Phentermine Popular?
How long has Phentermine been on the market?
This drug went through development and clinical trials in the 1950s, being given approval by the FDA in 1959. For any drug launched so long ago to survive against fifty years of scientific advance is remarkable. That it should be in the weight loss market where the pressure has been on the pharmaceutical industry to produce a “fat buster” makes it even more special. No matter what the chemists have been able to develop, nothing has clearly beaten Phentermine. It remains the first choice drug for the treatment of those considered overweight. In combination with a calorie-reduced diet and a program of physical exercise, Phentermine has been shown consistently successful.
Is Phentermine’s reputation untouched?
There are two issues to mention. For a period, Phentermine was sold in combination with another drug called fenfluramine. This was later shown to cause damage to heart values and was withdrawn from the market. It has never been suggested Phentermine causes any physical danger to those taking it. The second issue is the risk of dependence. Because it’s similar to the amphetamines, it’s classified as a controlled substance. You must be careful to comply with the law on carrying it with you in a public place.
How is it being developed?
The work to produce a new combination drug is well advanced with the hope it will pass through the FDA’s licensing process by the end of 2010. The manufacturer is aiming for an improved level of performance without the unfortunately side effect of the earlier combination.
Why do manufacturers try for combination drugs?
Because, as your body builds up tolerance for Phentermine, it becomes less effective. This means it should only be used for short periods of time both to keep its level of effectiveness high and to reduce the risk of dependence. There have been two combination drugs sold in the past with a new one on the way. The effect of the second drug is to maintain the effectiveness of Phentermine over a longer period of time.
Why is it so popular?
More than half the prescriptions for weight loss drugs written in the US are for Phentermine, it being sold both under its own name and branded as Adipex P, Ionamin and others. In part this is a generational thing. Because both grandparents and parents relied on Phentermine, its reputation gets passed on to the new generation. The other reason is simply that it works rather better than the other drugs on the market. For all Phentermine has its problems, they are as nothing to the potential side effects with the competing drugs.
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