Duromine
The weight loss drug Duromine® is an appetite suppressant. The active ingredient within Duromine® is the generic drug phentermine. Phentermine is combined with a resin to create slow release which prolongs the effects of Duromine®.
Duromine® is manufactured by 3M and distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand.
What does Duromine® look like?
Duromine capsules are available in Australia in three strengths, 15mg, 30mg or 40mg, in packs of 30 capsules.
Duromine 15mg capsules:
- Grey and green and marked DUROMINE 15
- AUST R 10941
Duromine 30mg capsules:
- Grey and reddish brown and marked DUROMINE 30
- AUST R 76680
Duromine 40mg capsules:
- Grey and orange and marked DUROMINE 40
- AUST R 10942
What is Duromine prescribed for?
Duromine is an appetite suppressant and has successfully been helping people lose weight since it was released onto the market. It is designed to be used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Who should Duromine be prescribed for?
Duromine is only recommended for use amongst patients who are medically classed as heavily overweight or obese. Only people with a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 27+ and who suffer from a related illness such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes are normally considered as suitable candidates for the drug.
Duromine is not recommended for:
- Children of 18 years or younger
- The elderly
How does Duromine work?
Duromine is an appetite suppressant. Hunger cravings are reduced as the active chemical ingredient in Duromine effects the parts of the central nervous system. The active ingredient in Duromine is phentermine. Phentermine is chemically similar to amphetamine and increased energy levels are common amongst patients.
It is recommended that Duromine be taken as an accompaniment to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Is Duromine a prescription or over the counter drug?
Duromine is a prescription medication and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor.
Duromine is a brand name given to a version of the generic medication phentermine, which has been available throughout Europe and is still prescribed in Australia and New Zealand.
Duromine side effects
Side effects of Duromine can include:
| Restlessness | Excess energy | Insomnia |
| Euphoria | Dysphoria | Difficulty in breathing |
| Light headedness | Weakness | Ankle and extremity Swelling |
| Increase in blood pressure | Fatigue | Headache |
| Dryness of the mouth | Unpleasant taste | Diarrhea, Constipation |
| Impotence | Changes in sex drive |
If used incorrectly or for excessive lengths of time, Duromine can be habit forming. If overused or abused, Duromine patients can form a habit of perceived dependency. Duromine should not be taken for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor. Duromine should not be taken other than by the person it was prescribed for.
Duromine dosages
Duromine capsules should be taken once daily, either before breakfast or within 2 hours of eating breakfast. It is advised to take Duromine early in the day as it known to cause insomnia and increased energy levels.
Duromine capsules should be swallowed whole and with plenty of water.
Your doctor will tell you if Duromine 30mg, Duromine15mg or Duromine 40mg is the correct dosage for you.
Duromine is not recommended for patients of 18 years old or younger. It is not recommend that the elderly be prescribed Duromine.
What precautions should be taken before using Duromine?
Inform your Doctor of the following:
- Any allergies that you may have, especially if you have a known allergy to phentermine.
- Any other medicines that you are taking at the time (both prescription and over the counter)
- If your medical history includes high blood pressure, a heart condition, arteriosclerosis, overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma or drug abuse.
- If know or suspect that you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant whilst taking Duromine tell your doctor.
- If you are breastfeeding a child.
- If you are prone to agitated states.
Duromine with fenfluramine (Phen-Fen)
The two substances, phentermine (Duromine) and fenfluramine are FDA approved medications. However, numerous instances of heart valve abnormalities have been recorded amongst patients who took the two medications in conjunction with one another. In 1997 the FDA issued a public health warning advising against the use of the Phen-Fen combination.
Over dosage
Overdoses of Duromine can have serious consequences, if quantities are high enough this can include death. If an overdose is suspected seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of an overdose can include: excess energy, tremor, hyperreflexia, increased breathing rate, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic, excess fatigue, depression, arrhythmia, hypertension or hypotension, circulatory collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
Fatal poisoning usually terminates in convulsions and coma.
Duromine Ingredients
Duromine capsules contain
- Phentermine
- Lactose liquid paraffin
- Magnesium stearate
- Gelatin
- Titanium dioxide
- Carbon black
The resin that is mixed with the generic ingredient phentermine to form Duromine creates a slow release effect which is designed to extend the effects of the pill throughout the day.
Additionally, Duromine 15mg contains:
- Brilliant blue FCF
- Iron oxide yellow
Additionally Duromine 30mg contains:
- Iron oxide red
Additionally Duromine 40mg contains:
- Erythrosine
- Sunset yellow FCF
Duromine capsules are gluten-free.
Who makes Duromine?
DUROMINE is manufactured and supplied in Australia by:
3M Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
9-15 Chilvers Road
Thornleigh NSW 2120
Australia
DUROMINE is distributed in New Zealand by:
3M New Zealand Limited
250 Archers Road
Glenfield
Auckland
Duromine within Europe
Duromine has had its licence withdrawn and reinstated several times by the European Commission. Duromine has no marketing authorization within Europe following the European Commission’s decision to withdraw it in 2002.