Saxenda in Singapore: price, eligibility and how to get it
A SengMed in-depth guide, reviewed by our clinical team
Saxenda was one of the first GLP-1 medications approved for weight management and is well established in Singapore. This guide explains what it is, how to get it legally, what it costs, who is eligible, how it compares to Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro, and what to know about side effects, food and exercise.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Saxenda is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore and requires a proper assessment by an MOH-licensed doctor.
Is Saxenda available in Singapore?
Yes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is registered with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore for chronic weight management in adults. It is a once-daily injection given with a small pre-filled pen, and it is dispensed by licensed Singapore pharmacies on a doctor’s prescription.
Saxenda cannot be bought over the counter, imported privately, or purchased online without a Singapore prescription.
What is Saxenda used for?
Saxenda is used specifically for chronic weight management in adults, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Unlike Ozempic (which is registered for type 2 diabetes), Saxenda is on-label for weight loss in Singapore.
It is also approved in some markets for adolescents aged 12 and above with obesity, though paediatric use has separate considerations and is decided by a specialist.
Where can I get Saxenda in Singapore?
Saxenda is available through:
- Private GP clinics — many private GPs prescribe Saxenda for eligible patients.
- Endocrinologists and weight-management specialists — particularly if you have weight-related health conditions.
- Aesthetic and wellness clinics — as long as the prescribing doctor is MOH-licensed.
- Telehealth services — an MOH-licensed doctor reviews you online and, if appropriate, your prescription is dispensed by a licensed Singapore pharmacy with islandwide delivery.
SengMed is one such telehealth option: complete a free online eligibility check, and an MOH-licensed doctor will follow up. Check your eligibility.
For a broader overview of all the routes, see our guide on where to get GLP-1 in Singapore.
Who is eligible for Saxenda in Singapore?
Doctors in Singapore typically consider Saxenda for adults who:
- Have a BMI of 27.5 or higher (Asian cut-offs).
- Or have a moderate BMI (23.0–27.4) with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea or fatty liver.
- Have struggled to lose weight or keep it off through diet and exercise alone.
- Do not have medical reasons to avoid GLP-1 medication.
Saxenda is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or MEN 2, or after pancreatitis. The full screening covers a wider list, which is why an honest assessment matters.
For the full picture, see who is eligible for GLP-1 in Singapore.
How much does Saxenda cost in Singapore?
Pricing depends on dose, clinic and what’s bundled in. As a rough indicative range, Saxenda typically costs around S$350 to S$600 per month in Singapore. At the maintenance dose (3 mg/day), monthly use of three pens is common, which is why the cost sits above lower-dose GLP-1 starter plans.
Some clinics quote medication only; others bundle in consultation and follow-up. Telehealth providers often publish all-inclusive monthly pricing.
Will MediSave or insurance cover Saxenda in Singapore?
In most cases, no:
- MediSave. MediSave does not generally cover Saxenda for weight loss.
- Integrated Shield Plans. Most do not cover outpatient weight-loss medication.
- Private insurance / employer plans. A small number include wellness or weight-management benefits. Check your specific policy.
Most patients pay out of pocket. Transparent, all-in monthly plans make this easier to budget.
What’s the difference between Saxenda, Wegovy and Ozempic?
Saxenda sits alongside the semaglutide brands and tirzepatide in the GLP-1 family:
| Saxenda | Wegovy | Ozempic | Mounjaro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Liraglutide | Semaglutide | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Singapore-registered for | Weight management | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
| Dosing | Daily injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Average weight loss | Significant, generally lower than semaglutide and tirzepatide | Higher than Saxenda on average | (Doses differ from Wegovy) | Often the highest in studies |
| Established for weight loss | The longest of the four | More recent | Off-label | More recent |
For a deeper comparison of the molecules themselves, see our guide on semaglutide vs tirzepatide.
Do Singaporeans still use Saxenda?
Yes, though the conversation has shifted. Many patients in Singapore now ask specifically about Wegovy or Mounjaro because of the headline weight-loss results. Saxenda is still widely used and prescribed because:
- It is well established with years of clinical use.
- Supply is generally reliable in Singapore.
- It can be a good fit for patients who prefer a gentler titration or who respond well to liraglutide.
- It can be appropriate when weekly semaglutide or tirzepatide isn’t suitable.
The choice between Saxenda and a weekly option is best made with your doctor based on your goals, your tolerance, and what’s appropriate.
What are the common side effects of Saxenda?
The most common side effects are digestive, particularly when starting or stepping up the dose:
- Nausea (most common)
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Indigestion or burping
- Reduced appetite (partly the intended effect)
- Mild fatigue or headaches in the first weeks
- Injection-site reactions (small redness or bumps)
These usually ease as the body adapts. Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues. Seek prompt medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or suspected allergic reactions. In an emergency in Singapore, call 995.
What foods should I avoid on Saxenda?
Because Saxenda slows how quickly your stomach empties, certain foods can sit heavily:
- Fried, oily and very fatty foods — deep-fried snacks, char kway teow, fried chicken, fatty cuts of meat.
- Rich, creamy or oily dishes — heavy curries with lots of coconut milk.
- Sugary foods and drinks — bubble tea, desserts, sweetened kopi or teh.
- Carbonated drinks — tend to add gas and bloating.
- Alcohol — can irritate the stomach.
- Very spicy foods — can aggravate reflux for some people.
Better choices:
- Lean protein at each meal (fish, skinless chicken, tofu, eggs).
- Plenty of vegetables.
- Whole grains in modest portions.
- Water throughout the day.
At hawker centres, opt for soup-based or steamed dishes such as sliced fish soup or yong tau foo, ask for less oil and less rice, and swap sweetened drinks for water or kopi/teh kosong. Our companion guide on foods to limit on GLP-1 goes deeper.
What workouts work best on Saxenda?
Exercise on Saxenda is less about pushing harder and more about protecting muscle and supporting metabolism while you lose weight:
- Resistance training, 2–3 times a week. Strength work (bodyweight, dumbbells, machines) helps you keep muscle as weight comes off.
- Walking, daily. Easy to sustain. Consistent step counts (e.g. 8,000–10,000) genuinely support weight loss.
- Moderate cardio, 1–3 times a week. Cycling, swimming, brisk walking.
- Mobility and flexibility. A short routine a few times a week protects joints and helps recovery.
In the first weeks, calorie intake is lower — so ease off intensity, prioritise protein, and stay well hydrated.
Things to know before starting Saxenda in Singapore
- It’s a daily injection. Unlike weekly options, Saxenda needs to fit into a daily routine. Some patients prefer this rhythm; others prefer weekly.
- Dose is titrated up. You start at 0.6 mg/day and step up weekly to a maintenance dose of 3 mg/day. Don’t push faster than advised.
- Side effects often peak around dose changes. They usually ease.
- Storage. Saxenda pens require refrigeration before first use; follow the leaflet for storage after first use.
- Honest screening matters. Saxenda isn’t suitable for everyone, and the assessment relies on accurate answers.
- Follow-up matters. Regular check-ins help adjust the plan if you respond poorly or need a change.
How do I check if I’m eligible for Saxenda in Singapore?
The clearest first step is a structured assessment with a registered doctor. With SengMed you can:
- Complete a free online eligibility check — about a few minutes.
- Have an MOH-licensed doctor review your answers — usually within one business day.
- Receive a personalised next step — if you’re suitable, a recommendation and prescription; if not, an honest explanation and any alternatives worth considering.
You’re not committing to anything by checking, the aim is a clear answer rather than guesswork.