Other (Non-GLP1) Medications for Weight Loss in Silver Spring

Question 1

Who may be a candidate for Qsymia?

Accepted Answer

Adults:
Qsymia is approved for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ of 27) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Pediatrics:
Qsymia is approved for pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with obesity.

Question 2

What results might you expect?

Accepted Answer

In clinical trials conducted in adults, after 56 weeks of treatment, the average weight loss was approximately 10% of total body weight, or around 22-25 lbs. Greater weight loss was observed in a smaller group of patients who took the highest dose of Qsymia and stayed on it for at least 56 weeks.

Question 3

What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects in adults included numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or face; dizziness; change in the way foods taste; trouble sleeping; constipation; and dry mouth. Common side effects in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age included depression, dizziness, joint pain, fever, and flu. Serious side effects are rare but could include suicidal thoughts and behavior, serious eye problems (including acute myopia and secondary angle closure glaucoma), mood and sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, slowing of linear growth (in pediatric patients), changes in electrolytes or renal function, and serious skin rashes.

Question 4

Who should not take Qsymia?

Accepted Answer

Qsymia can cause birth defects in a developing fetus, specifically cleft lip or palate. This can occur very early in pregnancy (often before a person knows they are pregnant). Pregnant patients or patients trying to become pregnant should not take Qsymia. Effective birth control must be used while taking Qsymia. Patients with glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or those taking an MAO-I medication should not take Qsymia.

Question 5

Who may be a candidate for Contrave?

Accepted Answer

Contrave is FDA approved for use in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ of 27) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Question 6

What results might you expect?

Accepted Answer

In clinical studies, for patients who took the medication for a full 56 weeks, the average weight loss was 11.5% (around 25 lbs).

Question 7

What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Rare but serious reported side effects include suicidal thoughts or behaviors and other mood disturbances, seizures, liver toxicity, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, serious eye problems (angle closure glaucoma), low blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

Question 8

Who should not take Contrave?

Accepted Answer

Contrave is not appropriate for patients with severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorder, eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia nervosa), or patients who have abruptly discontinued use of alcohol, and certain anti-seizure or anti-anxiety medications. Contrave should not be used by patients requiring chronic opioid therapy, or those taking MAO-I inhibitor medications. Contrave has numerous potential interactions with other prescription medications; provide a detailed list of all prescription medications to your doctor when discussing if Contrave might be right for you.