{"id":18308,"date":"2024-02-16T08:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T16:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=18308"},"modified":"2024-02-16T16:00:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-17T00:00:49","slug":"best-prescription-weight-loss-pills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/best-prescription-weight-loss-pills\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the best prescription weight loss pills in 2024?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If setbacks and barriers have interfered with your weight loss<\/a> journey, it may be time to consider the extra boost that weight-loss medications offer. In this article, we cover some of the best prescription weight loss pills available today along with some potential future medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting the facts on weight loss medications and how they work is crucial for finding the right fit. Once you know the basics, talk to your healthcare provider about which one may be right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Klarity lets you find a licensed healthcare provider to manage your weight loss with a tailored medically supervised weight loss<\/a> program that may include medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What available prescription weight loss pills work best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prescription weight loss medications can support healthy weight loss alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. There are several weight loss medications on the market, including oral tablets and weight loss injections<\/a>. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any prescription or over-the-counter medication or supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following are today\u2019s best prescription weight loss medications listed with the most effective first down to least effective for weight loss<\/strong> based on trials and studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight loss medication<\/strong><\/td>Potential weight loss<\/strong><\/td>Cost*<\/strong><\/td>Drugs.com rating**<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Zepbound (tirzepatide)<\/td>5-18% body weight<\/a> or up to 54 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$1,060 <\/td>8.8\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Wegovy (semaglutide)<\/td>14.9% of initial body weight<\/a> in 68 weeks or up to 45 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$1,430<\/td>7.1\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Saxenda (liraglutide)<\/td>5\u201310% body weight<\/a> or up to 30 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$1,430<\/td>7.5\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate)<\/td>5<\/a>\u2013<\/a>10% body weight<\/a> in 56 weeks or up to 30 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$211<\/td>7.7\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone)<\/td>5<\/a>\u2013<\/a>10% body weight<\/a> up to 30 lbs for 300 lb person<\/td>$668 <\/td>6.6\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Adipex-P (phentermine)<\/td>11.2% weight loss<\/a> in 6 mos or 34 lbs for a 300 lb person <\/td>$80<\/td>8.9\/10<\/td><\/tr>
Plenity<\/td>6.4% body weight<\/a> in 6 mos or 19 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$98<\/td>4\/5 per aging.com<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Xenical (orlistat)<\/td>2.4% body weight<\/a> in 4 yrs or 7 lbs for a 300 lb person<\/td>$803<\/td>8.3\/10<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*Cost of a one-month supply before insurance per drugs.com as of the date of publication.
**Unless otherwise indicated<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepbound (tirzepatide)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Newest to the market, Zepbound was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023 for chronic weight management in adults in combination with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. To take Zepbound, people need to have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or more or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition, for example, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. BMI measures body fat based on a calculation of body weight and height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepbound is an injectable medication taken once a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepbound is a name-brand version of tirzepatide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1\/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1\/GIP) dual agonist. GLP-1 and GIP are natural hormones produced in the body that inhibit glucagon secretion and prompt the secretion of insulin to help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. GLP-1\/GIP dual agonists support weight loss by binding to the body\u2019s GLP-1 and GIP receptors to reduce appetite and calorie intake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that in clinical trials, patients gained substantial weight<\/a> when they stopped taking Zepbound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In clinical trials, adults without diabetes taking Zepound lost up to 18% of their body weight<\/a> while adults with type 2 diabetes lost on average 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks. For a 300-pound person, 18% weight loss equals 54 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before insurance or manufacturer\u2019s discounts, a 28-day supply of Zepbound costs $1,060 according to drugs.com. Currently, there\u2019s no generic version of tirzepatide on the market. The identical drug is available under the brand name Mounjaro, which is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, but not weight loss. It costs roughly $1,135 for a 28-day supply per drugs.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepbound can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include skin reactions at the injection site and hair loss. For a complete list of side effects, see the Zepbound medication guide<\/a> or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zepbound has an average rating of 8.8\/10<\/a> on drugs.com when used for weight loss purposes, making it a favorite option among consumers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wegovy (semaglutide)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wegovy is a name-brand injectable semaglutide. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 for weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition. It\u2019s taken once a week. Before the approval of Zepbound, it was the first drug in its class to earn approval since 2014. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A similar medication called Ozempic<\/a> is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is often prescribed off-label<\/a> for weight loss. Wegovy and Ozempic have been so popular for weight loss, that both medications have experienced supply shortages<\/a>. Before starting either, make sure to work with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure you can find Wegovy or Ozempic in stock<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wegovy is a GLP-1<\/a> agonist. It binds to GLP-1 receptors in your stomach to reduce your appetite. It also transports glucose (sugar) into the cells, where it\u2019s used to produce energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to continue to commit to a healthy lifestyle after stopping Wegovy or you run the risk of regaining the weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their initial body weight<\/a> in 68 weeks while taking Wegovy, 12.4% more than participants on a placebo. For a 300-pound person, a 14.9% weight loss equals almost 45 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before insurance coverage or manufacturer discounts, a 28-day supply of Wegovy costs $1,430. There\u2019s currently no generic version of Wegovy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While using Wegovy, you might have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which often resolve in a few weeks. For a complete list of side effects, see the Wegovy medication guide<\/a> or talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When used for weight loss, Wegovy has a 7.1\/10 consumer rating<\/a> on drugs.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saxenda (liraglutide)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saxenda is a weight loss medication<\/a> that\u2019s injected under the skin once a day. Approved by the FDA in 2014, Saxenda is used for weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saxenda\u2019s active ingredient, liraglutide, is a GLP-1 agonist. It binds to GLP-1 receptors to slow down digestion and control appetite. Saxenda and Victoza, which is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, have the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and should not be used together or with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saxenda clinical trial<\/a> participants lost an average of 8% of their body weight after 56 weeks when combining daily liraglutide with diet and lifestyle changes. For a 300-pound person, 8% equals 24 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 30-day supply of the maintenance dose of Saxenda (3 milligrams a day) costs $1,430 per drugs.com. There are currently no lower-cost FDA-approved generic versions of Saxenda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common side effects of Saxenda are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Stopping Saxenda<\/a> can lead to digestive symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Contact your healthcare provider before stopping or changing your medications. See the Saxenda medication guide<\/a> for full details on side effects or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saxenda has an average rating of 7.5\/10<\/a> from consumers on drugs.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Qsymia is a prescription oral medication approved by the FDA in July 2012. It\u2019s intended for weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qsymia combines 2 different medications, phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that works in the brain. Topiramate is an anti-seizure medication that helps you feel fuller. It is best to take Qsymia in the morning to prevent insomnia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Qsymia clinical trials<\/a>, participants lost between 5 and 10% of their body weight in 56 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before insurance, manufacturer\u2019s benefits, and other discounts, the average cost of Qsymia is $211 a month per drugs.com. There are currently no lower-cost FDA-approved generic versions of Qsymia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milder and more common side effects when taking Qsymia are dry mouth, pins-and-needles, and symptoms similar to an upper respiratory infection. If you stop taking Qsymia suddenly, you run the risk of withdrawal symptoms<\/a>, including seizures. These are far less likely when you taper off the drug according to your provider\u2019s instructions. See the Qsymia medication guide<\/a> or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dependency warning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qsymia is a Schedule IV controlled substance<\/a> and has a high risk for addiction, especially if misused. Don\u2019t take it more often or in higher doses than prescribed by your healthcare provider, as this increases the risk of developing dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>Qsymia has an average rating of 7.7\/10<\/a> among consumers on drugs.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrave is an oral medication taken daily as part of a weight management program. Approved by the FDA for weight loss purposes in 2014, Contrave is used for weight management in adults when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrave is a combination of two drugs: bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. Together, they work to help control your appetite and cravings by affecting your brain\u2019s reward system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In clinical trials, the number of participants taking Contrave who lost 5 to 10% of their body weight<\/a> exceeded the number of participants with similar weight loss taking a placebo. For a 300-pound person, 5% equals 15 pounds and 10% equals 30 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before insurance or manufacturer\u2019s discounts, Contrave costs around $668 for a 1-month supply of the maintenance dose (2 tablets twice a day) per drugs.com. There are currently no generic versions of Contrave approved for weight loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Taking Contrave can also increase your risk of seizures and mental health complications like suicidal thoughts. Higher dosages of Contrave increase your likelihood of side effects and complications. Contrave can cause withdrawal symptoms, so only stop taking it according to your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions. See the Contrave medication guide<\/a> for a complete list of side effects or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety warning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suicidal thoughts or actions. One of the ingredients in Contrave, bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children and teenagers. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you notice any changes while taking Contrave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrave has a rating of 6.6\/10<\/a> among consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adipex-P (phentermine)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adipex-P is one of the oldest oral prescription weight loss medications available on the market. It was approved by the FDA in 1959 for short-term weight loss management for up to 12 weeks for people 16 years and older<\/a>. It\u2019s approved when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition. Dosing is 15 to 37.5 milligrams daily taken as a pill 1 to 2 hours after breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phentermine is a stimulant and the active drug in Adipex-P and another brand name drug, Lomaira. While experts aren\u2019t certain how it helps with weight loss, they suspect it affects the brain\u2019s reward system by suppressing appetite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical trials with Adipex-P resulted in an average 11.2% weight loss in 6 months<\/a> in participants. 11.2% weight loss for a 300-pound person is almost 34 Pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 30 day-supply of 37.5 milligram tablets of Adipex-P costs roughly $80, Adipex-P is one of the more affordable prescription weight loss pills. A generic phentermine, in the form of a disintegrating oral tablet, is available at $12 for 7 tablets ($28 for a 28-day supply). (Costs per drugs.com.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adipex-P is noted to cause more side effects than newer weight loss medications on the market. These include heart disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, and low blood sugar for people taking specific diabetes medications. If you stop taking Adipex-P suddenly, especially from a high dosage, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. See the Adipex-p medication guide<\/a> or talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dependency warning: <\/strong>Adipex-P is a Schedule IV controlled substance<\/a> and has a high risk for addiction, especially if misused. Don\u2019t take it more often or at higher doses than prescribed, as this increases the risk of developing dependency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adipex-P has an average user rating of 8.9\/10<\/a> on drugs.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plenity is an oral capsule that helps with weight loss. It was FDA-cleared in April 2019 as an aid that takes up space in your stomach and helps you feel fuller at mealtime and throughout the day. It\u2019s cleared to be used by adults with a BMI of 25 to 40 for weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenity is considered a medical device and not a medication because it works \u201cmechanically\u201d inside your stomach. Plenity is made of natural cellulose and citric acid. It absorbs the water in your stomach and mixes with the food you eat, which causes the capsule to expand and take up space in your stomach. It causes you to feel full and reduces your urge to eat. You take 3 capsules orally with 2 cups of water before lunch and dinner. While it makes you feel full, Plenity is not a meal replacement and has no nutritional value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program, Plenity caused trial participants to lose an average of 6.4% of their body weight<\/a> in 6 months. That equals a loss of 19 pounds for a 300-pound person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenity costs $98 for a 4-week supply according to the manufacturer\u2019s website. There\u2019s no generic equivalent for Plenity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of Plenity\u2019s side effects outlined in the medication guide<\/a> involve the digestive system and include diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain.* For more  information, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plenity has an overall rating of 4\/5<\/a> based on user feedback according to aging.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xenical (orlistat)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Xenical is a prescription weight-loss medication that contains orlistat. Xenical earned FDA approval in March 1999 for weight management in adults with a BMI over 30 or a BMI equal to or more than 27 with at least one weight-related health condition when combined with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An over-the-counter version of orlistat, sold as Alli, is a lower dose (60 g capsule) of orlistat than Xenical (120 mg capsule). Both Xenical and Alli are taken 3 times a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor, which causes the lipases (enzymes that break down fat) in the gastrointestinal tract to absorb less dietary fat. Therefore, you absorb less of the fat you eat. Xenical should be taken with a meal containing fat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When taken consistently, Xenical stops you from absorbing around 30% of the fat in your diet. In one study on the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-obesity treatment<\/a>, Xenical use resulted in an average of 2.4% body weight loss in 4 years. That\u2019s a loss of 7 pounds for a 300-pound person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before insurance or manufacturer\u2019s discounts, Xenical costs $803 for a one-month supply according to drugs.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xenical has a few mild side effects, like spotting in your underwear or gas when you first start taking it. More serious side effects include liver and kidney problems. See the Xenical medication guide<\/a> for details and talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacists if you have any questions.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people\u2019s reviews and ratings<\/a> on their experience with Xenical have been positive, earning the drug a consumer rating of 8.3\/10 on drugs.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that if you\u2019re not a candidate for prescription weight loss medications, your healthcare provider or pharmacist may recommend over-the-counter weight loss pills that are available without a prescription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

New weight loss drugs in 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several potential new weight loss medications are in ongoing clinical trials. Those approved by the FDA should be on the market in the coming months and years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How clinical trials work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before any medication or drug is made available to consumers, it goes through a drug review process that includes clinical research and\/or clinical trial<\/a> phases overseen by the FDA. These phases ensure that the medication is safe to take and works as intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During each phase, researchers gather important information on drug safety and effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n