GLP-1 medications were first approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021. Since then, there has been an explosion of interest in these medications since they do work well; however, they do have some drawbacks. We want to remind our patients that before the GLP-1 boom, there was a tried & true weight loss drug on the market, Phentermine, that has been in use for decades. We have seen first-hand thousands of our patients have incredible success on Phentermine.
3 Benefits of the “Original” Prescription Appetite Suppressant – Phentermine
1) Phentermine Is Inexpensive
The newer GLP-1 medications are rather expensive, costing upwards of $1,000+ per month without insurance coverage. The original prescription appetite suppressant, Phentermine, is available in the generic form making it much more affordable while still very effective. This medication costs as low as $10-$20 per month.
2) Phentermine is FDA-Approved for Weight Loss for 50+ Years
Phentermine, the most prescribed appetite suppressant, was FDA-approved for weight loss in 1959. Since its approval, tens of millions of prescriptions have been written for this and similar medications. With this level of prescribing history, the safety profile of this medication is well established.
3) Phentermine is Administered Orally (vs. Injections)The newer GLP-1 medications are peptides which are most effective when given by subcutaneous injections. This has been a complaint for many patients taking GLP-1s who are not comfortable or afraid of needles and wary of the idea of administering the injections themselves. One of the top benefits of the “original” prescription appetite suppressant, Phentermine, is that it is taken by mouth.