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Treatments
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Weight Loss
Compounded, not FDA approved

Phentermine

Compounded oral phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled substance

A compounded oral appetite suppressant prescribed after a provider evaluation as part of a medically supervised weight program. It is not FDA approved.

Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Prescription medication. Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Phentermine
At a glance
Dosing and schedule are set by your provider
Form and route
Oral
Frequency
As directed by your prescriber
Storage
As directed on your pharmacy label
Category
Weight Loss
Gallery

See it before your first visit

Photographs of the medication as dispensed.

Overview

What it is

Phentermine is a compounded oral medication prescribed by a licensed provider as part of a medically supervised weight program. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

It is a compounded medication. It is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Mechanism

How it works

Phentermine is a stimulant that acts on the nervous system to reduce appetite. Your provider will explain the dose and when to take it.

The program

What to expect

Your provider will tell you how and when to take it, will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure, and will review your progress at follow-ups. Dry mouth and trouble sleeping are common. Results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.

Candidacy

Who it is for

Phentermine is prescribed by a licensed provider after an evaluation. It is not appropriate for everyone. Tell your provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, a history of substance misuse, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tolerability

Side effects

Common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, nervousness, constipation, and dizziness. Contact your provider right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or swelling in your legs.

Safety information and disclosures

Read this before you start

Compounded, not FDA approved
Prescription only
Provider supervision required

Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.

Compounded medication. Phentermine is compounded by a pharmacy for an individual patient. It is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Controlled substance. Phentermine is a Schedule IV controlled substance. It can be habit forming. Take it only as prescribed and do not share it.

Heart and blood pressure. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Do not use it if you have heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure unless your provider says it is appropriate.

MAOIs. Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI.

Pregnancy. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your provider about all medications you take, including stimulants and antidepressants.

This page is for general information and is not medical advice.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship, does not replace a consultation, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.
Questions

Common questions

Is Phentermine FDA approved?

Not as a compounded medication. The FDA has not evaluated compounded versions for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Is it a controlled substance?

Yes. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance and requires a valid prescription.

How is it taken?

By mouth, as directed by your prescriber and pharmacy label.