Key takeaways:
Lomaira and Adipex-P are both prescription weight-loss medications that contain phentermine. But there are some differences between them.
Lomaira tablets contain 8 mg of phentermine, and you take it 3 times a day before meals. Adipex-P contains 37.5 mg of phentermine, and you take it once a day in the morning. Lomaira offers more flexibility, but Adipex-P may be more convenient.
Lomaira may cause less-intense side effects, since it contains less phentermine. But both Adipex-P and Lomaira are controlled substances, so they may not be good options for those with a history of substance misuse.
If you’re exploring oral medication options to support weight loss, you may come across Lomaira and Adipex-P. Both are brand-name versions of phentermine, a prescription medication approved for short-term weight loss in people with a BMI over 30 or weight-related health problems.
While they contain the same active ingredient, there are key differences between these medications. Here we’ll look at Lomaira versus Adipex-P to help you determine which may be a better fit for your needs.
1. Lomaira and Adipex-P contain different doses of phentermine
Lomaira tablets contain 8 mg of phentermine. You’ll typically take 1 tablet three times a day, for a total daily dose of 24 mg. Adipex-P, on the other hand, is a once-daily tablet that contains 37.5 mg of phentermine.
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The lower daily dosage of Lomaira may be better for those who are more sensitive to the stimulant effects of phentermine. It may also be less likely to cause sleep issues or other side effects.
2. Lomaira and Adipex-P have different dosing schedules
You’ll typically take Lomaira 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. But Adipex-P is a once-daily medication. You’ll typically take it in the morning, either before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast.
Adipex-P may be a more convenient option, especially if you have trouble remembering to take your medication multiple times a day. But Lomaira may offer more flexibility, since you take it before each meal to help manage how much you eat. This can be especially helpful if you tend to have stronger food cravings in the late afternoon or early evening, since Adipex-P may start to wear off by that point. However, you should avoid taking phentermine close to bedtime, as it can interfere with sleep.
3. Lomaira and Adipex-P are both controlled substances
Phentermine, the active ingredient in both Lomaira and Adipex-P, is a controlled substance. This means it carries a risk for misuse and dependence. It also means there are stricter rules for how often you can fill your prescription and how much medication you can receive at one time. If you have a history of substance misuse, Lomaira and Adipex-P may not be the best options for you.
Studies show that there’s little risk of misuse if you take phentermine as directed for weight management. So be sure to follow your prescriber’s instructions, and don’t change your phentermine dosage on your own.
4. Lomaira and Adipex-P have similar side effects, but Lomaira may be gentler on the body
Common phentermine side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and headache. Tremors and mood changes can also occur in some cases. But since Lomaira contains a lower dose of phentermine than Adipex-P, the side effects may also be less intense for some people.
5. Lomaira comes as a brand-name medication, but Adipex-P comes as a lower-cost generic
GoodRx can help you navigate ways to save on the cost of your phentermine prescription:
Lomaira is only available as a brand-name medication. You can pay as little as $30.38 per month with a free GoodRx discount. If you have commercial insurance, you can pay as little as 50 cents per pill with a copay card from the manufacturer.
Adipex-P is available as both a brand-name and lower-cost generic. You can pay as little as $14.97 for a 30-day supply of the generic with GoodRx.
The bottom line
Lomaira and Adipex-P are prescription weight-loss medications that contain phentermine. Adipex-P is a once-daily tablet that contains 37.5 mg of phentermine. Lomaira contains a lower dose of phentermine (8 mg), and you’ll typically take it 3 times a day.
Lomaira may be a better option if you’re sensitive to phentermine or experience side effects. It also offers more flexibility, especially for those who struggle with food cravings later in the day. Adipex-P offers a more convenient dosing schedule, and it also comes as a lower-cost generic. But it may have stronger side effects for some people. Talk to your healthcare team about your lifestyle, health history, and budget to help them choose the best phentermine option for you.
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References
A-S Medication Solutions. (2025). Lomaira- phentermine hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Adipex-P- phentermine hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
