Weight loss pills
You may have heard that the weight loss drug Meridia was recently pulled from the market due to the prevalanece of stroke and heart attack in patients on the medication. Meridia (available by prescription in the US) originally came out in 1997 and was found to increase weight loss by 5%. Earlier this year, the FDA asked the makers of Meridia to withdraw it from the market because more recent studies have found the dangers outweigh the benefits.
Two new medications have been rejected by the FDA in the past months, not allowed to go on market. Two other FDA approved drugs are still on the market.
Behind the cut, a summary of these medications.
New (Potential) Weight-Loss Medications:
Lorcaserin (rejected for FDA approval)
- works by stimulating certain seratonin receptors in the brain and did not seem to cause the heart-related problems many other weight loss medications cause.
- Studies found Lorcaserin helped people lose 5% more weight than placebo.
- Studies found Lorcaserin seemed to cause tumors in lab rats, and thus the FDA rejected the drug in September.
- a combination of topiramate and phentermine: Topiramate is generic Topamax (used to treat seizures and migraines) and phentermine is a mild stimulant approved by the FDA for short-term weight loss.
- Qnexa was found to help patients lose 5-10% more weight than placebo.
- Phentermine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, headache, nervousness, and insomnia, among other things. Topamax can cause depression, difficulty concentrating, changes in taste, and tingling in hands and feet.
- The FDA declined to approve Qnexa in September.
- At this time, the drug makers are attempting to clarify Qnexa's risk of heart problems and birth defects, and will apply for approval again next year.
- combines two FDA-approved anti-addiction drugs: an bupropion, an anticonvulsant and naltrexone, an amphetamine.
- Bupropion (brand names Wellbutrin, Zyban) is prescribed as an anti-depressant and also for smoking-cessation.
- Naltrexone (brand names Revia and Depade) is prescribed for patients recovering from alcohol or opiate addiction.
- Contrave is intended to reduce dependency on food and has been found to aid in a 5% weight loss in 50% of study participants.
- In the process of being reviewed by the FDA.
Weight loss drugs currently on the market:
- Orlistat (Xenical for prescription version, Alli for OTC version): This is a fat-absorption blocker. It blocks an enzyme which reduces the body's ability to absorb dietary fat (and thus those calories) by one-third. Downside: also blocks absobtion of some nutrients and if you eat too much fat, it's expelled by the body in unpleasant ways (anal leakage, anyone?)
- Phentermine: short term use only. Reduces appetite but also causes increased BP and heart rate. Not recommended for people with heart problems or diabetes.
CNN : Meridia pulled from market
NY Times: Qnexa & Lorcaserin rejected by FDA
Health News: Contrave
Mayo Clinic: drug info
In the comments: What's your experience with weight loss medication or supplements?