Madeleine Hull
Prescription diet pills are medications that are designed to aid weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese and may have weight-related medical problems. There are various prescription diet pills available, such as Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider and may be covered by insurance. While these medications can be beneficial for weight loss, they may also come with side effects and interactions with other medications that should be considered. In California, some health plans such as Medi-Cal and the San Francisco Health Plan cover prescription weight-loss medications, while others like Medicare do not.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescription diet pills available in California | Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Metformin, Rybelsus, Bupropion-naltrexone |
| Requirements to obtain prescription diet pills | Must have a BMI of at least 30, or at least 27 if there are other health issues |
| Side effects | Common but not serious side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, constipation, upset stomach, abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, dry mouth. Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis, cholecystitis, kidney injury, suicidal ideation, seizures, and opioid overdose |
| Cost | Can be expensive, ranging from $25 for the first month with a 12-month commitment to $74 per month for a 12-month commitment. Insurance may or may not cover the cost. |
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What You'll Learn
Qsymia® prescription diet pills
Qsymia® is a prescription medicine that contains phentermine and topiramate extended-release. Qsymia is clinically proven to help adults and children aged 12 and above with obesity or weight-related medical problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure to lose weight and keep it off. It is FDA-approved for weight management in children aged 12-17.
Qsymia should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is a once-daily oral medication that requires no training to administer and can fit seamlessly into any patient’s lifestyle. It is recommended that you take one Qsymia 3.75 mg/23 mg capsule once daily for the first 14 days. After this, you should take one 7.5 mg/46 mg capsule once daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage if you do not lose a certain amount of weight within the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Qsymia may cause some side effects, such as irregular vaginal bleeding while taking birth control pills, and it can also increase the risk of a birth defect called cleft lip and palate in newborns. It is important to note that you should not take Qsymia if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Other side effects include dizziness and light-headedness, especially when used with prescription sleep aids, anxiety medicines, or alcohol. There is also a risk of seizures if you stop taking Qsymia too quickly, and it is important to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the chances of kidney stones.
The Qsymia Engage Home Delivery Pharmacy Program is a cash-only program available to patients aged 18 and above in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is not available to patients in California.
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CONTRAVE® prescription weight-loss pills
CONTRAVE® is a prescription weight-loss pill that is FDA-approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
CONTRAVE® is a combination of two active drugs: naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, and bupropion, an antidepressant. It is an oral extended-release tablet, with each tablet containing 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion. When starting CONTRAVE®, the dosage is gradually increased over time, both in terms of the number of tablets and frequency.
As with any prescription medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking CONTRAVE® to ensure it is suitable for your individual needs and circumstances. It is also important to disclose all current medications, vitamins, and supplements to your doctor, as certain combinations may increase the risk of side effects. For example, taking CONTRAVE® with a high-fat meal may increase the risk of seizures, and it should not be taken with opioid-containing medicines, as this can lead to serious injury or death.
In clinical trials, most people experienced significant weight loss within four weeks of starting treatment with CONTRAVE®. However, results may vary, and it is recommended that if an individual has not lost at least 5% of their starting weight after 12 weeks of treatment, they should discontinue the medication.
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Weight loss medication side effects
Weight loss medications can have various side effects, and it is important to familiarize yourself with the potential side effects of a medication before taking it. Eligibility for weight loss medications is typically based on body mass index (BMI).
One of the most common weight loss medications is phentermine, which has been used since 1959 and in combination with topiramate since the 1990s. Phentermine works by decreasing hunger. However, it is not suitable for those with hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, heart disease, or a history of stroke. Side effects of phentermine include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremors. Interactions may occur with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, sympathomimetics, alcohol, adrenergic neuron-blocking drugs, and certain anesthetic agents. Qsymia, a prescription medicine containing phentermine and topiramate, may also cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects such as dizziness and light-headedness, especially when taken with prescription sleep aids, anxiety medications, or alcohol. Additionally, there is a risk of seizures if Qsymia is discontinued too quickly.
Another weight loss medication, orlistat, works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestines. Common side effects of orlistat include oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence.
Other weight loss medications, such as tirzepatide, which was initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes and later approved for weight loss in 2023, can cause constipation, upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea. More serious side effects of tirzepatide may include stomach, kidney, gallbladder, or pancreas problems, as well as hypoglycemia.
It is important to note that weight loss medications can also cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. Other potential side effects include gallbladder disease, an increased risk of fractures, and pancreatitis. Women taking these medications should also be on reliable birth control. Additionally, weight loss medications are typically long-term drugs, and stopping the medication may lead to rapid weight regain.
Before starting any weight loss medication, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider and discuss any concerns about side effects. Additionally, always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
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Weight loss medication and pregnancy
Weight loss medication can be a helpful tool for adults and children over 12 years old with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related medical problems. Prescription medications such as Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules), CONTRAVE (naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCl), and Orlistat (Xenical) are a few examples. However, it is essential to exercise caution when taking these medications, especially for individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Pregnant individuals are rarely included in clinical trials for new medications due to potential risks to fetuses, which creates a knowledge gap regarding the effects of weight loss medications on pregnancy. For instance, Ozempic (semaglutide) has not been studied in pregnant individuals, yet a trend of "Ozempic babies" has emerged, with various theories attempting to explain these unexpected pregnancies. Furthermore, phentermine, an ingredient in Qsymia, has been associated with fetal stroke. Herbal supplements used for weight loss have also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to consult their doctor and be transparent about their pregnancy status or plans to become pregnant before taking weight loss medication.
Weight loss medications can impact fertility, and their effect on birth control pills should be noted. GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, may interfere with how the body absorbs birth control pills, potentially reducing their effectiveness. As a result, patients taking both birth control pills and weight loss medications may unintentionally increase their chances of becoming pregnant. Doctors recommend adopting a non-hormonal form of birth control or supplementing birth control pills with a physical barrier, such as condoms or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Additionally, it is advised to stop taking weight loss medication at least two months before trying to conceive to allow time for the medication to clear from the body. While weight loss drugs may increase fertility by addressing underlying issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance, they are not fertility drugs and should not be taken with the intention of becoming pregnant. The side effects of these medications during pregnancy are a concern, and the benefits of weight loss must be weighed against the potential risks to the fetus.
In summary, while weight loss medication can be beneficial for certain individuals, it should be approached with caution by those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The potential risks to the fetus and the impact on fertility and birth control methods must be carefully considered. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of weight loss medication.
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Weight loss medication and insurance coverage
Weight loss medications are available in California, but insurance coverage for them varies. Some insurance companies may not pay for these medications, and coverage for weight loss alone is less common.
Medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide) are commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes or help with weight loss. Insurance coverage for these medications when used for weight loss varies, but they are often covered when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk reduction.
Other weight loss medications, such as Qsymia® (Phentermine and Topiramate extended-release capsules), are available by prescription and may help with weight management when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, Qsymia is a cash-only program, and insurance claims will not be processed.
Some weight-loss pills, like CONTRAVE® (naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCl), can help control hunger and cravings and are designed to aid weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) or a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem.
It is important to note that weight-loss medications can have side effects, and it is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements one is taking. Additionally, insurance companies may require prior authorization or step therapy before approving coverage for weight loss medications.
While Medicare is barred by law from covering weight loss medication due to past safety concerns, there have been recent pushes for Medicare to cover these treatments, such as with the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023.
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Frequently asked questions
Prescription diet pills that are available in California include Contrave, Qsymia, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
The requirements for prescription diet pills vary depending on the specific medication and the patient's medical history. However, in general, prescription diet pills are intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related medical issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
The side effects of prescription diet pills vary depending on the specific medication. Common but not serious side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, constipation, and upset stomach. Rare but serious side effects, which affect less than 1% of people, may include pancreatitis, cholecystitis, kidney injury, and suicidal ideation. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the potential side effects of any medication.
Coverage for prescription diet pills varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific medication. Some insurance companies may not cover weight-loss medications. It is recommended to check with your insurance company to determine if weight-loss medicines are covered.
