Selected Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about Saxenda®?
Serious side effects may happen in people who take Saxenda®, including:
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care professional if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rats and mice, Saxenda® and medicines that work like Saxenda® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Saxenda® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
Do not use Saxenda® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). See below for full Important Safety Information.
I Know My Insurance Does NOT Cover Saxenda®, but I Still Want to Save on My Prescription
To learn how you may be able to gain coverage, and other possible ways to save on your Saxenda® prescriptions, choose from the options below.
I have employer-covered and/or private insurance
Employers decide prescription benefits for their employees. If your company’s plan doesn’t include medicines to treat obesity, don’t be discouraged. You can submit a request for coverage with the help of your health care provider.
Just print out this sample letter that he or she can use as the basis for a note on their own letterhead. Then bring it to your benefits or human resources manager. That person may be able to contact your insurance provider on your behalf.
I have Medicare coverage
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover medicines for obesity. However, some select Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans for retirees do. If you have one of these plans, please check with its administrator.
Support Medicare Members by Backing the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act
There’s a growing movement to get better coverage for weight management and obesity. You can help the cause by learning about and supporting the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), to provide more funding and better treatment options for health care providers to address obesity, including intervention, counseling, and drug treatment.
You can help! Urge your Senators and House of Representatives member to cosponsor and support final passage of TROA. Your efforts can make a difference for you and countless other people who need help with treating obesity.
I have VA coverage
The VA will cover obesity management. See your local Veterans Administration provider to discuss obesity medication options.
I have Tricare coverage
Your plan provides coverage for this medication in certain situations. To determine if coverage is available, your doctor may request a coverage review. Please contact your Military Treatment Facility or Tricare Network provider to discuss.
I have Medicaid coverage
Each state decides for itself what prescription drugs to cover through Medicaid, so you’ll need to contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn if it covers medicines for weight management and obesity.
I am a government employee with health benefits
If you are a city, state, or federal worker, ask your benefits manager about coverage for obesity medications.
I have individual and family coverage directly through an insurance company (ie, coverage through the Affordable Care Act)
Check with your insurance company to learn if you are eligible for an upgrade or an add-on to your plan. And with the possibility of changes to insurance laws, the more you know, the better.
Help Support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act
There’s a growing movement to get better coverage for weight management and obesity. You can help the cause by learning about and supporting the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), to provide more funding and better treatment options for health care providers to address obesity, including intervention, counseling, and drug treatment.
We need your support! Please urge both of your Senators as well as your House of Representatives member to cosponsor and support final passage of this important legislation. And include YOUR PERSONAL STORY in a message to help your legislators better understand the need for expanding access to these critical obesity treatment tools.
