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Compare Saxenda vs. Phentermine

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

  • Saxenda (liraglutide)
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)
  • Saxenda (liraglutide)
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)

  • Summary of Saxenda vs. Phentermine

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Sympathomimetic
    Prescription only

    Phentermine (Adipex-P) is an appetite suppressant. It's a prescription weight loss pill for people ages 17 years and older. This medication works best when it's part of a treatment plan that involves healthy diet and regular exercise. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is taken by mouth once daily, typically in the morning. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headache.

  • Indications of Saxenda vs. Phentermine

    Indications for
    •To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:
    •Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    •Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI
    Indications for

    Short-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m2 or greater; or
    •27 kg/m2 or greater, and with at least one other weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol)

  • Pros and Cons of Saxenda vs. Phentermine

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
    •Can take with or without food
    •Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)
    Cons
    •Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin
    •Can cause stomach upset
    •Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer
    Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic
    Pros
    •Can help you lose 5% to 10% of body weight
    •Usually taken by mouth once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes as tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets
    Cons
    •Most insurance companies don't cover the cost of phentermine (Adipex-P).
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence since it's a stimulant medication that's similar to amphetamines
    •Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure
    •Should be avoided in children 16 years of age and younger, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with serious heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Saxenda vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (39%)
    •Diarrhea (21%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Vomiting (16%)
    •Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
    •Indigestion (10%)

    Children 12 years of age and older:

    •Nausea (42%)
    •Vomiting (34%)
    •Diarrhea (22%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (15%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Tremor
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heart rate
    •Difficulty sleeping

  • Warnings of Saxenda vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk for thyroid cancer
    •Inflamed pancreas
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Faster heart rate
    •Kidney problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Possible risk for self-harm
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe to combined with other weight loss medications
    •Phentermine not working well
    •Risk of misuse and dependence
    •Trouble concentrating or problem with coordination
    •Heart and lung problems
    •Risk of high blood pressure
    •Risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetes

  • Prices with our coupons for Saxenda vs. Phentermine

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    Learn more about Phentermine

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