Wegovy vs. Adipex
See how Wegovy and Adipex compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Wegovy is a once-weekly injection approved for long-term weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, while Adipex is a short-term daily pill for obesity only.
Wegovy causes mostly digestive side effects like nausea, while Adipex works as a stimulant and can cause insomnia and restlessness.
Adipex is far less expensive but is only meant for a few weeks of use, whereas Wegovy is approved for ongoing, chronic treatment.
Wegovy vs. Adipex Drug Summary
Wegovy
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. It is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or overweight, and to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with established heart disease. Dosing starts low and increases every four weeks up to a 2.4 mg maintenance dose.
Adipex
Adipex is a stimulant-class appetite suppressant taken as a daily oral tablet. It is FDA-approved only for short-term use, typically a few weeks, alongside diet and exercise for obesity. Common doses range from 15 mg to 37.5 mg once daily, with some regimens split into two smaller doses.
Wegovy vs. Adipex Side Effects
Wegovy
Adipex
Wegovy vs. Adipex Dosage
Wegovy
Adipex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 2.4 mg once weekly | Week 17 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every 4 weeks |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18.75 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Wegovy
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg once weekly | Weeks 1-4 |
| Maximum dose | 2.4 mg once weekly | Week 17 onward |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | Every 4 weeks |
Adipex
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 18.75 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 15 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Wegovy vs. Adipex Indications
Wegovy
Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who have obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, used alongside diet and exercise. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in adults with obesity or overweight and known heart disease. This dual approval sets it apart from most other weight-loss medications.
Chronic (long-term) weight management
Adults and adolescents 12+ with obesity/overweight
Used with diet and exercise
Reduces cardiovascular risk in adults with heart disease
Adipex
Adipex is approved only for short-term use, generally a few weeks, as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss in adults with obesity. It is not approved for long-term or chronic weight management, unlike GLP-1 medications. Adipex is also not approved for use in patients 16 and younger.
Short-term weight loss (a few weeks)
Adults with obesity
Used with diet and exercise
Not approved for chronic use
Wegovy vs. Adipex Pros and Cons
Wegovy
Wegovy produces substantial weight loss and is one of the few obesity medications with proven cardiovascular benefit. It requires weekly injections and carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumor risk seen in animal studies. Insurance coverage varies widely, and out-of-pocket costs can be significant.
Pros
Approved for long-term, chronic weight management
Only anti-obesity drug shown to lower cardiovascular risk
Once-weekly dosing
Approved for adolescents 12 and older
Cons
GI side effects like nausea and vomiting are common
Requires injection rather than a pill
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk
Typically costs $1,300 to $1,350 per month without insurance
Adipex
Adipex is inexpensive and easy to take as a daily pill, backed by decades of clinical use. It is only approved for short-term treatment and carries risks related to its stimulant effects and abuse potential. Patients with heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure cannot use it.
Pros
Oral tablet, no injections needed
Decades of clinical use and prescribing experience
Typically costs $50 to $150 per month without insurance
Simple once- or twice-daily dosing
Cons
Only approved for short-term use (a few weeks)
Schedule IV controlled substance with abuse potential
Contraindicated in patients with heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension
Can cause insomnia and restlessness from stimulant effects
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