Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) in India: availability and alternatives

Medically reviewed by Dr Nisha Dahiya · Written by PharmEasy Medical Team · Published on 21 August 2026 | Updated on 21 August 2026

Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a once-daily injectable medicine developed by Novo Nordisk. It is approved for chronic weight management in several countries.¹

However, as of August 2026, Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is not widely available in India. Therefore, it is not currently listed on PharmEasy.

If you are exploring weight-management treatment options in India, the medicines currently available include the once-weekly injections Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro or Yurpeak (tirzepatide). Your doctor can help determine which medicine (if any) is appropriate for you.

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Prescription required: Saxenda is a Schedule H prescription medicine. So, like any other prescription medicine for chronic weight management, it can only be purchased with a valid doctor’s prescription. However, since Saxenda is not currently available in India, it is not listed for sale on PharmEasy.

Consult a doctor Check eligibility

You may have searched for Saxenda or Saxenda price in India and landed on this page. However, this page only explains what Saxenda is, its current availability in India, and the approved alternatives that are currently available. We have not quoted a price because Saxenda is not currently sold through PharmEasy in India. For an overview of available treatment options, start with our guide GLP-1 medicines hub.

On this page

What is Saxenda Availability in India Alternatives available now Liraglutide for diabetes Saxenda vs weekly injections Talk to a doctor FAQs References

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GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. A doctor can tell you whether one is appropriate for you and at what dose.

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What is Saxenda?

Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management. It is given as a once-daily injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using a prefilled pen and is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.^1,3

Liraglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring gut hormone (GLP-1) that is released after eating. This helps increase feelings of fullness, reduce appetite, and slow stomach emptying.² However, it only supports long-term weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Note: Liraglutide was one of the first GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for chronic weight management. Newer medicines in this class (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) are taken once weekly rather than once daily.

A few important points to know:

Saxenda contains liraglutide 3 mg which is the strength approved for chronic weight management. Liraglutide is also available at lower doses for the management of type 2 diabetes under other brand names.¹

Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Saxenda is a Schedule H prescription medicine and should only be used under medical supervision. A doctor will generally recommend that you start on a low dose that is increased gradually under supervision to help your body adjust to the medicine.²

Saxenda is intended to be used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is meant for long-term treatment rather than as a quick fix.

Is Saxenda available in India?

As of August 2026, Saxenda is not widely available in India. It is not currently marketed in India, and PharmEasy does not list it.

Two points that may often cause confusion:

Liraglutide is available, but Saxenda is not. The active ingredient, liraglutide, is not unavailable in India. However, lower-dose liraglutide formulations are used for the management of type 2 diabetes, while the 3 mg formulation for chronic weight management (Saxenda) is not currently marketed in India.⁷ Learn more on our liraglutide molecule page.

Other weight-management medicines are available. Although Saxenda is not currently marketed in India, other medicines approved for chronic weight management are available, including the once-weekly injections Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro or Yurpeak (tirzepatide).

Note: Medicine availability can change over time. If Saxenda becomes available in India in the future, our page will be updated accordingly. You can also follow the GLP-1 India news tracker for regular updates.

Alternatives available in India now

If you are considering doctor-supervised chronic weight management, the table below compares the medicines currently approved and available in India. All are Schedule H prescription medicines that require a valid prescription to be purchased. All these medications should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.

Medicine	Molecule	How often	Approved India use	Learn more
Wegovy	Semaglutide	Once weekly⁴	Chronic weight management	Wegovy hub
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	Once weekly^8,9	Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management⁹	Mounjaro hub
Yurpeak	Tirzepatide	Once weekly	Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management	Yurpeak hub

Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved in India specifically for chronic weight management. Like Saxenda, it is intended for weight management, but it is given as a once-weekly injection rather than a daily injection. The treatment usually begins with a low dose that is increased gradually over time. Learn more in our Wegovy hub, including its uses, dosing, and current pricing.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection approved in India for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Learn more on our Mounjaro hub.

Yurpeak

Yurpeak (tirzepatide) contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and distributed in India by Cipla.¹⁰ It is also approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Learn more in our Yurpeak hub.

Liraglutide for diabetes

Lower-dose liraglutide formulations are available in India under other brand names for the management of type 2 diabetes. Learn more on the liraglutide molecule page. For a broader overview of treatment options, see our guides to weight-loss injections in India and weight-loss medicines in India.

Important: Obesity is a chronic medical condition, not simply a matter of willpower. Recognising this, the World Health Organization issued its first global guideline recommending GLP-1 receptor agonists for adults living with obesity in December 2025.⁵ However, these medicines are intended to be used under medical supervision as part of a long-term treatment plan that also includes healthy lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Saxenda vs the weekly injections

One of the biggest practical differences between Saxenda and the medicines currently available in India is how often they are taken.

Feature	Saxenda	Wegovy	Mounjaro / Yurpeak
Molecule	Liraglutide	Semaglutide	Tirzepatide
Injection frequency	Once daily	Once weekly	Once weekly
Generation	Earlier GLP-1	Newer GLP-1	Newer (dual GIP/GLP-1)
Approved for use	Weight management (not actively marketed in India)	Chronic weight management	Type 2 diabetes and weight management
Available in India (August 2026)	Not readily	Yes	Yes

Saxenda is given once daily, while Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Yurpeak are given once weekly. Many people find weekly dosing more convenient, but the most appropriate medicine depends on your individual health needs, your medical history, and what you and your doctor decide is the best treatment plan. The weekly medicines are also newer treatment options.

Note: This comparison is intended to help you understand the differences between these medicines, not to suggest that one is better than another. So, the choice of treatment should always be made in consultation with your doctor, taking into account factors such as your health conditions, health goals, and how well you tolerate the medicine.

When to stop and call your doctor.

With any GLP-1 medicine, seek medical help right away if you have severe or persistent stomach pain (a possible sign of pancreatitis), signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms of very low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, or confusion.

How to discuss options with a doctor

GLP-1 medicines are generally considered for adults with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with a weight-related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea.⁶ However, eligibility is based on your overall health, and your doctor will determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

During your consultation, a doctor can help you:

determine whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for your health needs and treatment goals.

choose between the medicines currently available in India, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Yurpeak.

understand how any treatment is started with a low dose that is increased gradually.

learn what side effects to watch for.

If you are not sure where to start, consult a doctor today. They can assess whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for you, discuss the treatment options currently available in India, and prescribe one if it is suitable for you. As these are Schedule H prescription medicines, a valid doctor’s prescription is necessary.

Compare the GLP-1 medicines available in India side by side. Compare all brands

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Educational tools to help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor. None of them prescribe or recommend a medicine.

Am I eligible? Answer a few questions to see whether GLP-1 therapy may apply to you. Cost calculator Estimate what a month of treatment could cost at your prescribed dose. Compare medicines See every GLP-1 brand in India side by side on use, dosing and price. Consult a doctor Only a doctor can decide if a GLP-1 medicine is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saxenda available in India?

As of August 2026, Saxenda is not widely available in India. It is not currently marketed in India. So, PharmEasy does not list it. The weight-management injections currently available in India and listed on PharmEasy include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Yurpeak. All of these are once-weekly Schedule H prescription medicines.

What is Saxenda used for?

Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in adults. It is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity and is available only with a valid doctor’s prescription.¹¹

Is Saxenda the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide and is given once daily. Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide and are given once weekly. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. It is important to note that although all belong to the GLP-1 medicine class, they contain different active ingredients and have different dosing schedules.

What can I use instead of Saxenda in India?

The medicines currently approved and available in India for chronic weight management include Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro or Yurpeak (tirzepatide). Only your doctor can determine which treatment (if any) is appropriate for you. For more information, see our guide to weight-loss injections in India.

Is Saxenda a weekly or daily injection?

Saxenda is given as a once-daily injection. While the other weight-management injections currently available in India (Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Yurpeak) are administered once weekly.

Do I need a prescription for weight-management injections in India?

Weight-management medicines such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Yurpeak are Schedule H prescription medicines and require a valid doctor’s prescription. They cannot be purchased over the counter. PharmEasy’s pharmacist verifies every order before they are dispatched.

References

1.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Saxenda (liraglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use: prescribing information [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2023 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/206321s016lbl.pdf

2.Cerillo JL, Parmar M. Liraglutide. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan- [updated 2024 Oct 6; cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK608007/

3.Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11-22. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26132939/

4.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

5.World Health Organization. WHO issues global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines in treating obesity [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Dec 1 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-12-2025-who-issues-global-guideline-on-the-use-of-glp-1-medicines-in-treating-obesity

6.Ananthi Anandhakrishnan, Márta Korbonits. Glucagon-like peptide 1 in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of clinical obesity. World J Diabetes. 2016 Dec 15;7(20):572-598. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v7.i20.572. PMCID: PMC5155232. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5155232/

7.Kaur P, Mahendru S, Mithal A. Long-term efficacy of liraglutide in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes in a real-world setting. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(5):595-599. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.183825. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5040036/

8.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. N Engl J Med. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35658024/

9.Frias JP, Davies MJ, Rosenstock J, et al. Tirzepatide versus semaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503-515. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107519. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519

10.Cipla Ltd. Cipla launches Yurpeak (tirzepatide) for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes [Internet]. Mumbai: Cipla Ltd.; 2025 Dec 10 [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.cipla.com/press-releases-statements/cipla-launches-yurpeakr-tirzepatide-treatment-obesity-and-type-2-diabetes

11.Novo Nordisk Inc. Saxenda (liraglutide) injection prescribing information [Internet]. Plainsboro (NJ): Novo Nordisk Inc.; Revised 2026 Feb [cited 2026 Jul 27]. Available from: https://www.novo-pi.com/saxenda.pdf

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The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment, please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor can assess your individual health needs and determine whether a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate for you.