Leena Watts
The cost of prescription diet pills varies depending on the brand and dosage. For example, the retail price of Qsymia ranges from $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply, while Plenity, a medical device sold as a weight-loss aid, costs $98 for a 4-week supply. Phentermine, another popular option, can be purchased for as little as $10. Other prescription weight loss medications include Wegovy, which costs $13,600 annually, and Contrave, which costs $199 if not covered by insurance. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these pills is often dependent on combining them with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Additionally, these medications are typically prescribed for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescription weight-loss pills | Qsymia, Wegovy, Contrave, Plenity, Phentermine, Orlistat, Saxenda, Setmelanotide, Evekeo, Benzphetamine, Desoxyn |
| Effectiveness | Qsymia is the most effective prescription weight-loss pill, with about 70% of adults losing at least 5% of their body weight after 1 year. Close to 50% of participants lost at least 10% of their body weight. |
| Cost | The retail price of Qsymia ranges from about $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply. Phentermine can be had for as little as $10. The annual net price of Wegovy is $13,600. Plenity is sold for $98 for a 4-week supply. If you don't have insurance, Contrave costs $199. |
| Side effects | Phentermine is an amphetamine and a controlled substance due to the risk of addiction or abuse. Wegovy side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. |
| Requirements | Doctors may prescribe weight-loss medication to patients with a BMI of 27 or higher and weight-related health conditions. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Qsymia: $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply
Qsymia is a prescription weight-loss pill that combines phentermine with the seizure/migraine drug topiramate. Phentermine curbs your appetite, while topiramate causes weight loss by helping you feel full, making foods taste less appealing, and burning more calories. Qsymia is typically taken as a once-daily oral capsule and is meant to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The retail price of Qsymia ranges from $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply, depending on the dosage and the pharmacy. The average cost for 30 capsules of 7.5mg/46mg of Qsymia is $176.31 with a free GoodRx coupon, which is almost 26% off the average retail price of $237.25. The Qsymia Engage Home Delivery Pharmacy Program offers a cash price of $98 for a 30-day prescription, but it does not process insurance claims. Additionally, the manufacturer Vivus has a program to assist with out-of-pocket expenses.
It is important to note that Qsymia may not be suitable for everyone. It is not recommended for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant as it can cause birth defects. Patients who can become pregnant should undergo monthly pregnancy tests while taking Qsymia and use effective birth control consistently. Furthermore, Qsymia should not be taken by individuals with glaucoma, thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), or allergies to topiramate or phentermine.
Qsymia has been shown to be effective in weight loss. In initial studies, around 70% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year, and nearly 50% lost at least 10%. However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and side effects with a healthcare professional before starting this or any other weight-loss medication.
Ear Wax and Diet: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Contrave: $199 without insurance
Contrave is a prescription-only, FDA-approved weight-loss medication that combines bupropion and naltrexone into one pill. The price of Contrave without insurance is listed at $840 for 120 tablets, which is a one-month supply. This amounts to about $28 per day and over $10,000 annually. However, Contrave's website states that if you don't have insurance or if your insurance doesn't cover Contrave, you will pay no more than $199.
The CurAccess™ Patient Support Program offers Contrave for $99 or less per month. The price of Contrave can vary depending on your pharmacy and insurance. The Contrave Savings Coupon Card can also be used to reduce the cost, although it cannot be used if you are a Medicaid Beneficiary. Medicare Part D and TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible for the Contrave Savings Coupon Card.
The two drugs that make up Contrave, bupropion and naltrexone, are available as generic options and are much cheaper when purchased separately. Bupropion retails for about $100 for 60, 150 mg tablets, while naltrexone retails for $150 for 30, 50 mg tablets. However, the doses of these drugs in their generic versions differ from those in Contrave, so a healthcare provider would need to advise on how to get close to similar doses.
Prescription weight-loss drugs are a popular and effective treatment for obesity and health problems related to being overweight. They are intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. However, it is important to note that prescription weight-loss medications may not work for everyone, and different medications or combinations of medications will suit different people best.
Hummus on South Beach Diet Phase 1: Yay or Nay?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phentermine: as little as $10
Phentermine is a weight loss pill that has been available since the 1950s. It is an amphetamine and a controlled substance due to the risk of addiction and abuse. It is typically used in the short term and alongside a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and exercise.
The cost of phentermine can vary depending on several factors, including the form of the drug, whether it is a brand name or generic, your location, and insurance coverage. Without insurance, generic phentermine can cost between $8 and $25 for a 30-day supply, while the brand-name version, Adipex-P, can cost around $11 to $25 for the same duration.
GoodRx offers prices starting at $12.82, with GoodRx Gold offering prices as low as $9.52. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, phentermine can be purchased for as little as $10.
If you have insurance, you may be able to get lower prices by filling your prescriptions through your plan's mail-order pharmacy. Additionally, filling a 90-day supply at once may reduce your total cost.
Alcohol and Dieting: Friends or Foes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wegovy: $13,600 annually
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 for use in adults and children aged 12 years or older with obesity or a high BMI. The dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg dosage. This gradual progression can help to reduce side effects, which include gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It is intended to be used indefinitely, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
The annual net price of Wegovy is estimated by the Kaiser Family Foundation to be $13,600. This high cost is typical of GLP-1s. Wegovy is available as cartons of four prefilled pens. There is currently no generic alternative to Wegovy, which may be a factor in its high cost.
Other prescription weight-loss pills are available at a lower cost. Qsymia, for example, is a combination of phentermine and topiramate, and it retails for around \$210 to \$280 for a 1-month supply, depending on the dosage and pharmacy. Phentermine alone can be purchased for as little as $10. Plenity, a medical device in the form of hydrogel capsules, is available for \$98 for a 4-week supply.
Clenbuterol and Dieting: What's the Real Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plenity: $98 for a 4-week supply
Prescription weight-loss pills are most effective when combined with a nutritious diet and routine exercise. The cost of prescription diet pills varies depending on the brand, dosage, and pharmacy. For example, the retail price of Qsymia ranges from $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply. On the other hand, Plenity, a prescription weight-loss capsule, costs $98 for a 4-week supply.
Plenity is unique among prescription weight-loss aids because it is classified as a medical device rather than a drug. It is composed of a hydrogel made from cellulose and citric acid, which expands in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake. This mechanism of action is different from other prescription diet pills, which typically work by reducing appetite or increasing metabolism.
Plenity has been clinically proven effective in a 24-week study, where participants lost an average of 6.4% of their body weight, compared to 4.4% in the placebo group. It is important to note that Plenity should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan to achieve optimal results. The side effects of Plenity are generally mild and include bloating, abdominal pain, and flatulence, which are similar to the effects of increasing dietary fiber intake.
The cost of Plenity at $98 for a 4-week supply is relatively affordable compared to other prescription weight-loss medications, which can cost upwards of $1,400 per month. Some insurance plans may also cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs of Plenity, making it an accessible option for those seeking prescription weight-loss aids.
When considering prescription diet pills, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option based on individual health goals, preferences, and medical history. The decision should also take into account the potential side effects and cost of the medication.
How Diet Changes Can Reduce Phlegm and Coughing
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The retail price of Qsymia ranges from $210 to $280 for a 1-month supply, depending on the dosage and pharmacy.
The annual net price of Wegovy is estimated to be $13,600.
Contrave costs $199 without insurance.
Phentermine can be purchased for as little as $10.
Plenity costs $98 for a 4-week supply.
