A new dieting pill is now available at your doctor’s office. The FDA approved Qsymia in July. The drug has been shown to help obese people drop an average of 20 pounds.
Battling Dieting
Consumers need a prescription to get this new diet pill and it’s only being prescribed for people who are in serious need of weight reduction.
“Obesity is not being adequately addressed by diet and lifestyle changes or currently available therapies,” the Vivus, Qsymia’s maker told CNN. “The need for new options is urgent, particularly nonsurgical options.”
While the drug’s manufacturers have successful trial results, some health experts worry people will treat this pill as a cure-all.
“Our belief is that women will be invited (through) compelling advertising and marketing messages to experiment on themselves with a drug that has some effectiveness with healthy dieting but possible serious risks,” said Cindy Pearson, executive director of the National Women’s Health Network.
Avoiding “Pill Mills”
The FDA didn’t approve this drug in 2010, in part because the last weight loss pill was prescribed too much. To avoid the problem created when Fen-phen was approved, Vivus came up with a distribution plan. The pill will only be available through the mail.
“There will not be dispensing from doctors’ offices,” Dr. Barbara Troupin, Vivus’ vice-president of scientific communications and risk management said. “Seeing that issue and what has happened in fad and diet drugs in the past, that is not a path that we’re going to be taking.”
Side Effects Still Being Researched
Several members of the FDA advisory panel say more research is needed. Health experts are especially interested in how this drug can effect the heart and if it has any potential side effects for women who become pregnant. Vivus has said they will continue to conduct tests.
