Phentermine accounts for 50% of the prescription appetite
suppressants. The diet drug Phentermine received approval
from the Food and Drug Administration Department [FDA] in
1959 as an appetite
suppressant for the short-term treatment of obesity.
In 1959 United States opened up the drug market for Phentermine
resin and Phentermine Hydrochloride became available in
the early 1970's.
Currently in the US , Phentermine comes under the brand
names Ionamin and Adipex-P. Also
permitted for use is the generic medication called Phentermine.
Earlier it was marketed under the name Fastin, produced
by King Pharmaceuticals for SmithKline Beecham. In 1998,
Fastin was removed from the market.
What is Fen-Phen?
Fen-Phen refers to the combination of Fenfluramine or Pondimin [the Fen] and Phentermine [Phen]. In 1973 FDA gave its approval for Fenfluramine as a product for the short term treatment of obesity. The combination of Phentermine and Fenfluramine merged as a powerful diet drug cocktail.
The FDA didn't approve the Fen-Phen combination. Dr. Michael
Weintraub of the University of Rochester and his colleagues
studied Fen-Phen as a highly effective method than diet
programs or exercise. Fen-Phen also showed lesser immediate
side effects.
The combination of Dexfen-Phen is Dexfenfluramine or Redux. It
received FDA approval in 1996 and was made available for
the management of obesity.
Both the Fen-Phen and Dexfen-Phen combinations were not
tested for safety or severe side effects. In 1997, the Mayo
clinic reported several cases of heart valve disease from
patients who were under the Fen-Phen treatment. More cases
related to the heart and valve malfunctions suggested Fenfluramine
and Dexfenfluramine as the probable causes of Primary Pulmonary
Hypertension and valvular heart diseases. Alarmed by the
adverse reactions of the combination, FDA withdrew Fenfluramine
and Dexfenfluramine. FDA allowed the third drug Phentermine
to stay for use.
Phen-Pro
Phen-Pro is the new cocktail which has Phentermine
and Prozac. Antidepressants like Celexa, Effexor, Zoloft
or Luvox can be used in lieu of Prozac. The combination
is necessary as the effects of Phentermine are seen to reduce
over a period of time. Phen-Pro sets off Phentermine to
work for longer hours with high efficiency. This combination
is considered for off label use. It means that FDA has concerns
over the mixing of medications and does not approve of it.
