Saxenda vs. Qsymia
See how Saxenda and Qsymia compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Saxenda is a daily injectable GLP-1 that slows digestion and reduces appetite, while Qsymia is a daily oral capsule combining a stimulant and an anticonvulsant to suppress appetite.
Saxenda most often causes nausea and digestive upset, while Qsymia is more likely to cause tingling, dry mouth, and sleep problems.
Qsymia is a controlled substance dispensed only through certified REMS pharmacies, while Saxenda carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumors seen in animal studies.
Saxenda vs. Qsymia Drug Summary
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite to support weight loss. It's FDA-approved for adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, and for adolescents 12-17 with obesity. It's given as a once-daily injection under the skin, with the dose increased gradually over about a month.
Qsymia
Qsymia combines phentermine, a stimulant that curbs appetite, with topiramate, an anticonvulsant that increases feelings of fullness. It's FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition, and in adolescents 12 and older with obesity. It's taken as a once-daily oral capsule, with the dose raised in stages over about four months.
Saxenda vs. Qsymia Side Effects
Saxenda
Qsymia
Saxenda vs. Qsymia Dosage
Saxenda
Qsymia
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 3 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3.75mg/23mg once daily | Days 1-14 |
| Maximum dose | 15mg/92mg once daily | Week 17 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Saxenda
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 3 mg once daily | Week 5 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every week |
Qsymia
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3.75mg/23mg once daily | Days 1-14 |
| Maximum dose | 15mg/92mg once daily | Week 17 onward |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Saxenda vs. Qsymia Indications
Saxenda
Saxenda is approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity, or who are overweight with a related condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. It's also approved for adolescents ages 12 to 17 with obesity. It isn't approved to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes directly.
Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30)
Adults overweight with a weight-related condition
Adolescents 12-17 with obesity
Used alongside diet and exercise
Qsymia
Qsymia is approved for long-term weight management in adults with obesity, or who are overweight with a related condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It's also approved for adolescents 12 and older with obesity. It isn't approved for use during pregnancy or in people with glaucoma or hyperthyroidism.
Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30)
Adults overweight with a weight-related condition
Adolescents 12+ with obesity
Used alongside diet and exercise
Saxenda vs. Qsymia Pros and Cons
Saxenda
Saxenda has over a decade of real-world use as a weight-loss GLP-1 and is approved for younger adolescents starting at 12. It requires a daily injection, which some people find less convenient than a pill, and its list price is high without insurance coverage.
Pros
FDA-approved GLP-1 with long safety track record
Approved for adolescents as young as 12
Not a controlled substance
No REMS enrollment or special pharmacy required
Cons
Requires a daily injection, not a pill
Common GI side effects like nausea and vomiting
Roughly $1,300 to $1,350 per month without insurance
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors
Qsymia
Qsymia is an oral combination pill used for weight loss since 2012, and it typically costs far less out of pocket than injectable options. It's a controlled substance requiring REMS pharmacy dispensing, with risks like mood changes and birth defects requiring monthly pregnancy testing.
Pros
Oral capsule, no injections needed
Roughly $200 to $350 per month without insurance
Longer track record as an oral weight-loss pill
No thyroid tumor boxed warning
Cons
Schedule IV controlled substance with abuse potential
Requires REMS enrollment and certified pharmacy
Risk of birth defects; contraindicated in pregnancy
Can cause memory or word-finding problems
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
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