PhenterminePhentermine Hydrochloride

About Phentermine

Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine, related to amphetamine, that reduces appetite. It is labeled as a short-term (a few weeks) add-on to exercise, behavior change and calorie restriction for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or 27 or more with other risk factors such as controlled high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood lipids; it is not recommended at age 16 or younger. A 37.5 mg tablet or capsule is usually taken once a day in the morning (the Adipex-P label says before breakfast or one to two hours after it, and allows a half tablet for some people), 15 and 30 mg capsules about two hours after breakfast, and 8 mg tablets usually three times a day, half an hour before meals. Late evening doses are avoided because of insomnia. The Adipex-P label and some generic labels limit the dose to 15 mg a day in severe kidney impairment and say to avoid it in end-stage kidney disease on dialysis.

There is no boxed warning. It must not be taken with a history of heart or blood vessel disease (such as coronary artery disease, stroke, irregular heart rhythms, heart failure or uncontrolled high blood pressure), during or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor, or with an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, agitated states, a history of drug abuse, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Rare cases of primary pulmonary hypertension, a serious disease of the lung blood vessels, have been reported, and treatment is stopped if new, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or leg swelling appears; rare cases of heart valve disease have also been reported. If its effect wanes, the dose is not raised; it is stopped. A fast heartbeat, raised blood pressure, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness and dry mouth are among its side effects.

As a Schedule IV drug, a prescription can carry up to five refills within six months of the date written, and refill information can be transferred between pharmacies only once unless they share a real-time online database. The labels warn of a risk of abuse and dependence and say the least amount feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time, to limit the chance of overdose. It can impair driving, may raise blood pressure even in mild hypertension, and can lower the need for insulin or other diabetes medicines. The combination with topiramate (Qsymia) is a separate product with its own guide.

Taking Phentermine

How to take it

Follow the timing on the label for your strength: 37.5 mg once in the morning, 15 or 30 mg capsules about two hours after breakfast, 8 mg tablets usually three times a day, half an hour before meals. Avoid late evening doses, and do not take more, more often or for longer than prescribed.

If you miss a dose

MedlinePlus says to take a missed dose when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due, then skip it; never take a double dose. Since late evening doses can cause insomnia, ask the prescriber what to do if you remember only late in the day.

Storage

At room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed, away from heat and moisture and out of reach of children. Do not flush it; use a medicine take-back program.

Interactions to know about

Never during or within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor. Other weight-loss products, including over-the-counter and herbal ones, and serotonin-affecting antidepressants such as SSRIs are not recommended with it. Alcohol can cause a reaction, insulin or other diabetes medicines may need lowering, and it can weaken adrenergic neuron blocking blood pressure medicines.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Phentermine differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Because generics are sold, a prescription that allows substitution can be filled with one, while one that names Adipex-P or Lomaira and blocks substitution is priced as a brand.

Tablets, capsules and each strength are separate products, which a pharmacist cannot swap without the prescriber. A short course means a small fill, and each fill carries its own dispensing fee.

Ways to pay less for Phentermine without insurance

• Ask for a generic, and if the prescription names Adipex-P or Lomaira, make sure it does not block substitution.
• Ask whether phentermine is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• Choose your pharmacy before the first fill: refill information for a Schedule IV prescription can be transferred between pharmacies only once, unless they share a real-time online database.
• Ask the prescriber how many weeks of treatment are planned, so the quantity and refills match the short course the label intends.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Phentermine

1. 1.What time of day should I take my strength to avoid trouble sleeping?
2. 2.Is it safe with my blood pressure, diabetes or antidepressant medicines?
3. 3.How many refills does my prescription carry, and can they be transferred?
4. 4.Which symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, mean I should stop and call?

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