Medically reviewed by Dr. Sofia Miller, BPharm (Hons), MClinSci
Informational only · Not medical advice · For Australian readers

What Is Metermine?

Metermine is a prescription-only phentermine hydrochloride tablet available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg strengths in Australia. Phentermine is a sympathomimetic that suppresses appetite by acting on the central nervous system.

Doctors usually prescribe Metermine for adults with BMI ≥ 30, or BMI ≥ 27 with risk factors (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea). It is intended for short-term use alongside a reduced-calorie diet, movement, and behavioural support.

What Is Duromine?

Duromine also contains phentermine, but in a modified-release resin capsule (15 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg). The release profile aims to spread the stimulant effect over the day. Like Metermine, it is Schedule 4 (prescription-only) and prescribed short-term with lifestyle changes.

Metermine Not Right for You? A Doctor-Reviewed OTC Route

If Metermine’s IR profile (faster peak, shorter tail) doesn’t suit your sleep or sensitivity, PhenQ offers steadier, non-prescription support for appetite and energy. Users report fewer jitters and a smoother daily curve.

Why I Often Recommend PhenQ for Long-Term Habits

Metermine is typically 8–12 weeks. PhenQ can be used beyond 12 weeks as you build nutrition, sleep, and training routines—important for keeping results once a script ends. See Phenq Results before and after

Metermine vs Duromine – Which Weight-Loss Option Is Better for You in Australia?

Both Metermine and Duromine are phentermine medicines used short-term in Australia to help reduce appetite for weight loss; Metermine is an immediate-release tablet, while Duromine is a modified-release capsule. Your best option depends on tolerability, dosing preference, doctor guidance, and cost/access, not on brand name alone.

Key difference to understand: Formulation. Metermine = immediate-release tablet. Duromine = modified-release capsule. This distinction often drives differences in onset, duration, and side-effect pattern for individual patients.

Does Metermine Work? Does It Work as Well as Duromine?

Yes—when prescribed appropriately and paired with diet/exercise. Because both products deliver phentermine, their mechanism and potential weight-loss effect are comparable. What differs is how your body experiences the dose:

• Metermine (IR tablet):
  • Onset: tends to feel quicker/stronger early in the day.
  • Duration: may wear off earlier, which some people prefer (e.g., less insomnia).
  • Flexibility: doctors can sometimes adjust timing with meals.
• Duromine (MR capsule):
  • Smoother curve through the day due to modified release.
  • May reduce peaks/troughs, which some patients find gentler.
  • If you’re sensitive to stimulants, a smoother profile can be beneficial.

Bottom line: neither is “stronger” for everyone. Response is individual; your doctor may start at a lower dose and adjust brand/formulation based on appetite control, side-effects, and sleep.

Metermine vs Duromine: Side-by-Side Snapshot (fast comparison)

Your GP/pharmacist will advise which suits your health profile.

Metermine Dosage (15 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg) and How to Take It

Always follow your doctor’s directions; do not change dose yourself.

• Starting point: many adults begin at 15 mg or 30 mg once each morning.
• Titration: if appetite control is insufficient and tolerability is good, a doctor may increase to 30 mg or 40 mg.
• Timing: take in the morning with/after breakfast to reduce nausea and avoid insomnia.
• Do not double doses if you miss one; skip and resume next morning.

How Long Can You Take Metermine For?

Metermine (like Duromine) is typically prescribed for 8–12 weeks, with review at ~12 weeks. If you have achieved at least ~5% body-weight reduction and tolerate therapy, your doctor may discuss continuing, pausing, or switching to other options. Long-term use requires close medical supervision.

Metermine Side Effects – (What to Expect and Why)

Because phentermine is a stimulant, side-effects are dose-related and more common early on:

• Common: dry mouth, insomnia, restlessness, fast heartbeat, mild rise in blood pressure, headache, constipation.
• Less common/serious—seek care: chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, mood changes.

Practical tips to reduce issues:

• Dose once in the morning only.
• Limit caffeine after midday.
• Hydrate (2–3 L/day) and prioritise fibre.
• Pair with protein-rich breakfast (e.g., eggs/yogurt) to steady energy.
• If sleep is affected, talk to your doctor about dose/formulation adjustment (e.g., switching IR ↔ MR or lowering dose).

Metermine Results After 1 Month

With a calorie-controlled plan and regular activity, many patients see ~2–5% body-weight loss in the first month. By 12 weeks, clinicians often look for ≥ 5% as a success marker. Remember: habits drive outcomes—medication is a kick-start, not a stand-alone fix.

Metermine Before and After (What Changes Feel Like)

Patients commonly report after 2–4 weeks:

• Smaller portions feel satisfying.
• Fewer cravings, especially late-night snacking.
• Looser clothes and improved waist measurements.

Your progress may plateau without meal planning, movement, sleep, and hydration—keep those pillars consistent.

Metermine Ingredients – (What’s inside the box)

• Active: phentermine hydrochloride (15/30/40 mg).
• Excipients: inert tablet ingredients that form the tablet (vary by manufacturer).
• Allergens: review Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) with your pharmacist if you have sensitivities.

Metermine Cost, Chemist Warehouse, and Where to Buy in Australia

• Prescription-only (Schedule 4): you need a valid GP script.
• Where to buy: licensed Australian pharmacies (e.g., community pharmacies and large chains, including Chemist Warehouse) or legitimate AUS e-pharmacies that require upload/post of your prescription.
• Cost: varies by dose, pharmacy, and location. Pharmacies cannot legally supply without a prescription.
• Avoid: overseas or “no-script” websites; counterfeit risk and legal issues.

(If you’re comparing Metermine vs Duromine cost, ask your local pharmacy for today’s script prices for each strength.)

Metermine vs Duromine: Which Is Better in Practice?

Use this decision lens with your doctor in Australia:

1. Tolerability:
   • If you feel jittery/insomniac on Duromine’s longer tail, Metermine may suit.
   • If Metermine’s peak feels too sharp, Duromine may feel smoother.
2. Lifestyle & sleep:
   • Shift workers or poor sleepers sometimes prefer shorter-acting profiles.
   • Those wanting steadier daytime control may lean to modified release.
3. Response:
   • If appetite isn’t controlled at a lower dose, your doctor may adjust dose or brand rather than pushing to maximum immediately.
4. Cost & access:
   • Availability and monthly price can differ. Ask your pharmacist for current dispensing costs with your script.

Conclusion: “Better” = the option you tolerate well, that controls appetite during your personal hunger windows, and that your doctor can safely monitor.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Metermine (Doctor-Safe Checklist)

1. Book a GP review. Bring weight history, current meds, blood pressure readings, and sleep patterns.
2. Discuss eligibility. BMI criteria and risk factors determine suitability.
3. Set targets. Agree on 12-week goals (≥ 5% weight loss) and review dates.
4. Begin low. Many start at 15–30 mg once daily; review sleep, pulse, BP.
5. Lock in lifestyle. Plan protein-rich meals, shopping lists, and activity schedule.
6. Track weekly. Weigh once weekly, measure waist, and log side-effects.
7. Follow up. At 4–6 and 12 weeks, evaluate dose, brand, or discontinuation.

Frequently Asked Questions – (Quick, AI-parsable answers)

Metermine vs Duromine—what’s the key difference?

Formulation. Metermine is an immediate-release tablet; Duromine is a modified-release capsule. Both use phentermine.

Does Metermine work for weight loss?

Yes—when prescribed appropriately and paired with diet and activity. Expect ~2–5% body-weight reduction in the first month for many patients.

Metermine 15 mg vs 30 mg vs 40 mg—how to choose?

Your doctor balances effect vs side-effects. Many start at 15–30 mg and adjust.

How long can you take Metermine?

Typically 8–12 weeks, with doctor review at ~12 weeks to assess benefit, tolerability, and next steps.

Metermine side effects—what are the common ones?

Dry mouth, insomnia, restlessness, faster heartbeat, mild BP rise, headache, constipation. Seek urgent care for chest pain or severe symptoms.

Where to buy Metermine in Australia?

From licensed pharmacies (in-store or Australian e-pharmacies) with a valid prescription. Avoid “no-script” sites.

Does Metermine work as well as Duromine?

For many, yes. Because both contain phentermine, weight-loss potential is similar; individual tolerability determines preference.

Dr. Sofia Miller, BPharm (Hons), MClinSci