Mysimba vs Saxenda: Which Weight Loss Treatment is Better?
It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults in the UK are currently living with obesity. Whereas exercise and a consistent diet are advised, some require additional support in the form of prescription weight loss treatments.
Mysimba and Saxenda are two such treatments prescribed to treat obesity or excess weight.
Losing weight is a long journey that may have many challenges. Utilising a weight-loss medication such as Mysimba or Saxenda with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight to improve the quality of your life.
This article discusses the key differences between Mysimba and Saxenda in terms of effectiveness, side effects, accessibility and cost.
Saxenda overview: what is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a prescription medication that comes as an injection. This medication contains the active ingredient liraglutide and is used to treat adults who have obesity or excess weight with weight-related health conditions. Saxenda is available as a pre-filled 3mg pen. This weight loss medication is intended for use alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Mysimba overview: what is Mysimba?
Mysimba is a prescription combination medication available as a tablet. It contains two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. Mysimba is effective in treating obesity or weight-related health conditions. This slow-release tablet is designed for use in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What's the difference between Saxenda and Mysimba?
Active ingredients
Saxenda
Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide. Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that works by reducing your appetite, leaving you feeling fuller for longer, and helping you manage cravings.
Mysimba
Mysimba is a combination medication, meaning it contains two active ingredients: naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion. Bupropion is an antidepressant and Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist. These active ingredients interact with the central nervous system, telling the brain that the stomach is full, reducing your appetite and helping you manage cravings.
Who manufactures Saxenda and Mysimba?
Mysimba is manufactured by a company called Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., while Saxenda is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Inc.
What conditions do Saxenda and Mysimba treat?
Saxenda
In the UK, Saxenda is approved for use to help treat obesity and manage weight in:
- Adults who have obesity (a BMI of 30 or more)
- Adults who are overweight (a BMI between 27 and 30) and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol levels.
Mysimba
Mysimba is a slow-release tablet that contains 7.2mg naltrexone and 78mg bupropion. This medication is approved for the treatment of those who have obesity or excess weight with weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels.
Mysimba vs Saxenda: dosage and usage recommendations
Saxenda
Saxenda treatment begins at the lowest dose of 0.6mg, taken once daily. This dose is slowly increased over the first five weeks of treatment. Once you have reached 3mg, the dose then continues for the rest of your treatment unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
- Week 1 - Starting dose 0.6mg once daily
- Week 2 - 1.2mg once daily
- Week 3 - 1.8mg once daily
- Week 4 - 2.4mg once daily
- Week 5+ - 3mg once daily
Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will continue to monitor your Saxenda treatment during your weight loss journey.
Saxenda is available in a 3mg prefilled injection pen given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). We recommend reading the Patient Information leaflet for instructions before administering your first injection.
Mysimba
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to take Mysimba. The starting dose of Mysimba is generally one tablet (8mg naltrexone hydrochloride and 90mg bupropion) taken once daily (usually in the morning). The dose will slowly increase as the following:
- Week 1 - One tablet, daily in the morning
- Week 2 - Two tablets daily, one in the morning and one in the evening
- Week 3 - Three tablets daily, two in the morning and one in the evening
- Week 4+ - Four tablets daily, two in the morning and two in the evening
The maximum recommended daily dose of Mysimba is four tablets: two in the morning and two in the evening. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will assess your weight loss treatment plan after 16 weeks. This determines if you will continue with Mysimba or stop your treatment.
How long does it take for Saxenda and Mysimba to work?
Saxenda
It may take at least two weeks before you begin noticing any weight loss when taking Saxenda. Typically, those taking Saxenda notice significant weight loss after eight weeks.
Mysimba
As Mysimba is taken orally via a slow-release tablet, it generally takes two weeks to reach its full effect in the body. It may take up to 8 weeks before you notice significant weight loss. Studies show that patients lost an average of 5% of their starting weight after 16 weeks of treatment.
How do users feel after taking Saxenda vs Mysimba?
Saxenda
Once you have started your Saxenda treatment, you may experience some side effects, such as nausea or headaches. Any symptoms should subside as your body gets used to the medication. If you continue to experience side effects, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about food and drink that help settle your stomach.
Mysimba
After starting Mysimba treatment, you may experience some side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or tiredness. As you increase your dose, your body should get used to the medication, with any side effects subsiding.
If you experience vomiting or nausea, ensure you are getting enough fluids in to avoid becoming dehydrated. If unpleasant side effects continue, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about alternative treatment options or tips and tricks to manage these symptoms.
Key differences between Mysimba vs Saxenda
The key differences between Saxenda and Mysimba include:
Route of administration
- Saxenda: Subcutaneous injection (injection)
- Mysimba: Oral route (tablet)
Active ingredients
- Saxenda: Liraglutide
- Mysimba: Naltrexone and bupropion
Dosage
- Saxenda: 3mg
- Mysimba: 8mg/90mg
Manufacturer
- Saxenda: Novo Nordisk Inc
- Mysimba: Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc
Mechanism of action
- Saxenda: Works similarly to GLP-1, a natural hormone, by regulating appetite and providing the feeling of fullness.
- Mysimba: Acts on the brain chemicals to reduce and control appetite and cravings.
Mysimba vs Saxenda: efficacy & benefits
Saxenda
In a 56-week study of 3,731 patients with obesity or excess weight and at least one weight-related health condition, participants achieved clinically meaningful weight loss of 5% or greater. Patients with type 2 diabetes were excluded from this trial.
Mysimba
In three studies, patients taking Mysimba lost an average of 3.7-5.7% of weight, compared with 1.3-1.9% with placebo. About 13-20% of patients experienced at least 10% weight loss. Studies show that Mysimba was most effective in those patients who completed 56 weeks of treatment in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Mysimba vs Saxenda: side effects
As with any medication, there are recorded side effects; however, not everyone may experience them. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience persistent side effects that are not easy to treat.
Saxenda
The most common side effects of Saxenda include:
- Diarrhoea
- Low blood sugar
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Gallstones
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Nausea
- Injection site reaction
- Tiredness
Severe side effects of Saxenda include:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Severe and persistent pain in the stomach area (abdomen)
- Thyroid cancer and tumours
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
If you experience any severe side effects listed above when taking Saxenda, seek emergency medical attention or call 999. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for a complete list of all reported side effects for Saxenda.
Mysimba
Common side effects of Mysimba include:
- Hot flush
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive sweating
- Rash, itching
- Increased blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Tremor (feeling shaky)
- Anxiety
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Fatigue, lethargy, or drowsiness
- Stomach pain
Rare side effects of Mysimba include:
- Jaw pain
- Liver injury (due to drug toxicity)
- Hallucinations
- Fits
- Fainting, loss of consciousness
- Tongue, throat, face, or lip swelling, which causes difficulty breathing
- Lymphocyte count decreased (low amount)
- Dehydration
- Toothache
- Cold hands and feet
If you experience any severe side effects listed above when taking Mysimba tablets, seek emergency medical attention by going straight to A&E or calling 999.
Mysimba vs Saxenda: interactions with other medications
Saxenda
Before starting Saxenda treatment, tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take any of the following medications:
- Diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylurea. This can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor may adjust the dose of your diabetes medication to reduce the risk of developing low blood sugar.
- Warfarin or any other anticoagulants (medicines used to treat blood clots). You may require more frequent blood testing to check if your blood is still clotting properly.
Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have taken any other prescription or over-the-counter medications recently.
Mysimba
Mysimba cannot be taken with any of the following medications:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as rasagiline, phenelzine, or selegiline. These medications are used to treat Parkinson’s disease or depression. Before taking Mysimba, you need to stop taking these medications for at least 14 days.
- Opiates and opiate-containing medications, such as those used to treat colds and coughs, pain, opiate addiction, or diarrhoea. Before taking Mysimba, you need to stop taking these medications for at least 7-10 days. This is due to the active ingredient naltrexone blocking the effects of opiates.
Mysimba vs Saxenda price comparison
Mysimba slow-release tablets are available from Cloud Pharmacy, a UK-registered online prescribing service. 112 tablets of Mysimba can be purchased for £109.00.
Cloud Pharmacy stocks Saxenda in a 3ml pre-filled injection pen starting from £79.99.
<H3>Mysimba vs Saxenda availability in the UK
There is currently a global shortage of Saxenda and other injectable weight-loss medications due to their popularity and effectiveness.
Mysimba is readily available with a prescription in the UK from a licensed online pharmacy or physical dispensary.
Mysimba vs Saxenda weight loss reviews
Saxenda reviews
Saxenda has positive reviews, with real users commenting on how well it works and that it has helped them lose a noticeable amount of weight. Real users describe that it takes more than 3 weeks to start noticing weight loss. Some users report they experienced mild to moderate side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Side effects were worse when the dose increased.
Read our guide on Saxenda reviews to find out more.
Mysimba reviews
Mysimba has positive reviews, with real users noting that it reduces appetite and cravings. Some users report experiencing side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, headaches, and nausea. Overall, users report satisfaction with the results, costs, and effectiveness of Mysimba.
Read our guide on Mysimba reviews to find out more.
Which is better: Mysimba or Saxenda?
Clinical trials show that both Mysimba and Saxenda are effective treatments for weight loss; however, Saxenda shows greater average weight loss. In clinical trials, patients taking Saxenda lost an average of 5-10% of their starting weight compared to an average of 5% for those taking Mysimba.
It is important to remember that individual weight loss results may differ. Talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment option better suits your weight loss goals.
What alternatives to Saxenda and Mysimba are available?
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a prescription medication approved for treating adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity or excess weight. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, a GIP and GLP-1 agonist. Mounjaro comes as a pre-filled injection pen, administered once weekly.
Mounjaro works by attaching to the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are naturally occurring hormones released by the intestines after food is consumed. This medication controls appetite by providing a feeling of fullness and reducing cravings.
Wegovy
Wegovy is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics. Wegovy comes as a pre-filled injector pen.
In the UK, Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition. Wegovy is used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise to help people lose weight.
Read more about Wegovy in the articles below:
Orlistat
Orlistat is the generic (cheaper) version of the brand Xenical. This oral capsule medication is approved for treating obesity and excess weight. The active ingredient orlistat works in the digestive system to block one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed by the body.
By using Orlistat capsules, with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, you can lose up to 5% of your starting body weight in the first 3 months of treatment.
Xenical
Xenical 120mg capsules contain the active ingredient orlistat and are used with lifestyle changes to treat obesity. This brand-name prescription medication works by stopping at least one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed by the body.
Conclusion: where to buy Mysimba and Saxenda in the UK
Saxenda is an effective prescription medication containing the active ingredient liraglutide. This medication helps you lose weight by making you feel fuller for longer while reducing cravings. Saxenda is a once-daily injectable medication that may not be suitable for those who don’t like needles.
Mysimba is a prescription weight-loss medication that comes in tablet form. This medication works on the central nervous system, reducing cravings and leaving you feeling fuller for longer.
Cloud Pharmacy is a UK-registered online prescribing service. After a short online assessment to determine eligibility for Mysimba or Saxenda, you are provided a free online consultation with a pharmacist.
Cloud Pharmacy also provides advice and confidential follow-ups to patients on their weight loss journey.
Click here to start the process of booking a consultation with Cloud Pharmacy.
FAQs
Can you take Saxenda and Mysimba together?
No, you cannot take Saxenda and Mysimba together. If you are someone who struggles with needles, Mysimba may be a better-suited treatment as it comes as a tablet.
What is better than Saxenda for weight loss?
Among people with obesity or excess weight, Mounjaro is shown to be the most effective weight loss medication. Trials have also shown that Wegovy is a more effective weight loss medication compared to the effects of Saxenda in people with obesity.
What is the next best thing to Saxenda?
The next best alternative to Saxenda is Wegovy. Wegovy has the active ingredient semaglutide, which is injected once weekly. Both Wegovy and Saxenda are manufactured by the same company and both are GLP-1 agonists that slow gastric emptying and make you feel less hungry.
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/causes/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2684/smpc
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/referrals/mysimba
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7098870/
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35015037/
