Treatment guide · IV & Wellness

Saxenda in Seoul

A once-daily prescription injection for obesity, used with diet and exercise under a doctor's care.

Ask the clinic for: 삭센다 (리라글루타이드)

Saxenda explained

Saxenda is a brand of liraglutide for weight management. It was one of the first GLP-1 medicines widely used for obesity in Korea. It is a medical treatment for adults with obesity, or overweight with a related health problem, and in some cases adolescents under specialist care.

How Saxenda works

Liraglutide copies a natural gut hormone that increases fullness and slows stomach emptying. It is injected under the skin once a day with a pre-filled pen. The doctor starts at a low dose and raises it step by step to limit nausea.

Who Saxenda is for

• Adults with obesity as assessed by a doctor
• Overweight adults with weight-related conditions
• People who cannot access or tolerate weekly GLP-1 medicines
• Residents or expats who can attend follow-up visits

Who should avoid Saxenda

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome
• Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• History of pancreatitis
• People who would struggle with a daily injection
• People at a healthy weight seeking quick cosmetic weight loss

What happens at the appointment

1. In-person consultation about weight, health and medicines
2. Measurements and blood tests if needed
3. Doctor decides if Saxenda is suitable
4. Prescription is issued and filled
5. Training on using the pen and disposing of needles
6. Follow-up to adjust the dose and review progress

Aftercare and flying home

• Eat smaller meals and stop when you feel full
• Drink plenty of water
• Store pens as the label says and protect from heat
• Fly with pens and needles in hand luggage plus the prescription
• Tell other doctors you are using Saxenda
• Arrange continued prescribing and monitoring at home

Side effects and risks

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, mainly in the first weeks
• Headache, tiredness or injection site redness
• Faster heart rate in some people
• Rarely pancreatitis or gallbladder problems: severe stomach pain needs urgent care
• Weight regain after stopping

How much does Saxenda cost in Seoul?

₩200,000–₩500,000 per month (about US$150–370 per month) — Cost depends on how many pens you use per month, which rises with the dose, plus consultation fees. Saxenda is generally not covered by Korean health insurance for weight loss. Prices are estimates and change over time.

Why get Saxenda in Korea?

Saxenda has been prescribed in Korea for years, so many doctors are familiar with it. Some visitors find it cheaper than at home, but it is a daily long-term medicine that needs follow-up.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Saxenda cost in Seoul?

Saxenda usually costs about ₩200,000–₩500,000 per month in Seoul, depending on the dose and number of pens. Consultation fees are extra.

Do I need a prescription for Saxenda in Korea?

Yes. Saxenda is prescription-only and needs an in-person doctor's consultation to check that it is safe and suitable.

Does a Saxenda injection hurt?

The needle is very short and fine, so most people feel only a small prick. Rotating injection sites helps.

What is the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is injected daily, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is injected weekly. Studies generally show more weight loss with Wegovy.

Can I fly with Saxenda pens?

Usually yes. Keep pens and needles in hand luggage, protect them from heat, and carry the prescription.

Is Saxenda safe?

It has been used for years and is generally safe under medical supervision, but stomach side effects are common and rare serious risks exist. Do not use it without a doctor's care.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.