Phentermine Prescription Policies

Because phentermine is a controlled substance, our practice must adhere strictly to established clinical guidelines and regulatory restrictions to ensure your safety. To be evaluated for and prescribed phentermine, patients must meet the following requirements:

• Informed Consent: You must review and sign an informed consent document before receiving a prescription. The form outlines how the medication works, expected effects, potential side effects, and associated health risks.
• Observed Weight Verification: During your initial visit, we must watch you weigh on a scale. You can weigh at home, bring a scale to work, or join your video visit from anywhere you have access to a scale. Periodic observed video weigh-ins may also be required during follow-up visits.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Because phentermine can affect cardiovascular metrics, you are required to regularly monitor your blood pressure after starting the medication and to notify us if it changes.
• Age Eligibility: To prioritize patient safety and minimize cardiovascular risks, we do not prescribe phentermine to individuals aged 60 or older.

Topiramate Prescription Policy

When prescribing topiramate for weight management, we prioritize long-term safety monitoring and the mitigation of known medication risks. Patients considering topiramate must be aware of the following clinical requirements:

• Pregnancy and Birth Defects: Topiramate is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations (birth defects), specifically oral clefts. It must not be taken by women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are not using highly effective forms of birth control. If you think there is a chance you may be pregnant while taking topiramate, you should stop the drug immediately and perform a pregnancy test.
• Metabolic Acidosis Risk: Topiramate can cause hyperchloremic, non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (a decrease in blood bicarbonate levels). This condition can be asymptomatic but may lead to fatigue, anorexia, kidney stones, and osteoporosis if not addressed.
• Laboratory Monitoring: To ensure patient safety, individuals prescribed topiramate for longer than three months are required to undergo periodic blood work to monitor electrolyte levels and bicarbonate status.