Are There Cheaper Alternatives to Saxenda?

Saxenda is a GLP-1 medication that teens and adults can use for weight management. The medication has a list price of $1349.02, according to the manufacturer's website. However, the cost may vary per person depending on their insurance plan, assistance programs, which pharmacy they shop at, and more.  

If you are looking for a more affordable alternative, or if Saxenda is not working for you, other options include Wegovy, Xenical, Qsymia, or Contrave. Before discontinuing or changing any medications, it is a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider about which option may be best for you. 

Keep reading to learn more about cheaper alternatives to Saxenda. 

A Nourish dietitian can also offer personalized nutrition counseling. If you’re interested in taking the next step in your health journey, consider booking a virtual appointment with a registered dietitian. Nourish accepts the most popular insurance carriers.

What Can I Take Instead of Saxenda?

Several medications are available to help with weight management. You may discover that one of these options is a better fit for you. Your doctor can review alternative options with you and help you make a decision based on your health goals. 

Wegovy

Wegovy is a medication that can help with long-term weight management. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is similar to Saxenda in that it is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. People using Wegovy administer the injection once weekly. 

By acting on the GLP-1 receptors, Wegovy can help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. The medication works best when combined with eating a balanced diet and lifestyle changes.

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or changes in bowel movements. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or who have the endocrine system condition, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Wegovy. 

The cost of Wegovy is similar to Saxenda. You can check with your insurance provider to find out if they cover the cost of Wegovy. People who are eligible may also receive discounts through the manufacturer. 

Xenical

Xenical is a prescription medication that supports weight management and helps prevent weight gain after initial weight loss. It comes in capsule form and is taken three times a day with meals.

Xenical works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the body. This medication works best when following a balanced diet, and taking a multivitamin supplement with fat-soluble vitamins to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. 

Common side effects include stomach cramping, flatulence, and fecal incontinence. Side effects typically resolve within a month or two.

A month’s supply of Xenical costs around $800. However, the generic version, orlistat, costs around $670 for a month’s supply. 

Qsymia

Qsymia is a prescription medication designed to support individuals with their weight management and help them achieve their health goals. It is a once-daily oral medication.

The two main ingredients, phentermine and topiramate, work together to suppress appetite and reduce cravings. These actions may help reduce mindless snacking throughout the day. 

Common side effects include numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face; changes in how food tastes, loss of taste, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, and constipation.

People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Qsymia. 

The price for Qsymia is around $200 for a month’s supply.  

Contrave

Contrave is a prescription medication for people who want a tool to help manage their weight. The medication comes in tablet form and is taken twice daily. 

The two main ingredients, naltrexone, and bupropion, may help reduce cravings and hunger. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. 

The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, and dry mouth.

Contrave may also cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or actions. If you have a history of mental health disorders, you should review the pros and cons of using this medication with your doctor. 

The price for a month’s supply of Contrave at around $670. 

Are There Natural Alternatives to Saxenda?

If you want to take something to help you manage your weight or reach your health goals but are looking for a more natural solution, you may find several options. 

However, before embarking on a quest to find the best natural product, it is important to recognize there is limited scientific evidence supporting the weight management claims. 

Common ingredients in weight loss supplements that manufacturers may claim help with weight management include:

• Caffeine.
• Garcinia cambogia.
• Green tea extract.
• Green coffee bean extract.
• Hoodia.
• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).
• Glucomannan.

Before taking a supplement to help with weight management, it is a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor and dietitian. 

The consensus among health experts indicates that establishing lifestyle modifications such as adopting nutritious eating patterns and engaging in regular physical activity forms a strong foundation for sustained weight management. 

If you have questions or find yourself not knowing how to make these changes, a Nourish dietitian can offer you personalized nutrition counseling. Consider booking a virtual appointment with a registered dietitian.

Switching to a Saxenda Alternative

If you wish to switch from taking Saxenda, you have several options to choose from. Talk with your doctor or make an appointment with a Nourish dietitian to discuss the possibilities. They can assess your medical needs, medical history, and health goals to help you determine the best fit for you.