Who is prescribing qsymia

Qsymia can cause fetal harm. Pregnancy testing is recommended before initiating Qsymia treatment in patients who can become pregnant and monthly during Qsymia therapy. Advise patients who can become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during Qsymia therapy.

Qsymia can cause an increase in resting heart rate. Regular measurement of resting heart rate is recommended for all patients taking Qsymia, especially patients with cardiac or cerebrovascular disease or when initiating or increasing the dose of Qsymia. Qsymia has not been studied in patients with recent or unstable cardiac or cerebrovascular disease and therefore use is not recommended.

Patients should inform healthcare providers of palpitations or feelings of a racing heartbeat while at rest during Qsymia treatment. For patients who experience a sustained increase in resting heart rate while taking Qsymia, the dose should be reduced or Qsymia discontinued. Topiramate, a component of Qsymia, increases the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication.

Discontinue Qsymia in patients who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Qsymia is not recommended in patients with a history of suicidal attempts or active suicidal ideation. Acute angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients treated with topiramate, a component of Qsymia. Symptoms typically occur within 1 month of initiating treatment with topiramate but may occur at any time during therapy. The primary treatment to reverse symptoms is immediate discontinuation of Qsymia.

Elevated intraocular pressure of any etiology, if left untreated, can lead to serious adverse events including permanent loss of vision. Qsymia can cause mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, as well as insomnia. Patients with a history of depression may be at increased risk. For clinically significant or persistent symptoms consider dose reduction or withdrawal of Qsymia. Qsymia can cause cognitive dysfunction e. Since Qsymia has the potential to impair cognitive function, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles.

Hyperchloremic, non-anion gap, metabolic acidosis has been reported in patients treated with Qsymia. It does not increase the risk of arrhythmias, valve disease, or myocardial infarction, although studies to date excluded patients with known cardiac problems. Because patients had a dose-dependent increase in heart rate, the FDA is requiring postmarketing evaluation of cardiovascular safety. In animal and human studies, topiramate has been associated with a risk of cleft lip.

Common side effects are dose dependent and include dry mouth, constipation, paresthesia, insomnia, irritability, and altered taste sensation. The benefit of this weight loss is not known. Over two years, systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be lowered by 3 to 5 mm Hg, and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, A1C levels will be lowered by 0.

It is unknown if weight loss is sustained after stopping the medication. Patients are instructed to start at the lowest daily dosage 3. Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and should continue to have monthly testing during treatment.

They should use reliable contraception and discontinue treatment immediately if they conceive. Physician training and a list of certified pharmacies are available online. Already a member or subscriber? Do not drink alcohol with Qsymia. Possible seizures if you stop taking Qsymia too fast.

Seizures may happen in people who may or may not have had seizures in the past if you stop Qsymia too fast. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop taking Qsymia slowly. Kidney stones. Drink plenty of fluids when taking Qsymia to help decrease your chances of getting kidney stones.

Decreased sweating and increased body temperature fever. People should be watched for signs of decreased sweating and fever, especially in hot temperatures.

Some people may need to be hospitalized for this condition. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of Qsymia. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

All rights reserved. Qsymia Full Prescribing Information. Data on File. You want to achieve real, lasting weight loss. The top 3 life events leading to weight gain were: Changes in metabolism Stress or mental health Demands of work and family life. Indicated the reason they wanted to lose weight was to: Become healthier and improve overall health.

Qsymia Offers Real Control. If you're a person who can get pregnant, be sure to factor in the cost of a monthly pregnancy test when tallying the total cost.

You can also talk to your doctor about a plan for having testing done as part of your office visits. If you choose to invest in Qsymia, be aware that only certain pharmacies may dispense the drug.

As part of an agreement with the FDA, drugmaker Vivus agreed to sell the medication only through pharmacies that take part in an educational program that ensures patients receive risk reduction information along with their medication. If you meet the BMI criteria and have tried other weight loss methods without success, Qsymia may be able to help. If you're considering trying to conceive in the future, use caution before starting Qsymia.

If you are on medications for other health conditions, be mindful of possible interactions and discuss them with your healthcare team. Adjust your dosages per your doctor's recommendations, and stay up-to-date on follow-up visits to monitor your body's response to Qsymia. Qsymia works best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. Consume a diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Limit saturated fats and added sweeteners. You should take Qsymia for as long as your healthcare provider has prescribed. If you experience side effects, be sure to speak to your doctor to see if stopping the medication is best. Do not stop taking the medication on your own without consulting your doctor, as this can cause adverse side effects.

Qsymia starts to work immediately after you take it to reduce hunger and cravings. But it will take several days or weeks for you to lose weight resulting from a reduced appetite. Talk with your doctor about what to expect. Talk to your doctor about the potential health benefits of losing weight with Qsymia. Discussing your specific medical history and future plans will help you make the best decision with your provider.

It's important to remember that no pill can take the place of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Not every medication works the same way for everyone. Monitoring your progress with your doctor will help you stay safe and avoid negative side effects. Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Food and Drug Administration. Medications target long-term weight control. Updated July 17, Medications for the treatment of obesity in adolescents. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab.