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Compare Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both prescription medications that can help with weight management, but they have some important differences. Qsymia is a combination of a sympathomimetic and an antiepileptic, specifically approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in people living with obesity or are living with overweight and have at least one weight-related condition. Ozempic, on the other hand, is a GLP-1 agonist primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of heart problems in adults with this condition. While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, it is sometimes used off-label for this purpose. Qsymia is taken by mouth once a day, while Ozempic is injected under the skin once a week. Qsymia is a controlled substance due to the phentermine component, whereas Ozempic is not. Common side effects of Qsymia include dry mouth and constipation, while Ozempic often causes nausea and diarrhea. Qsymia can cause a fast heart beat, while Ozempic can increase the risk of some types of thyroid cancers. Both medications can cause problems with vision.

Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Summary of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Summary for Sympathomimetic / Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Qsymia (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 agonist
Prescription only
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection used with diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in those with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that's injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects 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

•Type 2 diabetes

•Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

•Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Pros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic / Antiepileptic
Pros

•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 enough

Cons

•Can raise the risk of depression or thoughts of self-harm

•Controlled substance and only available through a REMS program

•Not safe during pregnancy

Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Only given once per week

•Might help you lose weight

•Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes

•Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks

Cons

•Is an injection given under the skin

•Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

•Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications

•Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
Common Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•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 for

•Nausea (16-20%)

•Diarrhea (9%)

•Vomiting (5-9%)

•Stomach pain (6-7%)

•Constipation (3-5%)
Warnings 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 children

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of thyroid tumors

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Eye problems

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications

•Kidney damage

•Severe stomach problems

•Severe allergic reactions

•Gallbladder problems

•Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
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Key takeaways

Summary of Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Indications of Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Pros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Common Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Warnings of Qsymia vs. Ozempic

Prices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Ozempic

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