Phentermine is an effective and less costly weight-loss medication that has helped people lose weight for decades.
While it’s effective for many, phentermine’s cost can vary depending on factors like dosage, location, brand name vs generic, and insurance coverage.
This post will explain everything you need to know about phentermine’s cost in Oklahoma, help you understand what to expect financially, and provide practical tips for saving on your prescription.
What Is Phentermine and How Does It Work?
Phentermine is a medication prescribed for weight loss in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Phentermine can result in a weight loss of 5% to 10% over 12 weeks when combined with a low-calorie diet and increased exercise. It’s marketed under the brands Lomaira and Adipex-P. It’s also an active ingredient in the weight-loss medication Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate).
Phentermine works by stimulating the central nervous system to release neurotransmitters that suppress appetite, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing food cravings. It triggers the release of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps curb hunger signals.
Phentermine is FDA-approved for use for only 12 weeks. Studies have shown that long-term use is safe and effective. However, taking phentermine for longer than three months is considered off-label.
Because phentermine is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, it requires close medical supervision. This is because it has the potential for misuse or addiction.
How Much Does Phentermine Cost in Oklahoma Without Insurance?
Phentermine cost without insurance can vary across Oklahoma, depending on factors like dosage, whether you’re taking brand or generic phentermine, clinic pricing, and pharmacy options. On average, Oklahoma residents can expect to pay between $20 and $100 per month for phentermine. However, this may change depending on the specifics of the prescription and any extra fees the clinic charges.
Factors affecting phentermine price
Several factors influence the overall cost of phentermine prescriptions:
Dosage and strength
Higher doses of phentermine may increase monthly costs, as the medication’s price correlates with its strength. People on a lower dose may find their monthly prescription cost more affordable. On average, a one-month supply of 37.5-milligram capsules costs $24, equivalent to $18 for a one-month supply of 15-milligram capsules.
Brand vs. generic phentermine
Generic versions of phentermine are available and are cheaper than brand-name options. Generic phentermine can be a cost-effective choice without compromising efficacy.
Without insurance, a one-month supply of brand-name Adipex-P can cost over $100, while a one-month supply of generic phentermine can cost anywhere from less than $10 to around $50.
Choice of pharmacy or clinic
Prices vary by pharmacy, with some national chains offering discounts or savings programs that reduce out-of-pocket costs. Clinics like our NP2GO Clinic may also have preferred pharmacy partnerships or in-house options that streamline the process and may offer competitive rates for their patients.
Does Insurance Cover Phentermine?
Whether insurance covers phentermine depends on the type of insurance plan and whether it considers weight loss drugs a medical necessity.
Many insurance providers consider weight loss medications cosmetic treatments and may not include them in standard health plans. Because phentermine is often prescribed for weight loss without accompanying medical conditions, some insurers consider it non-essential, which can exclude it from coverage.
Medicare, for example, is restricted by law from covering weight loss medications, including phentermine. However, certain Medicare Advantage Plans may offer coverage, so it’s worth checking specific plan details if you’re enrolled in one of these options. For those with Medicaid, phentermine may be covered if you live in certain states, such as California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Tricare insurance may cover phentermine, but it requires a coverage review, similar to prior authorization, which your prescriber would need to submit. Patients under Tricare can discuss this option with their healthcare provider or military treatment facility for more information.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) may also cover phentermine and other weight loss medications like Wegovy and Saxenda; however, coverage depends on the specific plan and state. You can review your insurance policy or contact your insurance directly to confirm what your plan covers.
Insurance coverage for weight-loss medications
Insurance coverage for weight loss medications may differ. But in most cases, you’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider, and many insurance plans also require prior authorization to verify medical necessity. Some plans might even ask for documentation showing that lifestyle changes alone were insufficient in managing your weight before approving coverage.
For a healthcare provider to prescribe any weight loss medication, you must be obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related medical condition, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. For example, you must have a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related medical condition or a BMI of 30 or higher to be prescribed phentermine or other weight-loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
However, insurance often does not cover or completely cover the expense of obesity treatments. This is especially true for newer, more effective medications.
There are situations where insurance might partially cover weight loss medications, especially if they’re prescribed to treat weight-related health conditions like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. However, prescription drugs that treat the excess weight that can contribute to these complications are not covered.
How to Save on Phentermine in Oklahoma
There are several ways to help you save on phentermine in Oklahoma. Our provider at NP2GO can walk you through them:
1. Patient assistance programs
Pharmaceutical companies or nonprofits often offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) to help patients get their prescription drugs for free or at a reduced price. If you qualify, you may get phentermine at a discounted price, though this isn’t available to everyone.
2. Coupon cards and discounts
Prescription discount programs like GoodRx and SingleCare provide coupons and discounts for phentermine, which can be applied at many local pharmacies in Oklahoma. These programs are free to use and can lower out-of-pocket costs, especially for those without insurance coverage. You can save up to 80% with these discount cards.
3. HSAs and FSAs
If you must pay for phentermine out of pocket, you can use money from your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to help cover part of the costs.
NP2GO Clinic offers these flexible payment options to help make weight loss treatments more accessible. You can also use HSAs and FSAs to pay for consultations and prescriptions pre-tax.
4. Choose generic phentermine
Choosing the generic version of phentermine instead of brand-name options can save you a lot. Generic phentermine provides the same active ingredients and efficacy but costs less, making it a practical choice for many patients.
5. Bulk purchase options
Some pharmacies and clinics may offer discounts for purchasing a 90-day supply of phentermine rather than a month-to-month prescription. If this option is available, it can provide valuable savings over time. Check with your local pharmacy or our NP2GO provider to see if bulk purchasing is an option.
6. Ask your prescriber about other treatment options
Phentermine is less expensive than other weight-loss medications. Supplements and over-the-counter weight loss treatments may not be effective. Other, less expensive or even free choices may help, but they require dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Since phentermine tablets are meant to jump-start the weight-loss process, diet and exercise are important elements of a weight-loss program. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on effective long-term weight loss strategies that don’t require prescription drugs.
Phentermine Alternatives for Weight Loss
There are several phentermine alternatives for weight management, with some options approved for longer-term use. While phentermine is intended for short-term use—usually 12 weeks—many newer FDA-approved medications support sustained weight loss long-term.
Medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medications initially designed to manage type 2 diabetes. Research has shown their effectiveness for weight loss, leading to their approval specifically for weight management in people with obesity. These medications reduce appetite and glucose levels, helping you maintain a lower calorie intake.
Other GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide), are sometimes prescribed “off-label” for obesity treatment, meaning they are used for weight loss without FDA approval, specifically for that purpose. Mounjaro and Ozempic offer an alternative for those seeking similar benefits to Wegovy and Zepbound and are often considered for their appetite-suppressing and metabolic benefits.
FAQs About Phentermine Cost
Do I need a prescription for phentermine?
Yes, phentermine requires a prescription as it is a controlled substance. This appetite suppressant is prescribed for short-term weight loss in people with obesity. A healthcare provider must evaluate your health status and weight loss needs before prescribing phentermine.
How long can you be on phentermine?
Phentermine is approved for short-term use, usually up to 12 weeks. Prolonged use is not recommended because of potential side effects and risks. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label for long-term use based on your weight loss progress and health.
Where can you buy phentermine in Oklahoma?
You can buy phentermine in Oklahoma from licensed weight loss clinics like NP2GO, which provides telehealth and in-person services, or through a qualified healthcare provider. You will require a prescription and follow-up visits to assess your progress with phentermine.
Is phentermine a good weight-loss pill?
Phentermine is an effective weight-loss pill when combined with diet and exercise. It acts as an appetite suppressant, helping you jumpstart weight loss. Studies have shown that people can lose between 5% and 7% of their body weight within the first 6 months of using phentermine.
Why Choose NP2GO for Phentermine Treatment in Oklahoma
NP2GO offers a convenient, affordable, and supportive experience for Oklahoma residents seeking phentermine treatment. With an experienced team of professionals, NP2GO provides telehealth and in-person visits to accommodate patients’ needs. Transparent pricing ensures no surprise costs, making it easy for patients to plan their weight loss journey.
If you’re unsure about phentermine coverage through your insurance, NP2GO’s healthcare providers can help you navigate the process. We assess your eligibility, guide you through documentation requirements, and complete any necessary Prior Authorization forms. We also handle paperwork submissions to insurance providers and offer valuable insights into the approval process. If your plan denies phentermine coverage, our team will examine the decision and advocate for you.
Contact NP2GO today to schedule your consultation and discover how our team can help you reach your goals.