Approved Use: A combination of topiramate, a drug commonly prescribed for migraines and as an anti-seizure. People who meet the CDC’s criteria for obesity, e.g., anyone with a BMI of 30 or greater. People with a BMI greater than 27 who have a known weight-related health condition such as diabetes or heart disease This drug should NOT be taken by pregnant women; those with glaucoma or overactive thyroid; anyone taking an MAOI antidepressant; anyone with an allergy to the active ingredients.
QYSMIA Side Effects
Common but not serious:
- Back pain
- change in taste
- difficult bowel movements
- ear congestion
- fear or nervousness
- loss of taste
- loss of voice
- memory problems
- pain or tenderness around the eyes/cheekbones
- sneezing
- stuffy/runny nose
- insomnia
Common but not serious:
- Chest discomfort
- convulsions
- decreased urine
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- loss of appetite
- mood changes
- muscle pain or cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- shortness of breath, unusual tiredness/weakness
Less Common, not serious:
- Belching
- cramps
- decreased appetite
- dry eyes
- eye pain
- hair loss
- heartburn or indigestion
- heavy bleeding
- irritability
- rash
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Rare, more serious:
- Bloody urine
- pain in the groin or genitals
- sharp back pain below ribs
Other Considerations: Some lingering doubts about safety and efficacy of this drug remain which is why the FDA has required Quysmia’s parent company, Vivus, to continue studying the drug for up to five additional years to rule out long-term cardiovascular risks.A one-month supply costs $120 – $190 depending upon the dosage.
5. ORLISTAT; BY PRESCRIPTION: XENICAL
As one of the obesity drugs, the drug blocks between 25%-30% of dietary fat from a meal.
Approved Use: People who meet the CDC’s criteria for obesity, e.g., anyone with a BMI of 30 or greater.
People with a BMI greater than 27 who have a known weight-related health condition such as diabetes or heart disease
This drug should NOT be taken by those allergic to it or by anyone with chronic malabsorption syndrome, gallbladder problems.
Tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid; a history of gallstones; a history of pancreatitis; liver disease; type 1 or type 2 diabetes; an eating disorder; you take any other weight-loss medications; pregnant or nursing
Patients anecdotally report that side effects such as oily stools, abdominal bloating and gas may persist for several months after ceasing drug usage.
ORLISTAT/XENICAL Side Effects
Common, less serious:
- Abdominal or stomach pain or discomfort
- back pain
- difficulty with moving
- gas with leaky bowel movements
- inability to hold bowel movement
- increases in bowel movements
- loss of bowel control
- oily bowel movements
- oily spotting of underclothes
Less common, less serious:
- Itching of the vagina or genital area
- menstrual changes
- pain during sexual intercourse
- rectal pain or discomfort
- thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
Common, more serious:
- Bladder pain
- body aches
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- ear congestion
- fever
- general feeling of discomfort
- headache
- loss of appetite
- loss of voice
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches and pains
- nasal congestion
- nausea
- runny nose
- shivering
- sneezing
- sore throat
- sweating
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Less common, more serious:
- Tightness in the chest
- tooth or gum problems
- troubled breathing
- wheezing
Rare, more serious:
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- change in hearing
- contagious diarrhea
- dark urine
- difficult or painful urination
- earache
- fast heartbeat
- frequent urge to urinate
- general tiredness and weakness
- hives
- hoarseness
- irritation
- itching
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- light-colored stools
- noisy breathing
- pain in the ears
- rash
- redness of the skin
- shortness of breath
- skin blisters
- swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
- troubled swallowing
- upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- yellow eyes and skin
Other Considerations Also available without prescription over the counter under the brand name Alli. The cost is variable with
the average $100-$199 for a month’s supply. Discount coupons and samples are readily available.
Originally published: November 13, 2013
