An Affordable Option for Proven Weight Loss Success

In the treatment of obesity, sustainable and affordable solutions matter. Phentermine/topiramate, a once-daily oral combination medication, continues to stand out as one of the most effective and accessible prescription weight loss therapies available today. It works by targeting both appetite and metabolism, helping patients lose meaningful weight and keep it off.

How Phentermine/Topiramate Works

This medication combines two agents that work synergistically:

• Phentermine: A stimulant that suppresses appetite and increases resting metabolic rate, helping the body burn more calories even at rest.

• Topiramate extended-release: Helps patients feel full sooner, reduces cravings (especially for sugar and processed foods), and may decrease emotional or reward-based eating.

Together, they address both caloric intake and energy expenditure, which explains the strong clinical results.

How Effective Is Phentermine/Topiramate?

This combination has shown some of the best results of any oral weight loss therapy:

• On the highest dose, patients lost an average of 10–11% of their starting weight over one year.

• Nearly 50% of patients lost more than 10% of their body weight.

• Over 75% of patients lost at least 5%, a threshold associated with major improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation.

Long-term studies have shown sustained weight loss for up to two years, particularly when combined with lifestyle modifications.

Additional Health Benefits

Patients taking phentermine/topiramate often experience:

• Lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting glucose

• Reduced waist circumference, indicating decreased visceral fat

• Improved energy, sleep, and mobility

• Delay or prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients

Flexible Dosing

Phentermine/topiramate comes in multiple dose strengths, making it highly customizable:

• Most patients start on a low dose, with gradual increases depending on tolerance and response.

• Providers can adjust the dose to find the right balance between effectiveness and side effects.

This flexibility makes it a valuable option for a wide range of patients, including those who may not tolerate higher doses.

Cost and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of phentermine/topiramate is its affordability and ease of use:

💊 Typically $10–15 per month with a savings card💊 Available at most retail pharmacies💊 Oral capsule—no injections, refrigeration, or specialty handling required

This makes it far more accessible than newer injectable weight loss medications, which often cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month.

Who Should Not Take It?

Phentermine/topiramate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of birth defects and is not appropriate for individuals with:

• Glaucoma

• Untreated hyperthyroidism

• Recent or unstable cardiovascular disease

Monitoring includes heart rate, mood and sleep changes, and electrolytes, particularly bicarbonate and potassium.

Bottom Line

Phentermine/topiramate remains one of the most effective, customizable, and affordable oral treatments for chronic weight management. By combining appetite suppression, metabolic enhancement, and craving reduction in a single daily capsule, it helps patients achieve and sustain meaningful weight loss.

With nearly half of users losing over 10% of their body weight, and costs as low as $10–15 per month, phentermine/topiramate is a smart, accessible choice for many patients ready to improve their health through medically supported weight loss.

Would you like this adapted for an FAQ handout or a shorter version for social media?

Take Back Your Treatment Access,

Valerie Hope-Slocum Sutherland, MD