Can't Find Saxenda? You're Not Alone

If you've been prescribed Saxenda and can't get it filled, you're far from the only one dealing with this frustration. Supply issues with GLP-1 medications have affected millions of patients since 2023, and while things have improved in 2026, many people still run into problems at the pharmacy counter.

The good news? Saxenda is not the only FDA-approved option for weight management. Several effective alternatives exist, and one of them might be a great fit for you. In this guide, we'll walk you through what Saxenda is, how it works, and the best alternatives to discuss with your doctor.

What Is Saxenda?

Saxenda is the brand name for Liraglutide, a prescription injectable medication made by Novo Nordisk. It's FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity) or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Saxenda is also approved for adolescents aged 12 and older who weigh more than 132 pounds and have obesity. It's used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

For a deeper look at the medication itself, check out our guide on what Saxenda is, its uses, and dosage.

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally produces after eating.

Here's what Saxenda does in your body:

• Reduces hunger. It activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain that control appetite, helping you feel less hungry throughout the day.
• Helps you feel full longer. Saxenda slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying), so you feel satisfied after smaller meals.
• Lowers calorie intake. With less hunger and more fullness, most people naturally eat fewer calories.

In clinical trials, patients using Saxenda lost an average of about 7–8% of their body weight. It's given as a daily injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen.

Want more detail? Read our full explanation of how Saxenda works.

Why Is Saxenda Hard to Find?

Saxenda has been caught up in the broader GLP-1 medication shortage that started in 2023–2024. Massive demand for weight loss medications—including Ozempic and Wegovy—put pressure on the entire drug class. International shortages were reported in at least 12 countries.

As of early 2026, brand-name Saxenda is generally available, but you may still run into supply issues at individual pharmacies. A generic version of Liraglutide by Teva launched in August 2025, and additional generics are expected after February 2026, which should continue to improve supply.

For the latest supply details, see our Saxenda shortage update for 2026.

4 Alternatives to Saxenda for Weight Loss

If you can't get Saxenda or want to explore other options, here are four FDA-approved alternatives worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

1. Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Wegovy is a newer GLP-1 receptor agonist—the same drug class as Saxenda—but it's more potent and only needs to be injected once per week instead of daily.

Key facts about Wegovy:

• Average weight loss: About 15% of body weight in clinical trials—roughly double what Saxenda achieves.
• How it works: Same mechanism as Saxenda (reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying) but with a longer-acting formulation.
• Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Considerations: Also made by Novo Nordisk. Has faced its own supply shortages. Side effects are similar to Saxenda (nausea, diarrhea, constipation).

If your doctor originally chose Saxenda, Wegovy might be the most natural next step since it works through a similar pathway.

2. Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Zepbound is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. It was FDA-approved for weight management in 2023 and has shown the greatest average weight loss of any approved weight loss medication.

Key facts about Zepbound:

• Average weight loss: Over 20% of body weight in clinical trials.
• How it works: Targets two hormones (GIP and GLP-1) instead of just one, which may explain its stronger results.
• Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Considerations: Different manufacturer from Saxenda, so supply issues may not overlap. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

Zepbound is worth asking about if you want the most effective injectable option currently available.

3. Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Contrave is an oral medication—no injections needed. It combines two drugs: Naltrexone (used to treat addiction) and Bupropion (an antidepressant that also suppresses appetite).

Key facts about Contrave:

• Average weight loss: About 5–6% of body weight, less than the injectable GLP-1 medications.
• How it works: Affects appetite and reward pathways in the brain through a completely different mechanism than GLP-1 drugs.
• Administration: Oral tablets taken twice daily.
• Considerations: Good option if you prefer pills over injections. Not affected by the GLP-1 shortage. Carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with Bupropion.

4. Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate)

Qsymia is another oral combination medication. It pairs Phentermine (a short-term appetite suppressant) with Topiramate (an anti-seizure drug that promotes weight loss).

Key facts about Qsymia:

• Average weight loss: About 8–10% of body weight, which is comparable to or slightly better than Saxenda.
• How it works: Phentermine suppresses appetite while Topiramate helps you feel full and may reduce cravings.
• Administration: One capsule taken daily.
• Considerations: Only available through certified pharmacies due to a risk of birth defects. Not recommended for women who are or may become pregnant. Can cause tingling, taste changes, and insomnia.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative depends on your specific situation. Here are a few things to think about:

• Insurance coverage. Check which medications your plan covers. Coverage for weight loss drugs varies widely.
• Injection vs. pill. If daily injections are a barrier, Contrave or Qsymia might be better fits. If you're comfortable with injections but want fewer of them, Wegovy or Zepbound are once-weekly options.
• Weight loss goals. If you're looking for the most significant weight loss, Zepbound has the strongest clinical trial results, followed by Wegovy.
• Other health conditions. Your medical history matters. For example, Qsymia is not safe during pregnancy, and Contrave should be used cautiously in people with seizure disorders.
• Cost. All of these medications are expensive without insurance. Check our guide on how to save money on Saxenda for cost-saving strategies that may apply to alternatives as well.

Always talk to your doctor before switching medications. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your health history.

What About Generic Liraglutide?

If you want to stick with the same active ingredient as Saxenda, there's good news. Teva Pharmaceuticals launched a generic Liraglutide injection in August 2025, and additional generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market after February 2026.

Generic Liraglutide costs approximately $1,165 per month at wholesale—still expensive, but lower than brand-name Saxenda's $1,300–$1,800 per month price tag. As more generics become available, prices should continue to drop.

Ask your pharmacist about generic Liraglutide availability at your local pharmacy, or use a tool like MedFinder to check stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Saxenda prescription is frustrating, but it doesn't mean your weight management journey has to stop. Wegovy, Zepbound, Contrave, and Qsymia are all FDA-approved options that your doctor can help you evaluate.

If you're still hoping to find Saxenda, our guide on how to find Saxenda in stock near you has practical tips and tools. And for the full picture on supply issues, read our deep dive into why Saxenda is so hard to find.

Whatever path you take, the most important step is staying in touch with your healthcare provider and not giving up on finding a treatment that works for you.