A clinical briefing on the Phentermine supply situation in 2026. Understand the shortage drivers, prescribing implications, alternatives, and tools to help your patients.
Phentermine remains the most frequently prescribed anti-obesity medication in the United States. As patient demand for weight-loss pharmacotherapy continues to grow — fueled in part by the GLP-1 receptor agonist boom — providers are increasingly hearing from patients who can't fill their Phentermine prescriptions.
This briefing covers the current supply landscape, regulatory factors, prescribing considerations, and practical tools to help your patients maintain continuity of care.
Phentermine supply concerns didn't emerge overnight. Here's a brief timeline of the contributing factors:
The supply variability has several practical implications for prescribers:
Patients may need to fill prescriptions at pharmacies other than their usual location. Consider these practices:
As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Phentermine prescriptions carry specific regulatory requirements:
Phentermine's FDA-approved labeling specifies short-term use (up to 12 weeks). In clinical practice, many obesity medicine specialists prescribe for longer durations based on clinical judgment and patient response. When availability is intermittent, consider whether:
As of early 2026, here's what providers should know about Phentermine availability:
Phentermine remains remarkably affordable relative to newer anti-obesity medications:
For comparison:
Insurance coverage for Phentermine varies widely. Many commercial plans cover it as a preferred generic, but prior authorization is common. Medicare Part D generally excludes weight-loss medications. Medicaid coverage is state-dependent.
Several resources can help you and your patients navigate Phentermine availability:
Medfinder offers real-time pharmacy stock data that providers and clinical staff can use to direct patients to pharmacies with Phentermine in stock. Consider bookmarking this for your care team.
We've created several patient-facing resources you can share:
For uninsured or underinsured patients, pharmacy discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver) can bring generic Phentermine costs to $10-$20/month. These work at most retail pharmacies and require no enrollment.
The weight-loss medication market is evolving rapidly. Several trends are worth monitoring:
Phentermine availability in 2026 is manageable but requires awareness and planning. The drug isn't in a formal shortage, but pharmacy-level stock-outs continue to disrupt patient care. Providers can help by e-prescribing for flexibility, discussing alternative formulations, proactively planning for supply gaps, and directing patients to tools like Medfinder.
By staying informed about the supply landscape and maintaining open communication with patients about their fill challenges, you can minimize treatment interruptions and keep your patients on track.
Related reading:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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