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Saxenda Price in South Africa

The daily liraglutide pen — the longest-available weight-loss GLP-1 in SA, now often overtaken by weekly options. A 6 mg/mL pen is around R2 727, and a typical month works out near R4 600.

Active ingredient: liraglutide
Form: Pre-filled injection pen, once daily
Maker: Novo Nordisk
Legal status: Schedule 4 — prescription required
Approved for: Registered for weight management. An older GLP-1, taken daily rather than weekly.
Typical monthly cost: R2 800 – R5 400

Pricing

Saxenda prices (indicative)

Pharmacy	Item	Price
Pharmacy (indicative)	6 mg/mL pen	R2 727
Pharmacy (indicative)	Typical month (3 mg/day target)	R4 600

Prices last reviewed 2026-05-30. Pharmacies set their own prices and stock varies — confirm before you buy.

Safety

Side effects of Saxenda

Like other GLP-1 medicines, Saxenda (liraglutide, injected daily) can cause side effects. The most common are usually mild and tend to ease as your body adjusts:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Abdominal pain or bloating
Reduced appetite and indigestion
Tiredness
Mild injection-site reactions

Get medical help if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
Gallbladder problems (pain, fever, jaundice)
Signs of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Dehydration affecting the kidneys from prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea

This is not a complete list. Read the package insert and discuss risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Cover

Medical aid

Not typically covered for weight loss.

Compare medical aid & gap cover

Access

How to get Saxenda

Saxenda is schedule 4 — prescription required. You need a consultation with a registered doctor, who issues a prescription you fill at a pharmacy — in person or via a licensed online-doctor service.

Speak to a licensed online doctor

Alternatives

Compare with other options

Ozempic Wegovy Mounjaro

FAQ

Saxenda — frequently asked questions

How much does Saxenda cost in South Africa?

Indicatively R2 800–R5 400 per month — a single 6 mg/mL pen is around R2 727, and the full 3 mg/day maintenance dose works out near R4 600 a month. It is a daily injection.

How is Saxenda different from Ozempic or Wegovy?

Saxenda is liraglutide and is injected once daily, whereas semaglutide options (Ozempic/Wegovy) are once weekly.

Do I need a prescription for Saxenda?

Yes — Saxenda is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine.

Is Saxenda covered by medical aid?

Generally not for weight loss, as obesity is not treated as a chronic condition by most SA schemes.

Sources: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration data, the approved package inserts, and public pharmacy price listings. Last reviewed 2026-05-30. No information here is medical advice.