Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more.
Phentermine
*image for illustrative purpose only
Wegovy
Phentermine
*image for illustrative purpose only
Wegovy
Phentermine is the active ingredient in brand-name medications including Adipex-P®. The information below is about brand name Adipex-P. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”
Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used as a short-term adjunct to weight loss in patients with obesity. It works as an appetite suppressant by stimulating the central nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure while reducing hunger. Adipex-P is typically prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regimen to enhance weight loss efforts. Common side effects include increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, and nervousness. It is important to note that Adipex-P is intended for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and other adverse effects.
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is an injectable medication approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. It works by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates appetite and food intake, leading to reduced calorie consumption and significant weight loss. Wegovy is administered once weekly and is intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis and is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Sympathomimetic amine anorectic
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Adipex-P (phentermine hydrochloride) is indicated:
As a short-term adjunct (a few weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., controlled hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia)
Wegovy (semaglutide) is indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:
To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight
To reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:
Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity
Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition
Typically taken orally once daily
Comes in 37.5 mg tablets
Typically taken as an injection once weekly
Comes in single-dose pens that deliver 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg per injection
Adverse events have been reported in the following systems:
Cardiovascular
Central nervous system
Gastrointestinal
Allergic
Endocrine
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fatigue
Indigestion
Dizziness
Abdominal distension
Belching
Low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes
Flatulence
Inflammation of the digestive system
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
Inflammation of the nasal cavities and back of the throat
History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)
During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Hyperthyroidism
Glaucoma
Agitated states
History of drug abuse
Pregnancy
Nursing
Known hypersensitivity, or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines
Drug interactions: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, alcohol, insulin and oral hypoglycemics, adrenergic neuron blocking drugs
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the excipients in Wegovy
Drug interactions: Wegovy delays gastric emptying. May impact absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications
Coadministration with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended
Rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension have been reported
Rare cases of serious regurgitant cardiac valvular disease have been reported
Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks
Adipex-P may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle
Risk of abuse and dependence
Concomitant alcohol use may result in an adverse drug reaction
Use caution in patients with even mild high blood pressure
A reduction in dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication may be required in some patients
Breastfeeding: Discontinue drug or nursing taking into consideration importance of drug to mother
Acute pancreatitis
Acute gallbladder disease
Low blood sugar: Concomitant use with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar
Acute kidney injury
Hypersensitivity reactions
Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Heart rate increase
Suicidal behavior and ideation
Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. When pregnancy is recognized, discontinue Wegovy
Females and males of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because of the long half-life of semaglutide
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
*This information is from the label for brand name Adipex-P®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Phentermine, the active ingredient in Adipex-P, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient phentermine.
*This information is from the label for brand name Wegovy®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient semaglutide.
The information provided here is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE and is for informational and educational purposes only. The drug comparison tool does not determine eligibility for medications or treatments provided via the Hims/Hers platform. Consultation with a healthcare provider is required to assess suitability for any medical treatment based on individual health and medical history. All product names and associated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.