The recommended dosage of Saxenda is 3 mg daily.