Over-the-Counter Saxenda: What Exists, What Doesn't

No. Saxenda needs a prescription in the US, and no GLP-1 is sold over the counter.

Prescription: RequiredFDA label (DailyMed)
Shortage: Some products short

Saxenda: the basics

How long it remains in the body

The half-life is about 13 hours: after 13 h, half is gone, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (2.7 d).

Main trial weight loss

The SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks trial found weight loss of 7.4% of body weight, compared with 3% on placebo.

Required: FDA label on DailyMed

Every legitimate route to Saxenda, ranked

Prices checked November 2026. Each price links to its source page.

Sources: Novo Nordisk pricing, NovoCare, api.fda.gov.

Who qualifies

No GLP-1 sold in the US is available over the counter; every one of them needs a prescription. It is written by a prescriber for a use the label approves:

For adults and children with obesity who are 12 and older and weigh over 60 kg, this means losing weight and keeping it off long term through diet and activity. It also covers adults who have overweight plus a condition linked to weight.

Source: FDA label (DailyMed).

Shortage status

Liraglutide: A current shortage is still listed. Victoza pens have limited availability, though generic versions can be found. Saxenda is being discontinued in January 2027.

Supply of liraglutide by product
Product	FDA status	Availability
Saxenda 6 mg/mL pen (5-pack)	To Be Discontinued	Available until January 2027

The drug first appeared on the FDA shortage list on July 18, 2023

Sources: api.fda.gov, ashp.org.

Scam signals

No prescription needed: any seller that bypasses the prescription is not a licensed US pharmacy.
Compounded sold as the brand: compounded drugs are not FDA approved, so they are not Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound.
Claims of being the same as the brand: FDA sent 30 warning letters to telehealth companies over misleading claims.
The FTC acted against a program that charged a monthly price without including the drug; see the NextMed review.

Sources: Novo Nordisk pricing, NovoCare, FDA.

Find it in your state

Coverage check: not all 50 states are served by Hims & Hers, according to
Coverage check: not all 50 states are served by Noom Med, according to
NovoCare Pharmacy serves all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico through its delivery network

Medicaid rules change the route the most. Medicaid rules shape your route most. Today, 10 state Medicaid programs cover GLP-1s used for weight loss. Select your state to view its drug list and prior authorization rules:

Sources: hims.com, noom.com, NovoCare.