Qsymia

(Phentermine Hydrochloride/Topiramate)

The active ingredients in Qsymia are phentermine hydrochloride and topiramate. Phentermine is a sympathomimetic, and it acts in the brain to reduce your hunger. Topiramate is an antiepileptic (seizure medicine). Scientists aren't sure exactly how it helps you lose weight. However, it is supposed to reduce your appetite while also making you feel fuller.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Qsymia. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Qsymia:

• When you first start taking Qsymia, your healthcare doctor should recommend a diet and exercise routine. Stay with this regimen throughout your therapy.
• Take this medication every morning, with or without meals.
• Drink plenty of water every day to avoid dehydration and kidney stones while on Qsymia.
• You will typically start at a low dose of Qsymia and then increase it over time if needed. Be sure to keep any follow-up appointments so your dose can be adjusted based on how it is working.

The most common side effects of Qsymia seen in clinical trials include:

• Tingling or pins and needles.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation.
• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Headache.
• Changes in taste.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Dizziness.
• Stomach pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Qsymia. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other mood changes.
• Vision issues include unexpected changes in eyesight and eye pain.
• High acid levels in your body (metabolic acidosis) cause rapid and shallow breathing, lack of appetite, fatigue, and irregular pulse.
• Severe skin reactions, including rash, blisters, peeling skin, fever, and body pains.
• Serious allergic reactions include dizziness, flushing, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rash, swelling of the face or tongue, and difficulty swallowing.
• Increased risk of kidney stones.
• Decreased sweating and trouble regulating your body temperature.
• Seizures occur when the medicine is abruptly stopped.
• Increased heart rate.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Qsymia. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Qsymia, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Glaucoma.
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Metabolic acidoses.
• Kidney disease or kidney stones.
• Liver disease.
• A history of seizures.
• Diarrhea.
• Decreased sweating and increased body temperature (fever).

• Currently pregnant.
• Glaucoma.
• Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid condition).
• Currently take or have taken medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days.
• Allergy to phentermine or topiramate.

After using Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER) at the prescribed dose for 8 to 12 weeks, you should see some weight loss. Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to the drug. So your findings may differ from those of others. If you don't lose weight after taking the drug as prescribed, consult your doctor.

When Qsymia is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Acetazolamide.
• Methazolamide.
• Zonisamide.
• Valproic acid or divalproex sodium (Depakene or Depakote).
• Birth control pills.
• A diuretic or "water pill".
• Insulin or oral diabetes medicine.
• Medicines that impair or decrease your thinking, concentration, or muscle coordination.

The typical starting dosage of Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate extended-release capsules) is 3.75 mg/23 mg orally once daily in the morning for two weeks.

Following that, your doctor will increase your medication to the usual dose of 7.5 mg/46 mg once daily.

Depending on how well the drug is working for you, your doctor may alter your dosage. Qsymia must be taken in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and frequent exercise.

The highest dose is Qsymia 15 mg/92 mg once a day. If you have renal or liver problems, the recommended maximum dose may differ.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Vivus LLC is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Qsymia.

There is no generic version available of Qsymia.

Discontinuing Qsymia abruptly can result in significant complications, such as seizures. Your doctor will explain how to gradually stop taking Qsymia.

Do not use Qsymia if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant. This medicine may increase the risk of a birth defect called cleft lip and palate in a newborn. Be sure to take a pregnancy test or be sure to be on contraception when taking Qsymia.

Because there is a possibility of serious adverse reactions, including problems sleeping, irritability, increased blood pressure, vomiting, weight loss, and tremor in breastfed infants, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Qsymia.