On Wednesday (Feb. 22), advisors endorsed the controversial prescription drug, Qnexa, allowing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to possibly approve its distribution later this year. The 20-2 vote in favor of the new anti-obesity medication concluded with the known health risks of increased birth defects (oral clefts) in the infants of women who became pregnant while taking the drug.
Most pregnant women tend to have fleeting periods of inner guilt from the possibility of jeopardizing their unborn child from known and unknown risky behaviors. The physical and hormonal changes added to this feeling of guilt may increase the chances of anxiety compounding the health of both mother and child. (Continue below ad)
America’s obesity crisis may have deeper roots
The drug’s manufacturer, Vivus Inc., suggested guidelines for prescribing Qnexa to avert the chances of birth defects, specifically oral clefts. It is recommended patients taking the drug undergo monthly pregnancy tests.
One Vivus study showed an ingredient in Qnexa (topiramate) caused a higher rate of oral clefts in the infants of women taking the drug during pregnancy. The FDA noted the rate of potential birth defects is about two to five times higher with topiramate than with a placebo.
Oral clefts happen very early in pregnancy. Your baby’s lips are formed by about 6 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby’s palate is formed by about 10 weeks of pregnancy. Oral clefts happen when your baby’s lips or palate or both don’t form completely. March of Dimes
It was found the drug also caused a slight increase in heart rate which may contribute to the risks of heart attack and stroke.
Vivus spokespersons said obesity, and the health problems associated with obesity, have risks to pregnancy, also.
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