Lomaira is a prescription medication containing phentermine, used to promote weight loss in certain individuals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Lomaira, including how it works, its usage, potential side effects, precautions, and real-world experiences.
What is Lomaira?
Lomaira contains phentermine, which promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite. It is often prescribed for a short period of time to help adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or more) or those who are overweight (BMI of 27 or more) and have at least one weight-related medical condition such as controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
How to Use Lomaira
Lomaira should be taken by mouth with a glass of water, following the directions on the prescription label. It is important to take the medication at regular intervals and not more often than directed. Patients should not stop taking Lomaira except on their care team's advice.
Important Considerations
- Children and Adolescents: While Lomaira may be prescribed for children 17 years or older for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Consult with a care team regarding its use in this age group.
- Overdosage: In case of an overdosage, immediately contact a poison control center or emergency room.
- Sharing Medication: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
- Storage: Keep Lomaira out of the reach of children in a safe place to protect it from theft. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Do not use the medication after the expiration date.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Lomaira can cause side effects. It's important to be aware of these and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Heart valve disease (shortness of breath, chest pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, fever, sudden weight gain, fast or irregular heartbeat)
- Pulmonary hypertension (shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint or lightheaded, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or feet)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in taste
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Patients should call their doctor for medical advice about side effects.
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Important Precautions
Before taking Lomaira, it's crucial to inform your care team about any existing health conditions and medications you are taking.
Conditions to disclose:
- Agitation or nervousness
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- History of substance use disorder
- History of stroke
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
- Taken an MAOI in the last 14 days
- Taking stimulant medications
- Thyroid disease
- Any unusual or allergic reaction
Potential Interactions
Lomaira can interact with several medications, including:
- MAOIs
- Alcohol
- Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Certain medications for blood pressure
- Linezolid
- Medications for colds or breathing difficulties
- Medications for diabetes
- Sibutramine
- Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
Patients should provide their health care provider with a list of all medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements they use.
Monitoring and Lifestyle Considerations
Regular check-ups with your care team are essential while taking Lomaira to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Key points to remember:
- Do not stop taking Lomaira except on your care team's advice.
- Avoid taking Lomaira close to bedtime as it may cause insomnia.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Lomaira affects you.
- Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting spells.
- Inform your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
Real-World Experiences
Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the effects of Lomaira.
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Jeremy's Story
Jeremy, a 45-year-old who had struggled with his weight for over 15 years, found success with Lomaira after trying various diets. With a family history of type 2 diabetes, Jeremy was motivated to find a solution. He started a treatment plan with Lomaira and lost over 10% of his body weight.
Jeremy noted that Lomaira helped him control his eating habits, allowing him to build and stick to a plan. He experienced increased energy and was able to enjoy activities like hiking in Alaska, which he couldn't have done before.
Jeremy and his doctor agree that Lomaira has given him the confidence to continue with good habits.
Important Considerations and Warnings
- Taking phentermine with other drugs for weight loss is not recommended.
- Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare fatal lung disease, has been reported in patients who had taken a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine for weight loss. The possible association between phentermine use alone and PPH cannot be ruled out.
- Serious heart valve problems or disease have been reported in patients taking a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine for weight loss.
- Caution is advised when engaging in potentially hazardous activity such as driving or operating machinery while taking phentermine.
- Phentermine has the potential to be abused. Keep Lomaira in a safe place to prevent theft, accidental overdose, misuse or abuse.
- Phentermine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, even if it’s mild.
Reported Side Effects
Some side effects of phentermine that have been reported include:
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Valvular heart disease
- Palpitations
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Changes in sexual drive
These are not all of the potential side effects of phentermine.
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