- Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:57 am
#28767
After being rejected by the FDA in 2010 due to possible side effects, the weight loss drug Qnexa looks like it will be approved. In clinical studies, the highest doses of Qnexa consistently allowed subjects to lose over 10% of their body weight. It looks like it will be a godsend for overweight patients, but what are these side effects that caused the FDA to reject it outright in 2010?
Well, Qnexa may not be approved for women of child-bearing age. This is because Qnexa can cause cleft palate or other oral defects in the baby if a pregnant woman has Qnexa in her system. Perhaps women of child-bearing age would have to take birth control in order to be on Qnexa (similar to Accutane--women must also take birth control while on that acne medication because there is a risk of serious birth defects.)
Since Qnexa is a combination of two different drugs, (phentermine, which elevates heart rate and is not recommended for people with the potential for heart problems) and topiramate, which is used for migraines and seizures) the potential side effects are well known. Many people argue that the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
All evidence points to the fact that weight is regained once a patient is no longer taking Qnexa, which means the drug would either have to be taken for life, or lifestyle habits would have to be greatly changed while patients are taking the drug, and maintained once off of it, in order for weight loss to be permanent.
Well, Qnexa may not be approved for women of child-bearing age. This is because Qnexa can cause cleft palate or other oral defects in the baby if a pregnant woman has Qnexa in her system. Perhaps women of child-bearing age would have to take birth control in order to be on Qnexa (similar to Accutane--women must also take birth control while on that acne medication because there is a risk of serious birth defects.)
Since Qnexa is a combination of two different drugs, (phentermine, which elevates heart rate and is not recommended for people with the potential for heart problems) and topiramate, which is used for migraines and seizures) the potential side effects are well known. Many people argue that the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
All evidence points to the fact that weight is regained once a patient is no longer taking Qnexa, which means the drug would either have to be taken for life, or lifestyle habits would have to be greatly changed while patients are taking the drug, and maintained once off of it, in order for weight loss to be permanent.
