Qsymia

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.