Compare Qsymia vs. Wegovy
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)Wegovy (semaglutide)
Summary of Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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 onlyWegovy (semaglutide) is used in addition to a lower-calorie diet and exercise plan to help with weight loss in certain adults and children 12 years of age and older. It's also proven to lower the risk for heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. This medication belongs to the drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The dosing schedule for Wegovy (semaglutide) is once a week, and the medication is injected under your skin. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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•Long-term treatment for weight management in:•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater; or BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater and a weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)•Children 12 years of age and older with a baseline BMI at the 95th percentile or greater•Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with heart disease and a larger body sizePros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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•Can help you lose weight when it's used along with a nutritious diet and regular exercise•Approved for use for weight loss in certain children aged 12 years and older (BMI at or above the 95th percentile)•Injected once a weekCons•Must inject under the skin•Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrheaCommon Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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 for•Nausea (44%)•Diarrhea (30%)•Vomiting (24%)•Constipation (24%)•Stomach pain (20%)•Headache (14%)•Tiredness (11%)Warnings of Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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•Possible risk for thyroid cancer•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Gallbladder problems•Low blood sugar•Kidney damage•Allergic reactions•Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)•Faster heart rate•Possible risk for self-harmPrices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Wegovy
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