Study of Qsymia (Vivus inc.) shows positive benefits for treatment of Obesity
A new study concludes that weight loss resulting from treatment with Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release), from Vivus inc., led to significant improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides in Obese and overweight patients. The improvements were significantly greater among patients who lost 10% or more of their starting weight. Participants in the study with body mass indexes of 27 to 45 kg/m2 were randomized to placebo, recommended dose (7.5/46mg) or top dose (15/92mg) Qsymia. Primary end points were % weight loss and the proportion of patients achieving at least 5% weight loss. Additional end points were changes in lipid variables in patients with dyslipidemia and changes in blood pressure in patients with hypertension, stratified by treatment assignment and magnitude of weight loss.
Qsymia produced significantly greater dose-related mean percentage weight loss compared with placebo in the subgroups of participants with dyslipidemia and those with hypertension. Adverse event profiles in these high risk patients were similar to those seen in the study population as a whole. he study was published online in The American Journal of Cardiology. See: "Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Phentermine and Topiramate Extended-Release in Participants With Comorbidities and a Body Mass Index ?27 kg/m2" Michael H. Davidson et al. American Journal of Cardiology, online 31 January 2013, doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.12.038