{"id":629944,"date":"2024-10-01T13:13:23","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T17:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629944"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:09:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:09:15","slug":"phentermine-vs-ozempic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/phentermine-vs-ozempic\/","title":{"rendered":"Phentermine vs. Ozempic: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phentermine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> are commonly prescribed for weight loss. <\/span>Phentermine<\/span><\/a>, which is classified as a <\/span>sympathomimetic amine, is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term use for weight loss. It is a Schedule IV <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>, because it has the potential for abuse and dependence. Phentermine is a stimulant that works similarly to amphetamines (such as <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a>). It is thought to promote weight loss through various mechanisms, including effects on the central nervous system, metabolic changes, and suppressing appetite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) every week. Ozempic is classified as a <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist<\/span><\/a>. It is FDA approved to help control blood sugar in adults with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. It is also FDA approved to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as heart attack, <\/span>stroke<\/span><\/a>, and death) in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss, healthcare providers often prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for this use. Off-label prescribing means that a drug is prescribed for a use that is not FDA-approved. Ozempic helps with weight loss by delaying stomach emptying, which helps regulate appetite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While both medications are commonly prescribed to help people lose weight, they differ in several ways, including their active ingredients, how they are taken, and their side effects. Keep reading to learn more about phentermine and Ozempic.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between phentermine and Ozempic?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phentermine is a s<\/span>ympathomimetic amine that is generally <\/span>taken by mouth<\/span><\/a> once daily in the morning. Alternatively, a lower dose may be taken three times daily. It is available in both brand and generic forms, although the 8 mg dose is only available as a brand-name drug. Ozempic is a brand-name <\/span>GLP-1 receptor agonist that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is injected once weekly, with a <\/span>dose<\/span><\/a> that is gradually increased under the supervision of a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between phentermine and Ozempic<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nS<\/span>ympathomimetic amine<\/span><\/td>\nGLP-1 agonist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/p>\n

Or<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\n

Brand names include Adipex-P and Lomaira<\/span><\/td>\nThere is no generic available. The active ingredient is called semaglutide.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet: 8 mg, 37.5 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral capsule: 15 mg, 30 mg<\/span><\/td>\n

Injection\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n15 to 37.5 mg by mouth once daily in the morning;<\/span><\/p>\n

or 8 mg by mouth three times daily, 30 minutes before meals<\/span><\/td>\n

Starting dose of 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly, gradually increasing to 1 mg or 2 mg weekly under healthcare provider guidance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term use<\/span><\/td>\nLong-term use<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by phentermine and Ozempic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phentermine is FDA approved for short-term use as a weight loss treatment, typically for several weeks, though some healthcare providers may prescribe it for longer with close monitoring. It can be used in people with <\/span>obesity<\/span><\/a> (with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher); or people with overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) who also have other weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozempic is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with <\/span>Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/span><\/a>. It can also be used to lower the risk of <\/span>heart attack<\/span><\/a>, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and <\/span>heart disease<\/span><\/a>. Ozempic is also prescribed off-label (for a non-FDA approved use) for weight loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both phentermine and Ozempic are generally recommended along with lifestyle changes like a reduced calorie, balanced diet, and increased physical activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Other medications contain semaglutide, but have various approved uses, including <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (a weekly injectable medicine) and Rybelsus (a daily oral medication). <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved for chronic weight management. Wegovy can also be used to <\/span>lower the risk<\/span><\/a> of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with both heart disease and overweight or obesity. <\/span>Rybelsus<\/span><\/a> is used for Type 2 diabetes blood sugar management.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nPhentermine<\/b><\/td>\nOzempic<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight loss\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardiovascular risk\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is phentermine or Ozempic more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are no direct studies comparing the effectiveness of phentermine and Ozempic for weight loss. However, we can examine their individual results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phentermine typically results in an <\/span>average weight loss<\/span><\/a> of about 4.4% of body weight over 28 weeks, although some healthcare providers may not prescribe it for that long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In contrast, <\/span>clinical studies<\/span><\/a> show that people taking semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly (available as Wegovy, but similar to a 2 mg weekly dose of Ozempic) experienced an average weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obesity is considered a <\/span>chronic medical condition<\/span><\/a>. If lifestyle changes alone do not lead to significant weight loss, experts often recommend adding medication to support these interventions. While some experts and guidelines advise against phentermine, others recommend it in specific situations. In most cases, semaglutide is favored over other weight loss medications due to its benefits. Although the 2.4 mg semaglutide dose is specific to Wegovy, using Ozempic off-label at 2 mg weekly is expected to result in similar effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both medications can have side effects. Phentermine may cause unpleasant symptoms like heart palpitations and dry mouth, while Ozempic is often associated with gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, the best medication for you should be determined by your healthcare provider, who can consider various factors to identify the best treatment for your condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of phentermine vs. Ozempic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Insurance and Medicare prescription plans generally do not cover phentermine. Many plans will cover Ozempic, but insurance coverage and copays vary. Some plans may require prior authorization, meaning the healthcare professional must provide an explanation to the insurance company for why the medication should be covered. While some plans will pay for Ozempic when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, they may not cover it when prescribed for weight loss. You can contact your insurance plan for more information and up-to-date pricing estimates.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you pay out of pocket for a one-month supply of phentermine, you would typically pay about $49. However, if you use a <\/span>free phentermine coupon discount card<\/span><\/a> at a participating pharmacy, you could pay as low as $6.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paying out of pocket for a one-month supply of Ozempic could cost about $1,317. A free<\/span> Ozempic discount card<\/span><\/a> could reduce the price to as low as $788.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Phentermine vs. Ozempic costs<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nPhentermine<\/b><\/td>\nOzempic<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n#30, 37.5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n1 box of 4, 2 mg pens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$6+<\/span><\/td>\n$788+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of phentermine vs. Ozempic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Common potential <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> of phentermine may include:<\/span><\/p>\n