Compare Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Ozempic (semaglutide)
Summary of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Summary for Sympathomimetic / AntiepilepticPrescription onlyQsymia (phentermine / topiramate extended release) is a combination medication used to help with weight loss. It's approved for people over 12 who are considered obese and for some adults who are considered overweight. This medication is a tablet that you take once a day. You should also eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly for best results. Side effects include a "pins-and-needles" feeling, dry mouth, and constipation. You can only get this medication through the Qsymia REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) program because of the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Summary for GLP-1 agonistPrescription onlyOzempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection that's used along with a nutritious diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also proven to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to the drug class known as GLP-1 agonists. The dosing is convenient because it's only injected under the skin once per week. Common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Indications of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Indications for•Weight loss and long-term weight management, together with diet and exercise, for certain people:•People age 12 years and older considered obese•Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)Indications for•Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart diseasePros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic / AntiepilepticPros•A pill that's taken once a day•Combines two ingredients that help lower appetite into one pill for convenience•An option for certain children 12 years and older, if diet and exercise aren't enoughCons•Can raise the risk of depression or thoughts of self-harm•Not safe during pregnancyPros and Const for GLP-1 agonistPros•Only given once per week•Available as prefilled pens for injection•Can switch injection days as long as the doses are separated by at least 2 days•Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeksCons•Must be given as an injection under the skin•Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea•Risk of low blood sugar if it's taken with certain other diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulins)•Can't be used for Type 1 diabetesCommon Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects forAdults:
•Feeling of pins and needles (up to 20%)•Dry mouth (up to 19%)•Constipation (up to 16%)•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 16%)•Headache (up to 11%)•Change in taste (up to 9%)•Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)•Dizziness (up to 9%)Children:
•Depression (up to 4%)•Nausea (up to 4%)•Fever (up to 4%)•Dizziness (up to 4%)•Joint pain (up to 4%)Common Side Effects forWarnings of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects for•Harm to an unborn baby•Mood problems and suicidal thoughts or behavior•Fast heart beat•Vision problems•Problems concentrating•Higher level of acid in blood (metabolic acidosis)•Possible lower kidney function•Kidney stones•High body temperature and inability to sweat•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions•Possible slowed growth in childrenCommon Side Effects for•Thyroid cancer•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Eye problems•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications•Dehydration and kidney problems•Severe allergic reactions•Gallbladder problemsPrices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Ozempic
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