A new drug for weight management has been approved by the FDA. It’s called Contrave and it’s the third weight-loss drug approved by the FDA for obese and overweight adults, the other two being Belviq and Qysmia.
Obesity is becoming a serious problem nowadays, with more than 30% of U.S. adult population having weight problems according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In order to be considered obese, an adult has to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. In these cases, Contrave is prescribed to help reduce some of the extra weight. If a patient has a BMI of 27 or greater, and also suffers from Type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia or high blood pressure, they can be prescribed Contrave, as well.
Usually, the best way to reduce weight is through work-out, healthy diet and an overall healthier lifestyle. These lifestyle changes, however, are not easy for everyone, and contrary to popular belief, are not able to help everyone. Even when they do, the results are difficult to maintain and it’s easy for people to get back into their old habits. That’s why drugs like Contrave are needed in the battle against obesity. However, it’s there to help the weight-loss process, in addition to diet and exercise, and it’s not hauled as a miracle drug.
There are some side effects associated with the medication. It contains bupropion, which is an antidepressant, hence some of the side effects associated with anti-depressants are possible. It’s also not recommended to use Contrave if the patient has an uncontrollable hypertension.
The FDA still requires more studies in order to find any additional negative effects, whether caused by the drug alone or by interactions with other medication. Possible cardiovascular risk and potential dosage problems is still being looked into.
Reference link: http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drug-topics/news/third-weight-loss-drug-approved-obese-adults
