Will there soon be a new weight loss pill for people who struggle to lose weight on the path to better health? Qnexa is in the hands of an FDA panel once again because the drug's maker, Vivus Inc., provided new safety information about the drug.
The weight loss pill combines two currently approved drugs: phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is the safer part of the wildly popular "phen-phen," which is still sometimes used for weight loss. However, topiramate is used for seizures and migraines, which does list troubling side effects.
The problem is, people want a pill to aid in weight loss to be a quick fix, and it seems clear that there is no magic weight loss pill out there. They seem to have way too many side effects, or they are not effective. The last time the FDA panel voted on this drug, it was 10 to six against approval. Perhaps things will change, but even then this isn't going to be a magic pill. Ultimately, there will be risks to be weighed against the health benefits.
Like this article? See more by Kate James at Gather.com
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