Saxenda for PCOS: Evidence, Eligibility, Coverage
Saxenda is not FDA approved for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is approved for weight loss. Some doctors prescribe it when one of those uses also applies. In SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, people on Saxenda lost 7.4% of body weight on average, vs 3% on placebo.
- Active ingredient
- liraglutide
- How it is taken
- daily injection
- Approved for
- Weight loss
- Best result (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes)
- 7.4% weight loss
Saxenda in brief
The half-life is about 13 hours: after 13 h half is gone, and after five half-lives (2.7 d) about 3% is left.
SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 56 weeks: body weight fell 7.4%, while placebo showed 3%.
Source: FDA label from DailyMed.
Who qualifies?
| Who sets the rule | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| FDA label | With diet and activity, it helps adults and children 12 and older who have obesity (over 60 kg) lose weight and keep it off long term. It also helps adults who have overweight plus a condition linked to weight. |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 30 or higher |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 27 or higher with a weight-related condition |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | a diet and activity program runs for 6 months first |
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), aetna.com.
PCOS trial results
None of these trials enrolled only polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); the people studied were all participants were adults who had obesity or overweight and did not have type 2 diabetes.
| Trial | Medicine | Who took part | Length | People | Main result | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | Saxenda | All participants were adults who had obesity or overweight and did not have type 2 diabetes | 56 weeks | 3,731 | 7.4% weight loss | 3% on placebo |
Trial sources: SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).
What is different for people with PCOS?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Hypoglycemia | The risk of low blood sugar goes up when it is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea, so you may need lower doses of them. |
Source of the label details: FDA label on DailyMed.
Label warnings: FDA label on DailyMed.
Coverage for PCOS
If a GLP-1 is taken only for weight loss, Medicare Part D does not cover it.
Where Medicaid covers weight-loss GLP-1s, prior authorization is the usual rule.
Sources: humana.com, KFF.
- Saxenda Cost
- Saxenda Coupon
- Saxenda Cost Without Insurance
- Saxenda Cost With Insurance
- Is Saxenda Covered by Insurance? Criteria, Copay, Appeal
- Cheapest Way to Get Saxenda
- Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Saxenda? Criteria, Copay, How
- Does Cigna Cover Saxenda? Criteria, Copay, How to Appeal
- Does Aetna Cover Saxenda? Criteria, Copay, How to Appeal
Alternatives for PCOS
| Medicine | For PCOS | How it is taken | Trial result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda | Not a listed use | daily injection | 7.4% weight loss |
 Ozempic | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Wegovy | Not a listed use | weekly injection or daily tablet | 14.9% weight loss |
 Rybelsus | Not a listed use | daily tablet | Not listed |
 Mounjaro | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Zepbound | Not a listed use | weekly injection | 20.9% weight loss |
 Foundayo | Not a listed use | daily tablet | 11.1% weight loss |
 Trulicity | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Victoza | Not a listed use | daily injection | Not listed |
| Byetta | Not a listed use | twice-daily injection | Not listed |
Source: FDA label from DailyMed.
Questions to ask your prescriber
- Will this affect my birth control?
- How long ahead of trying to get pregnant should I stop?
- When PCOS is the main reason for treatment, is my plan likely to pay for it?
See the complete Saxenda prescribing information on DailyMed.