Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Abstract

CADTH reimbursement reviews are comprehensive assessments of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, as well as patient and clinician perspectives, of a drug or drug class. The assessments inform non-binding recommendations that help guide the reimbursement decisions of Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with the exception of Quebec. This review assesses liraglutide 6 mg/mL (Saxenda). Indication under review : Indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial BMI of: 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity), or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least 1 weight-related comorbidity (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia) and who have failed a previous weight management intervention.

Liraglutide-Induced Depression with Suicidality in an Obese Adult: A Case Report

“…Despite its effectiveness as an antiobesity agent, liraglutide has raised concerns about potential side effects [5]. Regarding psychological side effects, though not depression per se, depressive symptoms and mood disturbances were documented in a subset of patients during initial clinical trials [6], though another report could not confirm this [7]. It is to be noted that depression is not only a debilitating mood disorder but also a major public health concern often linked to obesity [8].…”