Generic Phentermine: Uses, Doses & Side Effects

Most US phentermine prescriptions are filled with generic pills. Generic drugs are unbranded “copies” of brand name medications that function similarly and cost significantly less. According to recent data, over 99% of capsule users and about 2/3 of tablet users take generic phentermine ( 1 , 2 ).

At this time, generic phentermine is available in the following doses:

15 mg (capsules)
30 mg (capsules)
37.5 mg (tablets and capsules)

Manufacturing Generics

Many consumers prefer generic medications to save money. However, these cheaper copies usually take several years to come to market, so newer medications may not be available as generic quite yet.

This mandatory delay – in the form of patent protection – is in place so that the original pharmaceutical company can recover research and development costs before other companies begin competing for market share.

However, after the initial patent has expired, other companies can apply to produce generic copies of any given medication.

If a pharmaceutical company wants to produce a new generic, they must first submit a generic drug application to the FDA. Authorities then review the copy for pharmaceutical/biological equivalence, accurateness and consistently of manufacturing and appropriate labeling ( 3 ). If the new medication fits requirements, the pharmaceutical company is allowed to bring the generic to market.

Generic Phentermine

Like popular brand-name phentermine pills, such as Adipex-P and Lomaira, generic phentermine pills also contain phentermine hydrochloride as their active ingredient.

However, medications also include numerous inactive ingredients, including fillers, dyes, and binding agents. Different pharmaceutical companies employ different inactive ingredients, which is why generic pills from different manufacturers vary in color, form (tablet vs. capsule), and shape (e.g., round vs. oblong tablets).

There is no significant difference between generic and brand-name pills regarding prescribing instructions, contraindications, side effects, or expected weight loss.

Examples

Several major companies market and distribute generic phentermine in the United States. Here are a few examples:

Phentermine 15 mg

generic phentermine 15mg: grey/yellow capsule (Sandoz) — Sandoz Pharmaceuticals

Phentermine 30 mg

generic phentermine 30mg capsule (blue/white, N 16) — Leading Pharma

Generic Phentermine 30mg capsule (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) — Sandoz Pharmaceuticals

Phentermine 37.5 mg

generic phentermine 37.5 mg tablet (white, K 25) — KVK Tech (tablet)

generic phentermine 37.5 mg tablet (E 16) — Tagi Pharma (tablet)

Generic Phentermine 37.5 Reviews

Generic phentermine is popular because it’s cheaper than brand-name options, but does it really work? Dozens of users have reviewed generic phentermine 37.5 on Phentermine.com, and most report positive results. However, the pills’ omnipresent side effects are a major downside.

Generic phentermine (37.5 mg) has an average user rating of 4.2/5:

Here are some generic phentermine reviews from real users:

Greta – 6 Kilos

I take tabs, chromium, and metformin to lose weight. Since starting, I got sick and took a ton of medications, and it was hard to keep on track, but I lost 6 kilos in 1 month. The headaches are better now, so I’ll keep taking it.

Caro – No appetite

I’ve lost 25 kilos with phentermine. I took a daily dose for 4 months and then rested for a month, and then for the last 4 months, I’ve been taking it every other day or once every three days.

Reyna – Super Effective

I’ve lost 25 kilos. I took a daily dose for 4 months and then rested for a month, and then for the last 4 months, I’ve been taking it every other day or once every three days.