Discontinued Weight Loss Drugs in the U.S. : Read This Before Buy

The FDA has announced that it is withdrawing many weight loss drugs from the market, citing safety concerns. The drugs were marketed as being able to help people lose weight permanently and were often prescribed to people who were already obese or trying to lose weight. Many of the withdrawn drugs were associated with serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. The FDA has also warned against the use of some diet drugs to treat obesity, saying that they pose a safety risk. The FDA's decision to withdraw drugs from the market is aimed at preventing people from being harmed by the drugs.

What happens to the drugs when they're discontinued?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is discontinuing the sale of four weight loss drugs, citing safety concerns. The drugs were sold under the brand names Xenical, Sibutramine, Meridia and Orlistat. All but Xenical are banned in other countries due to their potential for serious adverse effects, including heart disease, liver damage and suicide.

Discontinued Weight Loss Drugs in the U.S. as follow:

  • Fenfluramine (Pondimin)

The combination drug fen-phen (fenfluramine and phentermine) was associated with dangerous heart valve side effects that would no longer occur in North America after it was removed from the market as a result of those side effects.

Fenfluramine by interference with serotonin reuptake increases the appetite. In 1997, the FDA withdrew fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine (Redux) from the market, as well. In addition, fen-phen was linked to a rare heart valve abnormality called valvulopathy.

  • Sibutramine (Meridia)

Meridia was approved in the U.S. in 1999, but it was taken off the market in 2010 after reports of an increased fatality rate among users. also due to an increased risk of serious heart side effects, including heart attack and stroke. Sibutramine blocks norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake to lead to the appetite suppressant effect.

  • Lorcaserin (Belviq)

In 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturer withdraw lorcaserin (Belviq, Belviq XR) from the U.S. market as the risk of cancer (including pancreatic, lung and colorectal) outweighed any benefit from the drug. In addition, the FDA asked that the drug be removed from the market in Canada and the European Union. The manufacturer complied with these requests.

Read More : Side Effects of Diet Supplements

How About Insurance Pay For Weight Loss Pills?

Some, but not all, insurance plans cover medications that treat overweight and obesity. Contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers these medications.

As obesity rates in the United States continue to climb, more and more people are looking for ways to treat their condition. Unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover medications that treat overweight and obesity. This can be a major obstacle for people who are trying to manage their weight.

If you are looking for a way to lose weight and you don't have insurance coverage for weight loss medications, contact your insurance company to find out if they offer any alternatives. Many companies now offer coverage for weight loss surgery or other treatments such as diet counseling or support groups.

It is important to remember that there are many ways to lose weight, and not everyone needs medication. If you are struggling with your weight, talk to your doctor about the best way to get started on your journey to health.

If you are looking for an over-the-counter weight loss option, Alli may be a good choice for you. However, be aware that this medication will not be covered by your insurance. Xenica is a prescription weight loss medication that may be a better option for you if you are looking to lose weight. Xenica has been shown to help people lose 2-3 times as much weight as those who do not take the medication. Additionally, Xenica is covered by most insurance plans.

Conclusion

Although discontinued, these drugs can still be found on the black market. Several physician regulators have warned the FDA that a significant number of advertised dietary products aren't effective and even can cause serious side effects. Authorities have discovered products that contain prescription drugs such as sibutramine, outlawed from the U.S. market in October 2010 due to safety concerns. In 2004 the FDA prohibited dietary products with ephedra, a stimulant, from the market.

  • Speak to your health care provider before you make any use of dietary supplements for weight control.
  • Review the Food and Drug Association's and the FDA's list of recalled and discontinued food and beverage products, and heed Medwatch alerts even if you believe you have a trustworthy brand at hand. Never buy questionable products from the Internet that contain potentially injurious, unapproved, or counterfeit ingredients.

Learn More : Weight Loss Drug Approved by FDA: Is The Drug Right for You?