BRAND INFORMATION
Brand name: Duromine [djˈʊ͡əɹəmˌa͡ɪn]
Generic version: Metermine
Active ingredient: Phentermine [ˈpentəmaɪn]
Schedule: S4
Manufacturer: iNova Pharmaceuticals
This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia and New Zealand.
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The whole CMI is shown on the next page. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about any drug.
Medicine information leaflet for the general public.
Please read this information leaflet carefully before starting treatment with Duromine.
Why am I using Duromine? What is it used for?
For those who are overweight, the anorectic medication Duromine may be helpful as a short-term supplement to behavioural modification, physical activity, and calorie restriction. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over is widely recognized as an indication of obesity. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 who are overweight and at an increased risk of morbidity may also begin taking Duromine. A doctor should rule out any underlying organic secondary causes of obesity before giving the medicine.
Body Mass Index Calculator
What should I know before I take Duromine?
Precautions before taking Duromine
- Are you allergic to any phentermine-containing medications or other weight-loss medications?
- Are you a child under the age of 12 years?
- Do you have very high blood pressure or pulmonary hypertension?
- Do you have problems with the valves in your heart?
- Do you have an illness that affects the blood vessels in your brain?
- Do you have severe heart disease, including changes in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat?
- Do you have blood vessel constriction caused by thickening or hardness of the blood vessel wall?
- Do you have an overactive thyroid gland?
- Do you suffer from mental health issues like depression or anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)?
- Do you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)?
Do not delay informing your doctor if you have replied “yes” to any of these questions. Some medical conditions prohibit or need careful use of Duromine.
Warnings
Do not use Duromine if:
- you are taking or have taken MAOI antidepressants during the last 2 weeks;
- you have past drug or alcohol abuse.
Do not use this medicine if the packaging has been tampered with or shows signs of damage. Bring back any spoiled or old drugs to the pharmacy.
Consult your doctor if you take other drugs or have:
- angina (chest pain);
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- epilepsy.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Visit the doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Set up an appointment with your primary care physician if you are contemplating or actively engaged in breastfeeding.
What if I am taking other medicines?
Don’t forget to mention all of your drugs, including vitamins and supplements, to your doctor or pharmacist. Some medications may alter Duromine’s effectiveness.
We talk about:
- other weight-loss medications;
- drugs against depression, OCD, and other mental disorders;
- migraine ergot-like drugs;
- cough and cold medications;
- thyroid hormones;
- blood pressure meds.
How do I take Duromine?
How much to take
- It's common to take only one pill every day. Your doctor will specify the right dose.
- Capsules should be taken orally with water and swallowed whole. Keep capsules sealed.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for Duromine use.
- Dosing up may not result in more rapid or more significant weight reduction. Negative consequences, however, are more likely to occur.
When to take Duromine
- You may prevent staying up late by taking Duromine with breakfast.
- Duromine is most effective when taken at the same time every day. It helps in remembering to take it. It may be taken before or after eating.
If you forget to use Duromine
- Duromine should be used on a daily basis. If you miss a dosage before breakfast, make up for it by midday.
- Taking Duromine after lunch may cause insomnia. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missing dose. Do not duplicate the dosage to make up for a missing one.
If you use too much Duromine
You may need urgent medical attention if you think you have taken too much Duromine.
(by calling 13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 [0800 POISON] in New Zealand), or
contact your doctor, orgo to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
What should I know while taking Duromine?
Things you should do
- Tell doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you take Duromine.
- Inform the surgeon or anesthesiologist that you are taking Duromine before any surgical procedure.
- Before using cough or cold medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
- got pregnant while taking Duromine;
- suffer rapid weight loss, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, fainting, and lower limb swelling;
- cannot exercise as much as you usually can.
Things you should not do
- Take Duromine only as prescribed by the doctor.
- Don't share your medicine even if someone else has the same illness as you.
Driving or using machines
- Do not drive or use equipment or tools until you have determined how Duromine affects you.
Drinking alcohol
- Do not drink alcohol whilst taking Duromine.
- Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
- Follow the instructions on the drug package.
- Keep capsules in their original packaging until ready to use.
- Keep Duromine below 30°C and away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
- Do not keep it in the bathroom, near a sink, vehicle, or windowsills.
- Keep it away from kids.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
- Take unused or expired medication to a pharmacy for disposal.
- Don't use expired medication.
Are there any side effects?
Every medication has side effects. Minor adverse effects are typically temporary, although some do need medical attention. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects |
What to do |
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you. |
Serious side effects
Serious side effects | What to do |
| Call your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious adverse effects. |
Reporting side effects
After seeking medical advice, you may report adverse effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia or Medsafe in New Zealand. You can help determine the medicine’s safety by reporting adverse effects. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before discontinuing any drugs.
What Duromine contains
| Active ingredient (main ingredient) | Phentermine |
| Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) |
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| Duromine 15 mg also contains: |
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| Duromine 30 mg also contains: |
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| Duromine 40 mg also contains: |
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| Potential allergens |
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What Duromine looks like
Duromine capsules are available in three strengths in packs of 30 capsules and two strengths in packs of 7 capsules.
Grey and green and marked DUROMINE 15
Grey and reddish brown and marked DUROMINE 30
Grey and orange and marked DUROMINE 40
Who distributes Duromine
Location: | Australia | New Zealand |
Company: | iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited | iNova Pharmaceuticals (New Zealand) Pty Limited |
Address: | Level 10, 12 Help Street Chatswood NSW 2067 | 74 Westney Road, Airport Oaks, Auckland |
Phone: | Tel: 1800 630 056 | Tel: 0508 375 394 |
References
- Australian Medicines Handbook. Phentermine. [Monograph online] AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 1, 2007]. Available from: [URL Link]
- Duromine. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited December 1, 2007]. Available from: [URL Link]
- Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
- New Zealand Medicines Formulary. Phentermine. Available from: [URL Link]
- Health Navigator, New Zealand. “What is Duromine?”, May 2022. Available from: [URL Link]
- News Medical Life Sciences. Duromine. Available from: [URL Link]
- NPS Medicinewise. Duromine. Phentermine, April 2021. Available from: [URL Link]
- Health Direct. Duromine, Australia. Available from: [URL Link]
- Health Direct. Australian Health Thesaurus, Australia. July 1, 2022 [URL Link]
- Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). June 29, 2022. Available from: [URL Link]
- GuildLink. Powering the better use of medicines. June 30, 2022. Available from: [URL Link]
Healthdirect is not for emergency usage. Call triple zero (000) if you have an acute sickness, overdose, or emergency.
When created, correct information was provided. This material shouldn’t be used to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see our T&Cs.
There are so many things I didn’t know so far. Likely, I need to take this more seriously and make an appointment with my doctor…
Hold on a sec. You may take tablets even before a morning meal? Isn’t that weird?
Thanks, that’s helpful. Side-effects information was beneficial. Everything’s in one spot!