What does phentermine cost for weight loss, and how to save

Phentermine is a popular weight loss drug that’s helped people with their health goals for more than 50 years. Understanding phentermine’s cost is important if you’re considering this weight loss medication as its price can vary depending on insurance coverage, dosage, and brand name vs generic. 

In this article, learn everything you need to know about phentermine cost and how you can save on this weight loss medication.

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What is phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription medication used for weight loss. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959. It’s meant for people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 (obesity), or 27 or greater (overweight) with at least 1 weight-related health condition, like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

Unlike weight loss injections, phentermine is available as a tablet or capsule taken by mouth. It’s an appetite suppressant that works by helping reduce hunger cues. Brand names for phentermine include Adipex-P and Lomaira. It’s also 1 of 2 active ingredients in the weight-loss drug Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate).

Phentermine is only FDA-approved to use for a few weeks. Studies have found that it’s safe and effective for long-term use. But using phentermine for more than 3 months is an off-label (unapproved) use. It’s also a controlled substance and categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has the potential for misuse or dependence. 

How much does phentermine cost without insurance?

Without insurance, Phentermine’s cost depends on whether you take the generic or brand name, and the dosage. Where you shop for weight loss medications — whether you purchase phentermine online or through a physical pharmacy — also affects the price. 

Generic phentermine cost

The cost of generic phentermine ranges from less than $10 to around $50 for a 1-month supply without insurance according to drugs.com and with its discount card applied. Cost varies depending on the dose. A 1-month supply of 37.5-milligram capsules costs $24 on average. This compares to $18 for a 1-month supply of 15-milligram capsules. 

Brand-name phentermine cost

In most cases, you’ll pay more for brand-name phentermine than generic. Adipex-P or Lomaira can cost as much as $126 for a 1-month supply without insurance with the drugs.com discount. On average, you can expect to pay around $76.12 for brand-name phentermine depending on the pharmacy and whether you use any discounts. 

The table below outlines what you’ll pay for generic and brand-name phentermine without insurance. Prices are per drugs.com and reflect its discount. 

What does phentermine cost with insurance?

Health insurance plans don’t always cover weight loss medications, especially government insurance programs, like Medicare. 

Commercial or private insurance may or may not consider weight loss drugs a medical necessity and see them as a cosmetic choice. This affects whether or not your plan covers phentermine. If phentermine is covered, it falls into one of your health insurance plan’s tiers. Specialty and high-cost drugs generally fall into higher tiers, which have higher copays. Generic, such as phentermine, are generally in the lower tiers.

Even if your plan covers it, they may require prior authorization before they cover it for you. Find information on appealing a prior authorization denial.  

Medicare is prohibited by law from covering weight loss medications, including phentermine. Some Medicare Advantage Plans might cover phentermine though. 

Medicaid covers phentermine if you live in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  

How to save on the cost of phentermine

If your health insurance doesn’t cover phentermine, or you’re simply looking to lower your costs, here are some ways to save on your phentermine prescription.

Coupon cards and discounts

If you’re prescribed a brand-name version of phentermine, like Adipex-P or Lomaira, check if the manufacturer offers a savings card. Adipex’s savings program expired in February 2024. But KVK-Tech, Inc., which makes Lomaira, offers a coupon card. It can help you save up to 25% on your prescription each month. If you have insurance that covers Lomaira, you could get a 30-day supply for free with the coupon card, if you’re eligible.

Prescription discount sites, such as GoodRx, SingleCare, Blink Health, NeedyMeds, and others, also offer coupons or savings cards that you can use to save up to 80% at participating pharmacies. Simply ask your pharmacy or download or print coupons and present them to your pharmacy for savings. 

Prescription assistance programs (PAPs) 

You may qualify to save on phentermine with a prescription assistance program (PAP) offered by the manufacturer or a charitable organization. Although not available to everyone, those who qualify can get phentermine at a reduced cost. Xubex Pharmaceutical Services does offer a PAP for Adipex-P.

Look for ways to save 

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to lower your cost for phentermine. 

Some insurance companies encourage participants to choose a 90-day supply instead of a 1-month supply. If you choose a 90-day option, you only have to pay your copay once every 3 months. Also, signing up for mail order, or a subscription that automatically refills and delivers your medication, can sometimes lower your out-of-pocket costs. Check with your insurance plan to see what discounts they offer. 

People with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) put away pre-tax funds for future medical expenses. If you have 1 of these accounts, you can pay for or get reimbursed for qualified medical expenses, like weight loss pills, with the funds in your account. 

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Key takeaway 

• Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is considered 1 of the most affordable weight loss drugs. Without insurance, it costs less than $50 per month for the generic and less than $100 per month for brand-name.  
• Most insurance plans don’t cover weight loss medication, like phentermine, without prior authorization. 
• If you’re looking to save on phentermine, you can use savings cards from the manufacturer or discount cards from prescription discount sites. Other potential savings options include choosing a 90-day supply or subscription option, qualifying for a PAP, or using FSA or HSA funds to pay for or get reimbursed for your phentermine cost. 

Find out if phentermine is right for you

On Klarity Health, connect with an independent healthcare professional who specializes in weight-loss treament. Your provider will help you determine if phentermine or another medication is right for you. Start your weight loss journey when you find a provider on Klarity Health today