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Compare Qsymia vs. Zepbound

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

  • Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
    Zepbound (tirzepatide)
  • Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER)
    Zepbound (tirzepatide)

  • Summary of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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 GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Zepbound, a brand name for tirzepatide, is an injectable medication that's used along with diet and exercise to help with weight loss. It's approved for certain adults who meet criteria for weight management therapy. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is also approved to treat moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. This medication belongs to the drug class called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The typical dosage is 1 injection under the skin once per week. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and injection site reactions.

  • Indications of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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

    In addition to diet and exercise:

    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes)
    •Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults considered obese

  • Pros and Cons of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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 GIP and GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Injected once weekly
    •Can take with or without food
    •Different strengths available
    •Can store at room temperature for up to 21 days (3 weeks) if needed
    Cons
    •Can cause bothersome side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain
    •Only available as an injection
    •Has many potential interactions, including with certain diabetes medications, warfarin (Coumadin), and birth control pills
    •Not recommended during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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 (25-29%)
    •Diarrhea (19-23%)
    •Constipation (11-17%)
    •Vomiting (8-13%)
    •Stomach pain (9-10%)
    •Indigestion (9-10%)

  • Warnings of Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    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 cancer
    •Stomach problems
    •Kidney damage
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Worsened eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Possible risks during general anesthesia

  • Prices with our coupons for Qsymia vs. Zepbound

    Learn more about Qsymia
    Learn more about Zepbound

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