CDM College Health Education Series

Duromine is a prescription medicine used to help reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese. It contains the active ingredient phentermine, which is an appetite suppressant. It works on the appetite-control area of the brain to help you feel less hungry.

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What Is Duromine?

Duromine contains phentermine in a slow-release form, so the effect can last through the day. It is intended to be used together with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour changes.

It is not suitable for everyone and should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.

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What Strengths Are Available?

In Australia, Duromine is listed in strengths including:

• 15 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg

Your doctor will decide the most suitable dose for you based on your health, weight-loss goals, other medicines and risk factors.

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How to Take Duromine Safely

Follow your doctor’s instructions and the pharmacy label.

General advice:

• Take it exactly as prescribed.
• It is usually taken once daily.
• Take it early in the day to reduce sleep problems.
• Do not take more than prescribed.
• Do not share it with anyone else.
• Avoid taking it late in the day unless your doctor specifically advises this.
• Keep regular review appointments with your doctor.

Because it can affect alertness, be cautious with driving, operating machinery, or tasks needing concentration until you know how it affects you.

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Possible Benefits

Duromine may help some people:

• Feel less hungry
• Reduce snacking or overeating
• Support weight loss
• Build momentum with diet and activity changes
• Improve weight-related health risks when used appropriately

Medication works best when combined with a long-term health plan.

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Possible Side Effects

Common or possible side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling restless or nervous
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Increased blood pressure
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Sweating
• Mood changes

Tell your doctor if side effects are troublesome, persistent or worsening.

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Important Safety Information

Duromine may not be suitable if you have certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have or have had:

• Heart disease
• Stroke or blood vessel disease
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Overactive thyroid
• Glaucoma
• Anxiety, agitation or significant mental health symptoms
• History of drug or alcohol dependence
• Kidney or liver disease
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Pregnancy, possible pregnancy or breastfeeding

Also tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take.

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Medicines and Substances to Discuss

Some medicines may interact with phentermine or increase side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take:

• Antidepressants or medicines for mood
• MAO inhibitor medicines
• Medicines for blood pressure or heart conditions
• Stimulants or ADHD medicines
• Decongestants or cold-and-flu medicines
• Other weight-loss medicines
• Diabetes medicines
• Alcohol or recreational drugs

Do not combine Duromine with other weight-loss medicines unless your doctor specifically advises it.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Duromine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a specialist has clearly advised otherwise. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning pregnancy, speak with your doctor promptly.

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Seek Urgent Medical Help If You Develop

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting or collapse
• Severe headache
• Weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
• Severe dizziness
• Severe agitation, confusion or hallucinations
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm
• Allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Severe abdominal pain

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately in a medical emergency.

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When to Contact Your Doctor

Arrange medical review if:

• You are not losing weight as expected
• Side effects are affecting daily life
• You feel anxious, low, irritable or unable to sleep
• Your blood pressure or heart rate increases
• You want to stop or change the medicine
• You start any new medicine
• You develop new symptoms
• You miss doses or accidentally take too much

Do not suddenly change the dose without medical advice.

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Lifestyle Tips While Taking Duromine

Duromine is only one part of weight management. Helpful steps include:

• Eat regular, balanced meals
• Prioritise protein, vegetables and high-fibre foods
• Reduce sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks
• Drink enough water
• Build physical activity gradually
• Aim for good sleep routines
• Track weight and waist measurements as advised
• Discuss emotional eating, cravings or binge eating with your doctor

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Key Message

Duromine can support weight loss in selected people, but it is a prescription medicine that needs careful medical supervision. It should be used with healthy lifestyle changes and regular review for safety, side effects and progress.

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CDM College Health Education Series
Email: info@cdmcollege.org
Website: cdmcollege.org

Disclaimer

This leaflet provides general health education only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional.

Always follow the instructions on your prescription label and the advice given by your healthcare provider. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist, worsen, or if you are unsure whether Duromine is suitable for you.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).