US Pharm. 2016;41(7):12.
La Jolla, CA—In an analysis of nearly 30,000 overweight or obese subjects, five weight-loss agents (orlistat, lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, phentermine-topiramate, and liraglutide) were each associated with achievement of at least 5% weight loss at 52 weeks compared with placebo. The systematic review and meta-analysis, which was conducted by University of California investigators, included clinical trials in which subjects received either an FDA-approved long-term weight-loss agent or another active agent or placebo. Liraglutide and naltrexone-bupropion were associated with the highest odds of adverse event–related treatment discontinuation. The investigators noted that short-term clinical trials may not provide comprehensive data on the long-term safety of these drugs and that prospective postmarketing surveillance studies are needed.
To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.
