The FDA, after a long hiatus of over 10 years, approved two new weight loss medications in mid 2012, Lorcaserin (marketed as Belviq) and Phentermine and Topiramate (marketed as Qsymia).
As it has been on the market for over two years, you may want to hear from physicians who are experienced in prescribing these and other weight loss medications. Many people trying to lose weight have a lot of questions and the internet has a lot of confusing information from all kinds of people.
As a practicing weight loss physician, and founder of W8MD Medical Weight Loss Centers of America, here are some of the insights on these weight loss medications.
The best weight loss medication on the market for fast and effective weight loss currently might be not a single medication but a combination of a few of these as may be appropriate in the individual patient. As there are over 50 different neurochemicals that affect the appetite center in the hypothalamus part of the brain, targeting just one pathway with of these weight loss medications might not be as effective as a combination. For this reason, the combination of Phentermine and Topiramate might be one of the best weight loss medication combinations currently available in the United States.
Belviq might be a bit safer in those that have a history of cardiovascular problems etc, although not as effective as Phentermine and Topirmate in terms of expected weight loss.
Cost of Belviq and Qsymia
From a cost perspective, the cost of Belviq is about $225-$250.00 per month and insurance coverage is still very patchy and is employer specific as they have to choose to include a lifestyle modification plan when they choose a health plan.
The most cost effective way might be to try somewhat similar combination of Phentermine and Topiramate to that of Qsymia.
The manufacturer of Qsymia cleverly tried a bit of odd dosage of Topiramte 23mg and 46 instead of the 25mg, and 50 available generically thinking that it would give them a right to say there is no generic available. Although they are technically correct, given the highest dose of Topiramate is up to 600mg, trying 25mg or 50mg would be similar pharmacologically.
In addition to the cost advantage of Phentermine and Topiramate as opposed the the brand name Qsymia is the dosage flexibility in individualizing the dosage of each of these two components to best suit your situation under careful medical supervision.
Locations for weight loss in New York City and Pennsylvania
NYC Insurance Weight Loss Center: 2632 E 21st St Brooklyn, NY, 11235 Ph: 1-718-946-5501
As it has been on the market for over two years, you may want to hear from physicians who are experienced in prescribing these and other weight loss medications. Many people trying to lose weight have a lot of questions and the internet has a lot of confusing information from all kinds of people.
As a practicing weight loss physician, and founder of W8MD Medical Weight Loss Centers of America, here are some of the insights on these weight loss medications.
The best weight loss medication on the market for fast and effective weight loss currently might be not a single medication but a combination of a few of these as may be appropriate in the individual patient. As there are over 50 different neurochemicals that affect the appetite center in the hypothalamus part of the brain, targeting just one pathway with of these weight loss medications might not be as effective as a combination. For this reason, the combination of Phentermine and Topiramate might be one of the best weight loss medication combinations currently available in the United States.
Belviq might be a bit safer in those that have a history of cardiovascular problems etc, although not as effective as Phentermine and Topirmate in terms of expected weight loss.
Cost of Belviq and Qsymia
From a cost perspective, the cost of Belviq is about $225-$250.00 per month and insurance coverage is still very patchy and is employer specific as they have to choose to include a lifestyle modification plan when they choose a health plan.
Cost of the brand name Qsymia with Phentermine and Topiramate is about $150.00 - $200.00 per month when the generic combination can be $45-90 per month.
The most cost effective way might be to try somewhat similar combination of Phentermine and Topiramate to that of Qsymia.
The manufacturer of Qsymia cleverly tried a bit of odd dosage of Topiramte 23mg and 46 instead of the 25mg, and 50 available generically thinking that it would give them a right to say there is no generic available. Although they are technically correct, given the highest dose of Topiramate is up to 600mg, trying 25mg or 50mg would be similar pharmacologically.
In addition to the cost advantage of Phentermine and Topiramate as opposed the the brand name Qsymia is the dosage flexibility in individualizing the dosage of each of these two components to best suit your situation under careful medical supervision.
Locations for weight loss in New York City and Pennsylvania
NYC Insurance Weight Loss Center: 2632 E 21st St Brooklyn, NY, 11235 Ph: 1-718-946-5501
Philadelphia Insurance Weight Loss Center: 1718, Welsh Rd, Philadelphia, PA, 19115 Ph: 1-215-676-2334
King Of Prussia Weight Loss Center: 987 Old Eagle School Rd, Ste 712, Wayne, PA, 19087 Ph: 1-800-986-3007
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