Peripheral vasculopathy and nephropathy in association with phentermine

Phentermine and related amphetamine-like compounds have been widely used as appetite suppressants, especially in the US [1]. They have been associated with systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heart valvular abnormalities [2] and cerebral vasculopathy [3]. We report a patient who presented with renal impairment and peripheral vasculopathy, whilst on long-term therapy with phentermine for narcolepsy. Considerable improvement in these features followed phentermine withdrawal.