# HealthyStudy

> HealthyStudy is a reference to what FDA-approved drug labels say about medications for weight loss, hair loss, skin and heartburn. The factual part of every medication page is extracted from the label the manufacturer filed with the US Food and Drug Administration, and every page links to that document. The site sells nothing, refers nobody to a seller, credits no medical reviewer, and gives no medical advice.

What is here:

- 4 categories, weight loss, hair loss, skin and heartburn, and nothing outside them.
- 26 medication pages, one per active ingredient, built from 40 FDA labels.
- 24 comparison pages, each setting two labels side by side.
- 8 pages about the site itself, including where it gets its facts and what it refuses to publish.
- The catalogue last changed on 16 August 2026.

Where the facts come from:

- The prescribing information for prescription medications and the Drug Facts label for products sold over the counter, read through openFDA and DailyMed, both published by the US National Library of Medicine. These are public documents of the US government.
- Approved uses, strengths, dosage forms, administration, boxed warnings, warnings, contraindications, interactions and reported adverse reactions are taken from those labels automatically. They are not retyped, paraphrased or summarised by hand.
- Whether an approved generic exists is counted from the FDA application register rather than asserted from memory, and the number of approved generic applications is printed on the page.
- Where a price appears it is the NADAC figure published weekly by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That is the average acquisition cost a pharmacy in the United States pays to buy the medication. It is not a retail price and not what a person pays at a counter.
- Every medication page shows the version and the effective date of the label it was built from, and links to the full document on DailyMed.

What is written by the editorial team:

- Comparisons between two labels, plain-language notes on how a medication works, the state of generics, what affects cost, and answers to common questions. These sections are marked as ours on the page, separately from the sections taken from the label.
- No medical reviewer is credited anywhere on this site, because none has reviewed these pages. There is no "medically reviewed by" line, and putting one under text no clinician has read would be a lie.
- The editorial team does not hold clinical qualifications and does not claim any.

What this site does not do:

- It does not sell medication, take commission on it, run enquiry forms, pass anyone's details to a pharmacy or a clinic, or link to sellers of prescription medication. It is funded by advertising.
- It gives no medical advice and makes no recommendation to take, avoid or stop anything. This is the disclaimer printed on every medication and comparison page: This page is a reference, not medical advice. It reports what the FDA-approved label states and links to that label. It does not tell anyone what to take, and it cannot replace a conversation with a doctor or pharmacist who knows the person's history.
- It does not rank medications against each other. Where two products were approved on separate trials that were never designed to compare them, the pages say so instead of presenting the numbers as a ranking.
- It publishes nothing aimed at obtaining prescription medication without a prescription, and it copies no descriptions from other health sites.

If you quote a page:

- The underlying source for any factual claim is the FDA label named and linked on that page. Citing the label alongside the page keeps the claim checkable.
- Keep the distinction the pages are built around: one active ingredient can hold several separate FDA approvals under different brand names, and a brand approved for one condition is not approved for another. Losing that distinction is the most common error made about these medications.
- Sentences from a medication page describe what a regulator approved. They do not describe what any particular person should do, and presenting them as advice misrepresents the source.

## Weight loss

- [Weight loss medications and what the FDA label actually says](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/): Weight loss medications compared against their FDA prescribing information: approved uses, strengths, dosing, warnings and side effects, with a link to every source label.
- [Ozempic vs Wegovy](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/ozempic-vs-wegovy/): Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide but hold separate FDA approvals with different indications and maximum doses. Compared straight from both labels.
- [Rybelsus vs Ozempic](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/rybelsus-vs-ozempic/): Rybelsus is semaglutide taken as a daily tablet, Ozempic is semaglutide injected weekly. Both are approved for type 2 diabetes and neither for weight loss. From both FDA labels.
- [Trulicity vs Ozempic](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/trulicity-vs-ozempic/): Trulicity is dulaglutide, Ozempic is semaglutide. Both are weekly GLP-1 injections approved for type 2 diabetes, and neither is approved for weight loss. From both FDA labels.
- [Mounjaro vs Zepbound](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/mounjaro-vs-zepbound/): Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide from the same manufacturer, approved for different conditions. What each FDA label covers, side by side.
- [Wegovy vs Zepbound](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/wegovy-vs-zepbound/): Wegovy and Zepbound are both approved by the FDA for chronic weight management but contain different active ingredients. What each label states, compared directly.
- [Contrave vs Qsymia](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/contrave-vs-qsymia/): Contrave and Qsymia are oral combination medications approved for chronic weight management. What each FDA label covers, including their different warnings.
- [Mounjaro vs Ozempic](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/mounjaro-vs-ozempic/): Mounjaro and Ozempic contain different active ingredients and are both approved for type 2 diabetes. Neither label lists weight loss. Compared straight from both documents.
- [Saxenda vs Victoza](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/saxenda-vs-victoza/): Saxenda and Victoza both contain liraglutide and hold separate FDA approvals for different conditions, with different maximum doses. Compared straight from both labels.
- [Xenical vs Alli](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/xenical-vs-alli/): Xenical and Alli both contain orlistat at different strengths, one on prescription and one over the counter. What each FDA label covers, compared directly.
- [Phentermine vs Qsymia](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/phentermine-vs-qsymia/): Phentermine alone is approved for a few weeks of use. Qsymia contains phentermine with topiramate and is approved for long term weight maintenance. Compared from both labels.
- [Semaglutide](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/semaglutide/): GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Wegovy. The same ingredient is also on the page under Ozempic injection; Rybelsus and Ozempic tablets, approved for other conditions and not for weight loss.
- [Tirzepatide](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/tirzepatide/): GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Zepbound. The same ingredient is also on the page under Mounjaro, approved for other conditions and not for weight loss.
- [Liraglutide](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/liraglutide/): GLP-1 receptor agonist. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Saxenda. The same ingredient is also on the page under Victoza, approved for other conditions and not for weight loss.
- [Phentermine hydrochloride](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/phentermine/): Sympathomimetic amine anorectic. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Phentermine hydrochloride and Lomaira.
- [Phentermine and topiramate extended-release](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/phentermine-topiramate/): Combination anorectic and antiepileptic. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Qsymia.
- [Naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/naltrexone-bupropion/): Combination opioid antagonist and aminoketone antidepressant. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Contrave.
- [Orlistat](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/orlistat/): Lipase inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under Xenical and Alli.
- [Dulaglutide](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/dulaglutide/): GLP-1 receptor agonist. Carries no FDA approval for weight loss, which the page states at the top. Built from the Trulicity label, which covers what it is approved for instead.
- [Metformin hydrochloride](https://healthystudy.org/weight-loss/metformin/): Biguanide. Carries no FDA approval for weight loss, which the page states at the top. Built from the Metformin hydrochloride label, which covers what it is approved for instead.

## Hair loss

- [Hair loss medications and what the FDA label actually says](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/): Hair loss medications compared against their FDA labels: which are approved for hair loss, which are not, plus strengths, directions, warnings and source documents.
- [Finasteride vs minoxidil](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/finasteride-vs-minoxidil/): Finasteride and topical minoxidil are the only two ingredients approved by the FDA for pattern hair loss. What each label covers, who it covers and how it is used.
- [Propecia vs Proscar](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/propecia-vs-proscar/): Propecia and Proscar are both finasteride, at 1 mg and 5 mg. One is approved for male pattern hair loss, the other for an enlarged prostate. Compared straight from both FDA labels.
- [Finasteride vs dutasteride](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/finasteride-vs-dutasteride/): Finasteride is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride is not approved for hair loss in the United States. What each label covers and how the two differ.
- [Finasteride](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/finasteride/): Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for hair loss under Propecia. The same ingredient is also on the page under Proscar, approved for other conditions and not for hair loss.
- [Minoxidil](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/minoxidil/): Topical hair regrowth treatment. Approved by the FDA for hair loss under Men's Rogaine Extra Strength and Women's Rogaine.
- [Dutasteride](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/dutasteride/): Type I and type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Carries no FDA approval for hair loss, which the page states at the top. Built from the Avodart label, which covers what it is approved for instead.
- [Spironolactone](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/spironolactone/): Aldosterone antagonist and potassium-sparing diuretic. Carries no FDA approval for hair loss, which the page states at the top. Built from the Aldactone label, which covers what it is approved for instead.
- [Ketoconazole](https://healthystudy.org/hair-loss/ketoconazole/): Antifungal. Carries no FDA approval for hair loss, which the page states at the top. Built from the Nizoral A-D shampoo label, which covers what it is approved for instead.

## Skin

- [Acne and rosacea medications, and what the FDA label actually says](https://healthystudy.org/skin/): Acne and rosacea medications compared against their FDA labels: approved uses, strengths, directions, warnings and what each label does and does not claim.
- [Retin-A vs Renova](https://healthystudy.org/skin/retin-a-vs-renova/): Retin-A Micro and Renova are both tretinoin, approved by the FDA for different things. What each label covers, and what the Renova label says it does not do.
- [Oracea vs ordinary doxycycline](https://healthystudy.org/skin/oracea-vs-doxycycline/): Oracea is a 40 mg doxycycline approved for rosacea. Ordinary doxycycline is an antibiotic. What each FDA label covers, and what Oracea says it must not be used for.
- [Tretinoin vs adapalene](https://healthystudy.org/skin/tretinoin-vs-adapalene/): Tretinoin and adapalene are both retinoids approved for acne, but one needs a prescription and the other does not. What each FDA label covers and how they are used.
- [Metronidazole vs ivermectin for rosacea](https://healthystudy.org/skin/metronidazole-vs-ivermectin/): Topical metronidazole and ivermectin are both approved for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. What each FDA label covers and what neither of them explains.
- [Isotretinoin vs tretinoin](https://healthystudy.org/skin/isotretinoin-vs-tretinoin/): Both are forms of vitamin A approved for acne, one swallowed and one applied to the skin. The labels describe different severities, different courses and very different warnings.
- [Clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide vs adapalene](https://healthystudy.org/skin/clindamycin-benzoyl-vs-adapalene/): One is a prescription gel containing an antibiotic, the other an over the counter retinoid. What each FDA label covers, including a contraindication that surprises people.
- [Oracea vs Soolantra](https://healthystudy.org/skin/oracea-vs-soolantra/): Both are approved for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea, one a capsule and one a cream. Neither label covers the redness. Compared straight from both documents.
- [Tretinoin](https://healthystudy.org/skin/tretinoin/): Topical retinoid. Approved by the FDA for skin under Retin-A Micro and Renova.
- [Adapalene](https://healthystudy.org/skin/adapalene/): Topical retinoid. Approved by the FDA for skin under Differin gel.
- [Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide](https://healthystudy.org/skin/clindamycin-benzoyl-peroxide/): Topical antibacterial combination. Approved by the FDA for skin under Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel.
- [Isotretinoin](https://healthystudy.org/skin/isotretinoin/): Oral retinoid. Approved by the FDA for skin under Isotretinoin capsules.
- [Doxycycline](https://healthystudy.org/skin/doxycycline/): Tetracycline-class antibacterial. Approved by the FDA for skin under Oracea. The same ingredient is also on the page under Doryx MPC, approved for other conditions and not for skin.
- [Metronidazole](https://healthystudy.org/skin/metronidazole/): Topical antibacterial. Approved by the FDA for skin under Metronidazole topical gel.
- [Ivermectin](https://healthystudy.org/skin/ivermectin/): Topical antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory. Approved by the FDA for skin under Soolantra.

## Heartburn

- [Heartburn medications and what the FDA label actually says](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/): Heartburn and reflux medications compared against their FDA labels: which are sold over the counter, which need a prescription, approved uses, doses and warnings.
- [Nexium vs Nexium 24HR](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/nexium-vs-nexium-24hr/): Nexium and Nexium 24HR are both esomeprazole. One is a prescription medicine for reflux disease and ulcers, the other a 14-day course sold over the counter. From both FDA labels.
- [Prilosec OTC vs Nexium 24HR](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/prilosec-vs-nexium/): Prilosec OTC is omeprazole, Nexium 24HR is esomeprazole. Both are 20 mg, once daily, for 14 days. What the FDA labels say about the difference, and what they do not.
- [Pepcid AC vs Prilosec OTC](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/pepcid-vs-prilosec/): Pepcid AC is famotidine, Prilosec OTC is omeprazole. One label allows taking it before a meal to prevent heartburn, the other describes a 14-day course. Straight from both.
- [Protonix vs omeprazole](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/protonix-vs-omeprazole/): Protonix is pantoprazole, prescription only. Omeprazole is prescription and also sold over the counter. What each FDA label approves, and where the lists diverge.
- [Omeprazole](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/omeprazole/): Proton pump inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for heartburn under Prilosec OTC and Omeprazole delayed-release capsules.
- [Esomeprazole](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/esomeprazole/): Proton pump inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for heartburn under Nexium and Nexium 24HR.
- [Lansoprazole](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/lansoprazole/): Proton pump inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for heartburn under Prevacid and Prevacid 24 HR.
- [Pantoprazole](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/pantoprazole/): Proton pump inhibitor. Approved by the FDA for heartburn under Protonix.
- [Famotidine](https://healthystudy.org/heartburn/famotidine/): Histamine-2 receptor antagonist. Approved by the FDA for heartburn under Pepcid AC and Famotidine tablets.

## About this site

- [What the FDA label actually says, without the sales pitch](https://healthystudy.org/): Front page: the categories, every comparison, and how a page here is assembled.
- [About HealthyStudy](https://healthystudy.org/about/): Who publishes the site, what it refuses to publish, and how it is funded.
- [Every FDA label behind this catalogue](https://healthystudy.org/fda-labels/): Index of all source documents: what each label approves, its FDA application number, the version and date it was read from, and a link to the document on DailyMed.
- [What the FDA changed in these labels](https://healthystudy.org/label-changes/): Running record of revisions to the source labels: which product, which sections changed, and the exact wording added or removed. The FDA publishes no such feed.
- [How we source these pages](https://healthystudy.org/how-we-source/): Which documents the pages are built from, which parts are taken from the label automatically and which are written by the editorial team, and what is deliberately left out.
- [Contact](https://healthystudy.org/contact/): One email address for corrections, questions about sources and press. It also states what the site cannot answer: nothing about what a particular person should take.
- [Privacy policy](https://healthystudy.org/privacy/): What the site collects, which is no personal data: no accounts, no forms, no mailing list.
- [Terms of use](https://healthystudy.org/terms/): The terms the site is published on, including the medical disclaimer and the status of the source documents.

Contact: info@healthystudy.org. Sitemap: https://healthystudy.org/sitemap.xml