HOPE ON THE HORIZON

Keeping track of health issues is a major purpose of this blog by Fort Myers plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Brueck.

Quexa – a name that a small pharmaceutical company called Vivus hopes to become a national name – a national brand – a blockbuster.

We all know and have read about the obesity “ epidemic” in America. Well, we now have a new drug to combat it.

This could be the first new FDA drug approved in the last 10 years for weight loss. It is a controlled release combination of two older generic drugs – the stimulant phentermine (appetite suppressant) and piramate (increased sense of “fullness”).

Now that the Federal advisory panel voted 20-2 to approve it, it will go to the FDA for final approval. Usually the FDA will go along with whatever the findings are from the advisory panel.

The two year studies of Onexa showed a slight increase in heart rates in some patients but also a reduced blood pressure. Because of the topiramate, there is a slightly increased incidence of facial clefts in newborn babies. The company will recommend women taking the drug be placed on birth control pills.

I guess now we can all go out and enjoy a piece of coconut cream pie with some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream – help is on the way!