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Looking for information on how to get a Qsymia prescription for weight loss? This guide covers everything you need to know, from how Qsymia works and who it’s for to how to get it online and what to expect from the process. You’ll also find a comparison of top telehealth platforms, tips if your provider says no, and answers to common questions.
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What is Qsymia, and how does it work?
Qsymia is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It combines phentermine (an appetite suppressant) with extended-release topiramate (an anticonvulsant). Together, these ingredients help support long-term weight loss when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Phentermine is a stimulant that reduces appetite. Topiramate’s exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it may help promote fullness and reduce food cravings.
Qsymia is available in four dose levels, usually starting with 3.75 milligrams of phentermine and 23 milligrams of topiramate daily for 14 days, then increasing. If you’ve lost less than 3% of your body weight after 12 weeks, your provider may increase your dose further, up to a maximum dose of 15 milligrams of phentermine and 92 milligrams of topiramate daily. Treatment is usually discontinued if you’ve lost less than 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks at the highest dose.
Does Qsymia have to be prescribed by a doctor?
Qsymia contains phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled substance, and can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. It’s not available over-the-counter.
Before prescribing Qsymia, your provider will assess your health history, current medications, BMI, and possible risks, such has pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or hypokalemia (low potassium levels). If appropriate, they’ll send your prescription to a certified pharmacy.
Under the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, only prescribers and pharmacies certified in the Qsymia REMS program are authorized to prescribe or dispense the medication, particularly for individuals who may become pregnant.
Can you get a Qsymia prescription online?
You can get a Qsymia prescription through a telehealth platform if a licensed provider certified in the Qsymia REMS program determines it’s medically appropriate. The online process includes an intake form, virtual consultation, and, if eligible, a prescription sent to a certified pharmacy.
Telehealth providers follow the same safety protocols and REMS requirements as in-person care.
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How to get a Qsymia prescription online?
The telehealth process for Qsymia is straightforward and mirrors what you’d expect at an in-person clinic. Here’s what to expect:
1. Choose a telehealth provider
Select a reputable platform that offers weight-loss care and Qsymia prescriptions, such as Klarity Health, Qsymia Engage (ChooseQ), MEDvidi, Plushcare, or Hims.
2. Complete your intake
You’ll fill out a medical questionnaire that includes:
- Height, weight, and BMI
- Weight-loss history and goals
- Current medications and supplements
- Any chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Potential contraindications like pregnancy, glaucoma, or MAOI use
- Lifestyle habits (e.g., exercise, diet, alcohol use)
3. Attend a virtual consultation
A licensed provider will review your intake, confirm eligibility, and recommend a starting dose if Qsymia is appropriate. They’ll also go over possible side effects and monitoring requirements.
4. Complete required labs
Providers may order lab tests to ensure Qsymia is safe for you. These often include:
- Serum electrolytes and bicarbonate
- Creatinine (to assess kidney function)
- Liver function tests
- A pregnancy test (if applicable)
5. Receive your prescription
If approved, your provider will send the prescription to a certified pharmacy. Some platforms help verify insurance coverage or offer cash-pay pricing.
6. Begin follow-up care
Most providers schedule follow-ups every 4–8 weeks to check progress and manage any side effects. Labs may be repeated periodically.
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Top telehealth platforms to get a Qsymia prescription online
| Platform | Consult Fee | Lab Requirements | Turnaround Time | Extra Features |
| Klarity Health | Pay-as-you-go | Yes, via partnered labs | ~24 hours | Transparent pricing, weight coach follow-ups |
| Qsymia Engage | ~$45 | Yes, REMS labs | Same day | Official program by the manufacturer |
| MEDvidi | Standard telehealth | Yes | Within days | Multiple weight-loss med options |
| Plushcare | Membership or ~$99 | Yes | 1–3 business days | Full primary care services |
| Hims | ~$59 consult + subscription | Yes | 2–4 days | Subscription model, easy refill options |
- Klarity Health: Known for fast access (appointments often available in 24 hrs), transparent costs, and weight‑management support.
- Qsymia Engage (ChooseQ): Manufacturer-run program with defined lab and consult flow.
- MEDvidi: Focused on weight-loss, offering Qsymia if appropriate.
- Plushcare: Front-line telehealth with prescription capability.
- Hims: Quick-access platform with monthly subscription pricing.
All platforms follow FDA/REMS standards, ensuring patient safety.
Other ways to get a Qsymia prescription
You can also get a Qsymia prescription through:
- In-person clinics: Visit a primary care physician, endocrinologist, or specialist in obesity management.
- Weight-loss clinics: Some offer Qsymia as part of comprehensive treatment programs.
- Insurance-covered programs: Most insurers require prior authorization before covering Qsymia. Check your plan for details.
What if my provider refuses to give me a Qsymia prescription
If your provider declines to prescribe Qsymia, consider the following steps:
- Ask why: Qsymia may be contraindicated if you have conditions like pregnancy, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, mood disorders, or if you’ve recently used MAO inhibitors.
- Discuss alternatives: Your provider might suggest starting at a lower dose, trying a different weight-loss medication (like phentermine, Contrave, or a GLP-1), or focusing on lifestyle changes first.
- Seek a second opinion: Look for a provider with experience in weight-loss treatment—either in-person or via telehealth.
- Propose a monitored trial: Offer to start with labs, check-ins every 4–6 weeks, and a plan to stop if there’s no significant weight loss or side effects develop.
- Appeal through insurance: If your insurance denies coverage, your provider can help you submit an appeal with documentation of medical necessity.
How to tell my provider about getting a Qsymia prescription
If you’re considering Qsymia, here’s how to start the conversation:
- Share your BMI and any related health conditions (e.g., prediabetes).
- Explain your goals and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
- Ask if Qsymia could support your plan and whether you meet the criteria.
- Discuss monitoring, side effects, and when to adjust or stop the medication.
Getting a prescription for Qsymia is straightforward
Qsymia is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication that can be prescribed by a licensed, REMS program-certified provider if it’s medically appropriate. With the rise of telehealth, getting a Qsymia prescription online is now safe, legal, and convenient, especially when using trusted platforms like Klarity Health.
Ready to get a Qsymia prescription online?
Join thousands of people taking control of their health. Book an online visit with Klarity Health and connect with a provider in as little as 24 hours.* Transparent pricing starts at $51 per visit with no hidden fees, and you can use FSA/HSA for reimbursement. If prescribed, your medication can be sent to your preferred pharmacy quickly and securely.
FAQs about how to get Qsymia prescription
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
