Qnexa the new US approved weight loss pill

Qnexa is a new weight loss pill, designed by the pharmaceutical company Vivus, to help obese people lose weight by reducing their appetite and increasing satiety – which occurs when the stomach signals to the brain that it is full. Qnexa is not currently available, but has undergone several clinical trials for efficacy and Vivus have submitted the drug to the FDA in America for approval. If Qnexa is approved by the Food and Drugs Administration in the US is it highly likely that an application will also be submitted to the European Medicines Authority, to make the product available across the EU member states.

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Xenical

What is Qnexa?

Qnexa is a new weight loss medication which has been clinically trialled and shown to be effective in helping obese patients to lose weight. It has not yet been approved for general prescription in either America or Europe, but has reached the more final stages of the application. If approved for use it is likely Qnexa will be a prescription only medication which will be suitable for people of BMI 30, or more or 28 or more, where obesity related health care problems are present.

How does this weight loss pill work?

Feeling hungry and knowing when to stop eating are often the two greatest difficulties faced by those who struggle to regulate their weight. Qnexa contains two active ingredients phentermine and topirate and their dual action aims to control appetite and the feeling of fullness.

Phentermine is a well known weight loss drug which is sold in the USA, but is not available in the UK. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant of the amphetamine and phenethylamine class. This drug prevents people from overeating by controlling the chemicals in the brain which regulate appetite so that the patient feels are reduced compulsion to eat.

Topiramate also helps to reduce the quantity of food consumed by increasing the sensation of satiety. When we feel full we are less likely to want to eat.

How much weight can I lose with Qnexa?

For a prescription weight loss drug to be considered for approval clinical trials must confirm the medication is capable of helping a patient to lose 5% of their total body weight during a 12 month period. Clinical trials involving Qnexa during a 56 week period show that obese patients taking the drug on average can lose almost 15% of their body weight. This means that Qnexa can help patients to lose considerably more weight than just diet or exercise alone, and that Qnexa is more powerful than the current leading UK prescription weight loss treatment.

What are the side effects of Qnexa?

The side effects of Qnexa are associated with those of both Phentermine and Topiramate. Phentermine is known to cause high blood pressure in patients taking it and patient BP must be close monitored to make sure it stays within a safe range. Topiramate is associated with cognitive problems and depression, so again those taking this type of treatment should be monitored for changes in their behaviour. During trials there were no worryingly high incidences of side effects in patients as the relative doses of these two medications is low. The panel assessed the risk of side effects weighing these up with the potential benefits of using the weight loss treatment and decided that for the majority of patients these posed little risk.
All medicines have side effects, but it is important to establish whether the health risks of being obese outweigh those of taking a medication which aids weight loss. As soon as the risk of treatment becomes greater than the benefit gained patients should be reassessed by a medical professional.