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Phentermine may be known by its brand name, Adipex-P, but nationally, it is recognized as the most popular prescription weight-loss medicine. The reasons for this are simple. It is cheap and works, producing about 17 pounds of average weight loss in obese patients compared to four pounds with a placebo in a 12-week study. This success in obesity treatment comes from phentermine being both a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and an appetite suppressant. Eating less goes a long way toward addressing obesity, which can mean reducing the health risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.
Before getting too excited, enthusiasm for phentermine is lacking among physicians. The risk of high blood pressure, chest pain, anxiety, and elevated heart rate with the drug is coupled with contraindications in uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, MAO inhibitor use, and drug abuse history.
Like its cousins’ amphetamine and phendimetrazine, phentermine is a member of the stimulant class of drugs and is controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) due to its potential for misuse. The situation of a prescription medication desired by consumers and avoided by doctors leads many patients to turn to the internet to buy phentermine online.
RELATED: Phentermine side effects and how to avoid them
How to buy phentermine online
The first step is to get a valid prescription. Phentermine cannot legally be obtained without a prescription. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term use in conjunction with a diet and exercise program for weight loss. Generally, this means up to 12 weeks of use. It should not be prescribed or used during pregnancy.
An office appointment with a healthcare provider will be needed to review medical history, including diabetes, overall general condition, and weight loss attempts. Current prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements will be looked at. The medical provider will also conduct a physical exam to measure body mass index (BMI) and to determine a need for weight loss. Blood pressure will also be checked, along with an examination of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, more than a telemedicine visit is typically required before prescribing phentermine, so be suspicious of online doctors willing to prescribe it. After a thorough examination, a phentermine prescription will be written if the benefits of the medication are thought to exceed the risks.
RELATED: Is phentermine for weight loss safe?
Legality of buying phentermine online
With a prescription now in hand, attention can be turned to getting the weight loss medication. It is available as 15 mg, 30 mg, and 37.5 mg capsules or a 37.5 mg tablet, taken once daily. A typical brick-and-mortar pharmacy can certainly serve patients’ needs by providing phentermine and allowing access to a pharmacist for any questions concerning the use and safety of this appetite suppressant.
However, opting for an online pharmacy comes with risks. Ensure to avoid entities outside of the United States; it is illegal to import drugs in this manner. Even domestic online pharmacies may be unlicensed and prioritize scamming over legitimate sales.
How to find a reputable online pharmacy
The FDA has recognized that people are interested in using online pharmacies for prescription needs, including phentermine.
Hoping to steer folks clear of rogue pharmacies, the FDA has assembled the resource BeSafeRx as a guide for choosing a reputable online pharmacy. This guide will instruct on recognizing the signs of a reputable online pharmacy compared to an unsafe one. It also lists state-licensed online pharmacies to provide a good starting point in searching for where to purchase phentermine.
Additional resources include the Safe Pharmacy website from the National Association of Pharmacies, which can check any pharmacy website of interest. If an unsafe site is found, it can be reported to the FDA via the BeSafeRx site.
Precautions to take before buying phentermine online
Choosing wisely among online pharmacies to fill a phentermine prescription is critical. The drug has significant risks, and counterfeit versions could compound those risks. The DEA warns that a rogue online pharmacy may send the wrong drug or dose or an adulterated or expired form. By the appearance of the pills alone, it may be difficult to tell the difference between real and fake phentermine.
Phentermine alternatives
Take the time to decide if there are any doubts about buying phentermine online as part of a short-term plan. If cost is a concern, take a SingleCare phentermine coupon or discount card to the pharmacy for assistance in getting the lowest price. Serious side effects of phentermine or the need for a long-term solution may be a concern. For pharmaceutical alternatives to phentermine from the stimulant class or another group of medicines, consider the following:
- Alli (orlistat OTC)
- Xenical (prescription orlistat)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide off-label for weight loss)
- Rybelsus (oral semaglutide off-label for weight loss)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Victoza (liraglutide off-label for weight loss)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide off-label for weight loss)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide off-label for weight loss)
- Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate)
- Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion)
- Phendimetrazine
- Diethylpropion
Nowhere in that list is there a “miracle” weight loss product. These drugs require careful attention from the patient and prescribing provider to their adverse effect risk. Likewise, OTC diet pills and weight loss supplements may tout their ability to boost metabolism and energy levels in marketing statements and testimonials. Still, these drugs can cause problems too, and may not have scientific proof from clinical trials to support their claims.
Bring products of interest and any specific medical concerns to the healthcare professional. Ask about both the effectiveness and the most common side effects of products. The physician will want to discuss goals, the main reasons for wanting to lose weight, and any past weight reduction attempts. Knowing background information, medical conditions, blood tests, and past care needs, a healthcare provider can work together on a plan that will work not only for the months ahead but for decades to come. They will likely indicate that any chosen prescription or OTC product should be combined with a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity for success.
