Weight Loss Drug Approved by FDA: Is The Drug Right for You?
Weight loss drugs and the FDA
Weight loss agents are typically available on the U.S. market to assist patients lose roughly 3 to 9 percent of their body weight by taking good care of themselves and with their physical activities. Make sure to consult your doctor for sound information before starting any weight loss program, and understand that it will take some time and persistent discipline.
The FDA has been tasked with the responsibility of approving weight loss drugs for public consumption. Recently, there has been an influx of these types of drugs hitting the market, and the agency is taking a closer look at how it approves them.
Some people are concerned that the FDA may be too quick to approve weight loss drugs, and that they may not be safe. Others say that the agency is being too cautious, and that more weight loss drugs should be approved to help people struggling with obesity. The FDA is currently reviewing its process for approving weight loss drugs, and will make changes as needed.
Here are some Drugs that approve by FDA :
Anorexiants
its known as Appetite suppressants which act on the brain by giving it a feeling of fullness that will reduce a person's appetite. Usage as an antihypertensive agent, along with diet, and physical exercise, is intended. A wide variety of appetite suppressants exist, including stimulant drugs that cause the user to feel more alert and less hungry and slimming drugs that cut down weight by means of decreasing the appetite..
Side effects of stimulants may include:
increased blood pressure and heart rate
insomnia (trouble sleeping)
nervousness
blurred vision
restlessness
headache
Some prescription medications may cause side effects such as constipation, slimy feces, dry mouth, vomiting, or queasiness. If you are the one who experiences these side effects, seek medical treatment. These drugs are also called controlled substances.
The stimulants included in these drugs, such as amphetamines, may cause dependence, abuse, or withdrawal after prolonged use. Store them in a secure location where pets and kids can't reach them. Examples of stimulants that function as an anorexigen include.
Saxenda is a hormone injection (a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist) that occurs in the brain to help control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion, but may aid with weight loss as well.
Many news reported side effects include: upset stomach, low blood sugar, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and increased lipase.
liraglutide from the Victoza brand may be used along with diet and exercise in order to treat type 2 diabetes, and it's not used for the purpose of weight loss. Saxenda and Victoza should not ever be combined.
Saxenda is not classified as a controlled drug.
Due to the risk of thyroid cancer associated with these medications, you should not use them. If you have a personal or family history of mTOC syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or a medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) of the endocrine system, avoid these medications.
Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone)
Bupropion is an antidepressive medicine, and naltrexone may be used to counter the effects of narcotics or alcohol in people who have dependency. Both drugs may also block hunger.
Contrave side effects can include constipation, dizziness, headache, difficulty sleeping, and upset stomach. Contrave is not classified as a controlled substance.
Contrave should not be used with Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, or Aplenzin, as these products may invalidate Contrave's diminished risk of seizures. Do not take it if you have risk factors for seizures.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
It is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Wepreview (a glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2021.
Usually its used in addition to diet and exercise for long-term weight management in adults who are overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2).
The most substantial adverse reactions may include nausea, vomiting, stomach (abdomen) pain, dizziness, stomach flu, diarrhea, headache, feeling bloated, heartburn, tiredness (fatigue), belching, constipation, upset stomach, and gas.
What is the New Weight Loss Supplements?
Orlistat
The FDA has approved a weight loss drug that is said to help people lose weight. The drug, known as Orlistat, is a pill that people take in order to slim down. It is said to work by stopping the body's ability to absorb food. People who take Orlistat are usually encouraged to eat fewer calories and exercise regularly. Some people may find that taking Orlistat makes them feel sick or hungry, so it is important for them to talk with their doctor about whether the drug is the right choice for them. Xenical, the prescription equivalent of orlistat, was first approved in the United States in 1999.
Xenical was followed by the reduced-dose, over-the-counter (OTC) orlistat (Alli) in 2007. orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, is uniquely ineffective in that it does not affect the central nervous pathways to promote weight loss, but instead acts peripherally to prevent the absorption of calories from the food you eat. Side effects of orlistat can be unpleasant: oily spotting, gas, stomach pain, fecal urgency or incontinence, soft stools, and the possibility of serious liver injury can occur. Take Alli or Xenical with a daily multivitamin that contains fat-soluble vitamins such A, D, E, K and beta carotene. Alli may reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
Alli (orlistat): over-the-counter (OTC), no prescription required. Alli is the over-the-counter version of Xenical, but it comes in a lower 60 milligram (mg) strength.
Qsymia
The FDA has approved a drug that is claimed to help people lose weight. The drug is called Qsymia and it is an oral medication that is taken by mouth. Qsymia works by increasing the amount of energy that the body burns, which can lead to weight loss. However, there are some things to keep in mind before taking Qsymia. First, it is important to understand the risks and side effects of the drug. Second, you should only take Qsymia if you are willing and able to follow its instructions carefully. Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate ER)
Phentermine suppresses the appetite similar to an amphetamine stimulant. Topiramate is used a medication to control seizures.
These drugs, when used together with diet and exercise, can lead to weight loss, but the exact way this occurs is not fully known.
Common side effects may include: paraesthesia (numbness or tingling sensation), dizziness, dysgeusia (abnormal taste), difficulty sleeping, constipation, and dry mouth.
Qsymia is classified as a CIV controlled substance due to the possibility of dependence (addiction).
If you’re pregnant, you should not use Qsymia, and you should avoid going to take the drug, even for the month before you start taking it. Women should direct negative pregnancy tests before starting Qsymia and taking suppositories, each month while on medication.
Vedolizumab
The FDA has approved a weight loss drug that is being marketed as the newest and most effective way to lose weight. The drug, vedolizumab, is an injectable made from antibodies that fight against a protein in the body that may be contributing to obesity.
Although vedolizumab is a new drug, it has been found to be effective in helping people lose weight and improve their health.
Qnexa
Earlier this year, the FDA approved a weight loss drug called Qnexa. The drug is designed to reduce appetite and increase your metabolism. It is available as an injectable and comes in the form of capsules. There are some potential risks associated with using Qnexa, but it may be worth considering if you are looking for a way to decrease your weight.
A weight loss drug that has been approved by the FDA is right for you if you want to lose weight and keep it off long-term. The drug, orlistat, works by decreasing the amount of food that is eaten, which results in weight loss. It is important to be aware of some potential side effects of this drug before taking it, including increased risk for heart disease, so consult with your doctor before starting or continuing treatment.
Disclaimer
A complete and thorough effort has been made to determine whether the information provided is accurate, current, and complete. In addition, the drug information disclosed in this material may not be usable past the indicated date. This material does not endorse drugs, treat people, or recommend therapy. This resource is designed to provide information as a supplemental tool to,and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge, and judgment of healthcare professionals in patient care. To represent the fact that a drug or compound combination does not create a warning sign among those to whom it is administered, the lack of a warning in these resources does not indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any any particular patient.
