Phentermine in Mexico: COFEPRIS Permit & Acxion Access

Quick reference

Drug class: Sympathomimetic amine / anorectic
Controlled substance: Yes, Fracción III psychotropic under Article 245 of Mexico's Ley General de Salud
Prescription required: Yes
Available locally: Yes, sold as Acxion (Laboratorios IFA) and Terfamex (Medix)
Storage: Room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F); keep container tightly closed; protect from moisture
Max supply to carry: Quantity authorised by your COFEPRIS import permit for your trip duration
Key document: COFEPRIS Permiso Sanitario de Importación de Medicamentos para Uso Personal (Health Import Permit for Personal Use Medications) plus a prescription and doctor's letter in Spanish
Emergency alternative: Visit a private clinic (clínica privada) for a Mexican prescription; bring original packaging and medical records as supporting documentation

Phentermine in Mexico: what changes when you travel with Acxion or Terfamex

Phentermine, sold in Mexico as Acxion (Laboratorios IFA) and Terfamex (Medix), is classified as a Fracción III psychotropic substance under Article 245 of Mexico's Ley General de Salud^[1]. Crossing the border with it requires a COFEPRIS import permit, a valid prescription, and a doctor's letter in Spanish. Local pharmacies stock both brands, but they will not dispense on a foreign prescription alone.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Documentation for travelling to Mexico with phentermine

Because phentermine is a psychotropic under Mexico's Ley General de Salud, you must obtain a COFEPRIS Permiso Sanitario de Importación de Medicamentos para Uso Personal^[2] before crossing the border. The permit application requires a valid prescription and a medical report confirming your name, dose, frequency, and total quantity carried. Processing can take up to 14 business days, so apply well before travel.

Pre-travel paperwork timeline

T-30 days
Book an appointment with your prescribing doctor to renew your prescription and obtain a signed medical letter confirming your name, medication (phentermine and local brand names), dose, frequency, quantity, and your doctor's registration number.Prescriber letter
T-21 days
Submit your COFEPRIS import permit application (Permiso Sanitario de Importación de Medicamentos para Uso Personal) online via the gob.mx COFEPRIS portal. Attach your prescription and medical report. A fee applies for psychotropic medications.COFEPRIS Permiso Sanitario
Processing time: up to 14 business days. Apply via gob.mx/cofepris. A fee applies for medications containing psychotropics.
T-7 days
Have your doctor's letter and prescription translated into Spanish by a certified medical translator. Ask your clinic to stamp the translated document on clinic letterhead.Translated letter (Spanish)
T-1 day
Print all documents: the COFEPRIS permit, original and translated doctor's letter, and original prescription. Do not rely on digital copies at the border. Pack medication in original pharmacy-labelled packaging.
T-0 (border)
Declare the medication proactively at customs. Present your COFEPRIS permit, original prescription, and Spanish doctor's letter together. Keep the permit accessible without unpacking your bag.

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What your doctor's letter must include

Full name, medication name (phentermine and brand: Acxion or Terfamex), dose and frequency, total quantity carried, condition name (obesity), doctor's name, signature, and professional registration number on clinic letterhead. A certified Spanish translation is strongly advisable. An apostille or notarisation is not a standard COFEPRIS requirement for personal-use import, but a fully bilingual document set reduces the risk of delays at customs.

A certified Spanish translation of your letter is strongly advisable. Notarisation or an apostille is not a standard COFEPRIS requirement for personal-use import, but carrying bilingual documents reduces the risk of customs delays.

How much phentermine to bring

Your COFEPRIS import permit will specify the quantity you are authorised to carry; quantities over 90 days may be questioned or confiscated at customs^[2]. Bring your full trip supply plus a small buffer of no more than 10 extra days, and ensure the total quantity matches what your permit states. Mexican pharmacies require a local Mexican prescription for any in-country refill, so do not rely on obtaining more locally.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and a backup quantity in checked luggage. If one bag is lost or delayed, you retain access to medication. Keep both portions in original pharmacy-labelled packaging.

Packing and storing phentermine for travel

Phentermine tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F)^[4], with the container kept tightly closed. During transit, brief exposure to 15°C–30°C is acceptable. Mexico's climate varies significantly: coastal areas reach 35°C or higher in summer, while Mexico City sits at around 2,240 m altitude with cooler temperatures. Keep medication in your hand luggage, away from direct heat or sunlight, and use an insulated pouch during long transfers through hot airports.

Airport security with phentermine

Phentermine is a solid oral medication and does not trigger airport liquids rules. Keep it in original pharmacy-labelled packaging in your hand luggage so security staff can identify it quickly. Because phentermine is a controlled substance under both the INCB 1971 Convention and Mexico's Ley General de Salud, you should have your COFEPRIS permit and doctor's letter in the same bag, ready to present on request. Security officers at Mexican airports may ask you to confirm the medication and its quantity.

Customs and medication import rules for Mexico

Mexican customs requires you to declare phentermine at the point of entry and present your COFEPRIS permit alongside your prescription. Phentermine is listed as fentermina under Fracción III of Article 245 of the Ley General de Salud^[1], which means it is subject to import controls for psychotropic medications.

The COFEPRIS personal-use import permit for psychotropics has a fee^[2] and must be obtained before you travel. If customs questions your medication, remain calm, present all documents together, and ask to speak with a supervisor if needed.

Controlled substance at the border

Phentermine (fentermina) is a Fracción III psychotropic under Mexico's Ley General de Salud. Entering Mexico without a valid COFEPRIS Permiso Sanitario de Importación and original prescription can result in confiscation, fines, or criminal proceedings. Do not post phentermine to Mexico: postal import of psychotropic medications without a permit is prohibited.

Phentermine availability in Mexico

Brands of phentermine sold in Mexico

Brand name	Indication	Formulation	Supply note
Acxion	Short-term obesity management	Tablet (15 mg, 30 mg)	Available at major pharmacy chains with Mexican prescription
Terfamex	Short-term obesity management	Capsule / orally disintegrating tablet (15 mg, 30 mg)	Available at major pharmacy chains with Mexican prescription
Raamcap	Short-term obesity management	Capsule	Less widely stocked; confirm availability before relying on it

Phentermine is available in Mexico under the brand names Acxion, Terfamex, and Raamcap^[3] at major pharmacy chains including Farmacias Guadalajara, Farmacias del Ahorro, and Benavides. A valid Mexican prescription (receta médica) is required for dispensing; foreign prescriptions are not accepted. A 30-tablet box of Acxion 30 mg costs approximately MXN 800–1,200 (~$44–$65 / ~€39–$59) depending on pharmacy and location.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe phentermine in Mexico

A general practitioner (médico general) or internist (internista) can prescribe phentermine in Mexico; you do not need a specialist. Private clinics in major cities and tourist destinations reliably offer English-speaking physicians. See our Mexico travel guide for specific healthcare options.

A specialist consultation or GP visit at a private clinic costs approximately MXN 400–800 (~$22–$44 / ~€19–€39). Bring your original packaging, previous prescription, and doctor's letter from home as supporting documentation to help the local physician assess your treatment.

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Storing phentermine while in Mexico

Phentermine requires no refrigeration; the standard storage range is 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F), with brief excursions to 30°C acceptable during transport^[4]. In coastal Mexico, where humidity and temperatures can exceed 35°C for extended periods^[5], keep tablets in a sealed container away from direct sunlight.

Mexico City's altitude (2,240 m) keeps temperatures lower, but air conditioning in hotels and restaurants will maintain adequate storage conditions almost everywhere. Avoid leaving medication in a parked car in direct sunlight.

What to do if something goes wrong with your phentermine in Mexico

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a report with the local police (Ministerio Público) immediately and keep a copy of the report number. Contact your travel insurer to document the loss. Having a photo of your prescription and COFEPRIS permit on your phone speeds up any replacement process.

If you run out unexpectedly, visit a private clinic (clínica privada) with your original packaging, prior prescription, and doctor's letter. A Mexican doctor can issue a local receta médica, which a pharmacy will accept for Acxion or Terfamex. Do not attempt to purchase phentermine without a prescription, as pharmacies are audited by COFEPRIS and require a valid receta.

Key phrases in Spanish

Necesito mi medicamento (fentermina / Acxion / Terfamex) (I need my medication (phentermine / Acxion / Terfamex). Tengo una receta médica) I have a medical prescription. Por favor llame a un médico (Please call a doctor. ¿Dónde está la farmacia más cercana?) Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Mexico's emergency number is 911 for ambulance, police, and fire. For non-emergency medical advice, private hospital chains such as Médica Sur and Angeles Hospitales have English-speaking staff in major cities.^[6]

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Frequently asked questions

Is phentermine legal in Mexico?

Phentermine is legal in Mexico but is regulated as a Fracción III psychotropic under Article 245 of the Ley General de Salud^[1]. You may possess and use it with a valid Mexican prescription and a COFEPRIS import permit obtained before entry.

Can I bring phentermine into Mexico?

Yes, you can bring phentermine into Mexico for personal use, but you must carry a COFEPRIS Permiso Sanitario de Importación de Medicamentos para Uso Personal^[2] alongside your original prescription and a doctor's letter in Spanish. Apply for the permit via the gob.mx COFEPRIS portal at least 21 days before departure, as processing takes up to 14 business days.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with phentermine?

A doctor's letter alone is not sufficient for Mexico. You need the letter plus a COFEPRIS import permit before you cross the border with phentermine. The letter must include your name, the medication name in both generic (fentermina) and brand form, dose, frequency, quantity, your doctor's registration number, and clinic letterhead, and it should be translated into Spanish.

Is phentermine available in Mexico pharmacies?

Yes. Phentermine is sold at major Mexican pharmacy chains as Acxion (Laboratorios IFA) and Terfamex (Medix) in 15 mg and 30 mg formulations. A valid Mexican prescription (receta médica) is required; foreign prescriptions are not accepted for dispensing.

What if I run out of phentermine in Mexico?

Visit a private clinic (clínica privada) with your original packaging, prior prescription, and doctor's letter. A Mexican physician can issue a local receta médica, which local pharmacies will accept for Acxion or Terfamex. Do not attempt to purchase phentermine without a Mexican prescription.

Is Acxion the same as phentermine?

Yes. Acxion is the most widely recognised Mexican brand name for phentermine hydrochloride, manufactured by Laboratorios IFA. Terfamex, made by Medix, is the other main Mexican brand. Both contain the same active ingredient (fentermina) and are subject to identical prescription and COFEPRIS import requirements.

Can I get a phentermine prescription in Mexico as a visitor?

Yes. A Mexican general practitioner or internist at a private clinic can prescribe phentermine to a visitor. Bring your original packaging and prior medical documentation to support the consultation. A private GP visit costs approximately MXN 400–800 (~$22–$44 / ~€19–€39) depending on the city and clinic.

Sources

More guides in Mexico

Country guide

CountryHealthcare in Mexico

Phentermine in Mexico: COFEPRIS Permit, Acxion and Pharmacy Access