Adipex vs. Trulicity
See how Adipex and Trulicity compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Adipex is a short-term daily stimulant pill for weight loss, while Trulicity is a once-weekly injection approved for long-term blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
Trulicity carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies, while Adipex is a Schedule IV controlled substance with its own abuse and cardiovascular risks.
Adipex is taken by mouth and costs far less per month, while Trulicity is injected weekly and typically costs several times more without insurance coverage.
Adipex vs. Trulicity Drug Summary
Adipex
Adipex (phentermine) is a sympathomimetic amine, a stimulant-class appetite suppressant approved for short-term weight loss alongside diet and exercise. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule taken once daily, sometimes split into two smaller doses. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for abuse.
Trulicity
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and for lowering cardiovascular risk in people with heart disease or multiple risk factors. It is given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a prefilled pen. Doctors also prescribe it off-label for weight loss in people without diabetes.
Adipex vs. Trulicity Side Effects
Adipex
Trulicity
Adipex vs. Trulicity Dosage
Adipex
Trulicity
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18.75 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 18.75 mg once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.75 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 1.5 mg once weekly | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 4 weeks |
Adipex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18.75 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 18.75 mg once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Trulicity
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.75 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 1.5 mg once weekly | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 4 weeks |
Adipex vs. Trulicity Indications
Adipex
Adipex is approved only for short-term use, typically a few weeks, as an add-on to diet and exercise for weight loss in adults with obesity. It is not approved for long-term weight management or for patients 16 and younger. Doctors typically use it as an early, short-course option before considering other treatments.
Short-term (a few weeks) weight-loss aid
Used with diet and exercise, not alone
Not approved for long-term use
Not approved for patients 16 or younger
Trulicity
Trulicity is approved for improving blood sugar control in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or multiple risk factors. Some doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss in people without diabetes.
Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
Approved for ages 10 and up
Lowers cardiovascular risk in at-risk adults
Off-label use for weight loss (no diabetes)
Adipex vs. Trulicity Pros and Cons
Adipex
Adipex is inexpensive, taken by mouth, and has decades of clinical use behind it, but it is only meant for short courses and carries cardiovascular and dependence risks. It is not a fit for anyone with heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, or a history of substance misuse.
Pros
Oral tablet, no injections needed
Much lower monthly cost, roughly $50 to $150
Long track record dating back to 1959
Cons
Only approved for short-term use
Controlled substance with abuse potential
Not for people with heart disease or hypertension
Trulicity
Trulicity offers long-term blood sugar control and a cardiovascular benefit with a once-weekly injection, but it carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumors and a much higher price tag. It is not appropriate for anyone with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers.
Pros
Approved for long-term, ongoing use
Once-weekly dosing instead of daily
Also reduces cardiovascular risk
Cons
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors
Much higher monthly cost, roughly $987 to $1,065
Requires injection instead of a pill
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