Phentermine is a rare cause of drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). The mainstay of treatment in AIN removal of the offending agent and though evidence is mixed, steroid therapy should also be considered. The majority of patients with AIN have complete or partial renal recovery even when severe.
Its side effects can vary from person to person. The most common are dry mouth and trouble sleeping. More serious side effects, such as heart valve disease and high blood pressure in the lungs, are extremely rare. Phentermine is not recommended for people who have heart problems or a history of substance misuse.
Taking fat-blocking supplements along with laxatives or diuretics could cause diarrhea, fluid loss, and an electrolyte imbalance. Abusing products that hold a risk for liver or kidney damage only increases the possibility of life-threatening organ failure.
NSAIDs, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors are potential drugs that cause kidney damage. Certain medications administered in hospital settings, like aminoglycoside antibiotics and vancomycin, can also damage the kidneys.
When phentermine is taken alone, it may produce side effects like nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and constipation. Phentermine is also addictive. And, for people who are trying to end their addiction to food, the last thing they need is another addiction to contend with.
Phentermine is approved for use for up to 12 weeks.
Phentermine should only be used for short-term use (less than 12 weeks at a time) to help with weight loss. It works by activating your sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system, so it's called a “sympathomimetic” drug or “stimulant.”
So, it is our prime responsibility to protect our kidneys. But when you are overweight then rapid weight loss can have a major impact on your kidneys. If you are suffering from kidney related complications, it is important to maintain a healthy body weight.
Another cohort study in Japan showed that percent change in BMI (< 1%) is associated with incident CKD [12]. These studies suggest that weight loss may impair kidney function.
Significant weight loss often improves diabetes and hypertension control which can also contribute to kidney failure. In some individuals, weight loss surgery can reverse or even halt the course of chronic kidney disease.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Longer-term use, >12 months, was associated with significantly more weight loss (7.4%) than a duration of use < 3months and a risk of CVD or death comparable with that associated with a shorter-term use.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking phentermine. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with phentermine. You should refer to the prescribing information for phentermine for a complete list of interactions.
However, some patients will start to regain weight they have lost after they stop taking phentermine. It is important to remember that this is not your fault. If you gain weight after stopping phentermine you may be a candidate for more long term use of this medication.
Phentermine is not recommended for a long-time duration, this indicates the excessive use of this diet pill can be causing addiction, dependence, and psychological adverse reactions. Phentermine is available in the following dosage forms which are only cycled as per the physician guidelines.
At 6 months, a year, and 2 years after starting phentermine, weight loss was clinically significantly greater among people who used the medication longer-term (more than a year) or medium-term (more than112 days but less than a year) than in people who used it for only 3 months.
Outcome and Management. No instances of acute liver failure or chronic liver injury have been linked to phentermine/topiramate, but it has had limited general clinical use.
Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping completely. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden back pain, stomach pain, pain while urinating, or bloody or dark urine.
The lowdown
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
When your kidneys are failing, a high concentration and accumulation of substances lead to brown, red, or purple urine. Studies suggest the urine color is due to abnormal protein or sugar as well as high numbers of cellular casts and red and white blood cells.
Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.