Medications

Your trusted resource for prescription medications and drugs, their efficacy and side effects, and the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals.

Beware of knock-off Ozempic

The shortage of Ozempic has led to many compounding pharmacies using a knock-off version of semaglutide that has not been FDA approved.

Newer GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy may increase thyroid cancer risks significantly more than what the current evidence shows.

A migraine medication called frovatriptan has shown some potential for weight loss by stimulating serotonin receptors that suppress appetite.

Semaglutide currently comes in 3 different forms: Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, each with their own pros and cons and potential side effects.

Very low-fat diets do not work well with orlistat. Because orlistat blocks fat, you actually need some fat in your diet for it to work.

Preliminary studies show Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to be more effective and have less side effects than Wegovy (semaglutide).

Wegovy is currently one of the strongest GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. However, it also has the strongest side effects and highest costs.

Plenity forms a gel in the stomach, and much like any soluble fiber supplements, it helps to manage appetite by bulking the stomach.

Saxenda tends to be the most effective option, but is the most costly. Xenical is the least effective, but can teach you dietary control.

Qsymia is the most effective but costliest for weight loss, while phentermine works strongest in the short term, but quickly loses efficacy.

Orlistat (Xenical) can be effective, but requires you to closely follow a proper diet for it to work properly, which can be frustrating.

Weight loss medications have become very effective over the years but still need to be used properly and cannot replace a diet or lifestyle.