A new study in the prestigious journal, Lancet, shows more weight loss with the use of a new combination medication than patients on diet and exercise alone. The study looked at over 1700 overweight participants of various ages who were asked to start a low calorie diet and exercise program. Some of the patients were given the medication in addition to the lifestyle changes. Patients taking the medication showed an average weight loss of 6.5% over 13 months versus only 1.3% on diet and exercise alone.
This study was funded by drug company, Orexigen, who is attempting to bring the drug to market. It will be called Contrave and is a combination of two existing medications, bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is most commonly used for depression and is sold under the brand name, Wellbutrin. It is also marketed for smoking cessation as Zyban. Naltrexone is used to treat patients addicted to narcotics or alcohol and is sold under the brand name, ReVia.
Side effects reported in the study include nausea, headache, constipation, dry mouth and dizziness. Nausea was most common with nearly 30% of patients affected. The FDA will be reviewing the medication later this year.
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