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Key takeaways
Wegovy and phentermine can support weight loss but should not be combined without medical advice due to potential risks.
Combining these medications may increase the risk of serious side effects, including heart-related problems.
Consulting a healthcare provider is important to determine the safest and most effective weight management plan.
Alternatives like other prescription medications and lifestyle changes can also support weight management.
Struggling with weight can affect every part of life, including physical and emotional health. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be considering weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) or phentermine. You might also be curious about combining them to boost your results.
Wegovy and phentermine work in different ways and are not known to interact directly. However, more research is needed on combining them, as side effects are still possible. In any case, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate weight management option.
How do Wegovy and phentermine work?
Wegovy, which has the active ingredient semaglutide, is a brand-name injectable medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. It is used for long-term weight loss. Wegovy works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates appetite and helps the body release insulin. It can help you feel fuller sooner and longer, reducing overall calorie intake.
Phentermine is a generic oral medication known by the brand name Adipex-P. It has been FDA approved since 1959, mainly for short-term use. It’s believed to work as an appetite suppressant that stimulates the central nervous system to release dopamine and norepinephrine. Because of its stimulating effects, it’s usually prescribed for a few weeks rather than long-term.
Wegovy and phentermine are taken in different forms. Wegovy is given as a shot that you take once a week. The dose starts low at 0.25 mg and is gradually increased until you reach a maximum of 2.4 mg to help reduce any side effects. On the other hand, phentermine is taken as a daily pill. You usually take it once daily, with doses ranging from 15 mg to 37.5 mg, often before breakfast or one to two hours after eating, to help curb your appetite throughout the day.
Can you take Wegovy and phentermine together?
Phentermine and Wegovy are two medications that help with weight loss, but there hasn’t been much research on what happens if you take them together. Mixing medications without studies backing their safety can be risky.
If you don’t get the results you want from one of these drugs, your healthcare provider might suggest switching, whether trying Wegovy after phentermine or vice versa. If they prescribe both at the same time, it’s important to closely follow their instructions and medical advice.
RELATED: Taking Wegovy for the first time: Tips and more
In most cases, it’s not typically recommended to mix Wegovy and phentermine due to the potential side effects.
Taking Wegovy and phentermine together
Combining Wegovy and phentermine may be linked to various benefits for weight loss. However, the potential risk of side effects may outweigh the benefits, and no studies support the combination of the two.
Potential benefits of combining Wegovy and phentermine
Combining Wegovy and phentermine might help people lose weight more effectively. Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management and may help maintain weight loss over time. On the other hand, phentermine is approved for short-term use and may help kick-start weight loss efforts. The idea is that phentermine could help you lose some weight quickly at the beginning, while Wegovy can help keep that weight off in the long run.
Phentermine is a medication that can boost energy levels, which may increase energy expenditure. By increasing energy, phentermine may encourage individuals to be more active, while Wegovy may help control hunger and cravings. Together, this combination could help tackle both the mental and physical challenges of weight loss goals.
Risks and side effects of combining these medications
Still, taking Wegovy and phentermine together may carry various risks. Both weight loss drugs have cardiovascular side effects that may be amplified by one another, including:
- Increased heart rate: Your heart may beat faster than usual.
- Chest pain: You might experience discomfort or pain in your chest.
- Blood pressure changes: These medications may cause fluctuations in blood pressure, which may affect your overall health.
In addition, both medications may cause other overlapping side effects, including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Other common side effects of Wegovy include fatigue, heartburn, and sore throat or runny nose. Other side effects unique to phentermine may include insomnia, restlessness, dry mouth, and euphoria.
There are also concerns about more serious health risks. Both medications may affect blood sugar levels, potentially leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Wegovy might also increase the risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and diabetic eye disease.
According to its drug label, phentermine may worsen conditions like glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, and certain heart problems. Unlike Wegovy, phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that, while it is less likely to be abused than some stronger drugs, it still has some potential for misuse.
When taking these medications, it’s important to have a healthcare provider keep an eye on things. This drug combination may cause serious side effects, which is why you should only take them together if your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
Is Wegovy or phentermine better?
Both medications have shown positive results for weight loss, but choosing the right one depends on different factors, such as health conditions, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant loss in body weight. In trials like the STEP 1–4 studies, patients with obesity experienced notable weight reductions. For example, patients in the STEP 1 trial saw an average weight loss of around 12% after 68 weeks. In addition, Wegovy provides benefits for patients with heart disease and those with Type 2 diabetes. These attributes make Wegovy a strong option for people seeking sustained weight loss. The decision of whether to switch to Wegovy after phentermine or take the two together should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
RELATED: Wegovy results: First month and beyond
Phentermine alone has been shown to help with weight loss, as people in a 36-week study lost about 13% of their initial weight, while those on a placebo lost only 5%. Studies on phentermine combined with topiramate have also shown promising results. In the EQUIP trial, patients taking the highest combination dose lost an average of around 9% more weight than those taking a placebo. Similarly, the CONQUER trial found that people on mid and maximum doses lost around 7% and 9% more weight, respectively, than the placebo group.
RELATED: Wegovy vs. phentermine
Wegovy vs. phentermine: Comparison |
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|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Phentermine | |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Anorectic |
| Standard dosage form | Weekly subcutaneous injection | Daily oral tablet |
| FDA-approved uses |
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| Not recommended in the following groups of people |
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| Side effects |
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| Average cost without insurance* | $1,828 | $49 |
| SingleCare coupon | Get coupon | Get coupon |
| Learn more | More Wegovy details | More phentermine details |
*Cost at time of publication
While Wegovy and phentermine are viable options for weight loss, the best choice depends on long-term goals and overall health conditions. Phentermine is generally more affordable than Wegovy, which may make it a more cost-effective option for some individuals.
Alternatives to combining Wegovy and phentermine
Several alternatives to combining Wegovy and phentermine exist. These options may include other medications that help with chronic weight management and lifestyle changes.
Other prescription medications
Other prescription medications can be effective for weight management. One option is Saxenda (liraglutide), which is similar to Wegovy. Saxenda helps people feel fuller and reduces their appetite, making it easier to manage weight. Another option is Zepbound (tirzepatide), which also works by increasing feelings of fullness and controlling hunger.
In addition to these medications, there are combination drugs like Qsymia and Contrave. Qsymia combines phentermine with topiramate, an anticonvulsant. Contrave combines naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant that also helps with smoking cessation. Together, these medications work to reduce cravings and control hunger.
RELATED: Contrave vs. phentermine
Over-the-counter options
There are also over-the-counter options for weight loss. Orlistat is a weight loss medication that you can buy without a prescription under the brand name Alli. It helps you lose weight by blocking some of the fat you eat from being absorbed in your body. This means that instead of all the fat from your meals being used, some passes through your system and is eliminated. However, Alli may cause stomach issues, like gas or oily stools, because of the fat that isn’t absorbed.
Green tea extract and garcinia cambogia are common supplements marketed for weight loss. Although these options may have fewer risks, they should still be used cautiously, especially when combined with prescription drugs. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
RELATED: Top phentermine alternatives
Lifestyle changes
Making changes to your lifestyle is important for keeping weight off in the long run. This means eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Cutting back on calories and getting more exercise can also help. It’s also important to manage stress and limit drinking and smoking. These changes don’t rely on medications but are key for losing weight and staying healthy, as they tackle some of the underlying reasons for obesity.
Consult your healthcare provider
It’s not generally recommended to combine Wegovy and phentermine due to limited studies on their effects when taken together. Wegovy and phentermine are two medications that can help with weight loss, but they work in different ways. Although taking both together might seem helpful, there are risks involved that need to be considered. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to find out which option is best for you.
Sources
- Wegovy highlights of prescribing information, Novo Nordisk Inc. (2024)
- Adipex-P highlights of prescribing information, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA (2012)
- Pharmacotherapy of obesity: an update on the available medications and drugs under investigation, eClinicalMedicine (2023)
- GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of thyroid cancer, Diabetes Care (2023)
- Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity, The New England Journal of Medicine (2021)
- Medications for obesity management: Effectiveness and value, Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (2023)
- Comparison of continuous and intermittent anorectic therapy in obesity, The BMJ (1968)
- Topiramate and phentermine, StatPearls (2023)
- Orlistat (marketed as Alli and Xenical) information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2015)