Qsymia (pronounced kyoo-sim-ee-uh), which suppresses
appetite and increases the feeling of fullness, boosts patients' weight loss
when used along with a diet and exercise plan. Until now, the drug had been
called Qnexa.
Qsymia contains the drugs phentermine and topiramate
and comes in two dose combinations phentermine 7.5 mg/topiramate 46 mg and a
double-strength combination of phentermine 15.0mg/topiramate 92 mg.
Weight loss studies results were maintained over the
two-year extension period with the average weight change at the end of the
study:
- Placebo:
-1.8% of body weight
- Phentermine
7.5mg/topiramate 46 mg: -9.3% of body weight
- Phentermine
15 mg/topiramate 92 mg: -10.5 of body weight
The drug is approved for obese adults with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30
or higher. It can also be used by overweight adults, with a BMI of 27 or
higher, if they have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood
pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol.
Qsymia Benefits
Qsymia is the latest weight loss drug to be approved by
the FDA. Qsymia (formerly called Qnexa), from Vivus pharmaceuticals, helps
obese individuals lose about 10% of their body weight
The once-a-day, time-release capsule combines
topiramate, an anti-convulsion medication know to cause birth defects, and
phentermine, the half of fen-phen that’s still legal.
Another side effect benefit was the reduction in blood
pressure with reduced need for antihypertensive drugs
Qsymia Side Effects
Nearly every drug has side effects and during Qsymia's
clinical testing, some patients experienced an increased heart rate, which
could lead to other cardiovascular problems, such as increased chance of heart
attack or stroke. (Though there is no confirmed direct cause-and-effect.) In
order to gain FDA approval, Vivus agreed to conduct further testing to show
that Qsymia does not have dangerous cardiovascular side effects. In fact, the
company is setting out to show that Qsymia actually improves
cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing heart
attack and stroke risk.
Some experts are concerned that the drug raised the
heart rates slightly in some patients.
In summary, this two-year extension study confirms
the results of the one-year study with continuing evidence of
effectiveness, tolerability and safety of this drug combination. It will be
interesting to follow the use and clinical experience of this drug combo as it
is prescribed in practice. As with all prescribed medication, individuals need
to discuss the potential benefits and risks of Qysmia with their physician or
other health care provider before use.