Experts Vote Against Weight Loss Drug

An expert panel has recommended that U.S. drug officials not approve Qnexa, a new weight loss drug. The vote was 10-6 against the drug. Panel members expressed concern about side effects. They also noted the lack of long-term data on use. Patients in studies were followed for only a year. Qnexa is made by Vivus Inc. It combines two drugs already on the market. Phentermine is a stimulant. It helps to suppress appetite. Topiramate is an anti-seizure drug. In Qnexa, it helps people feel full faster. Members of the panel agreed that Qnexa helps people lose weight. In studies, people lost about 10% of their body weight on average. But some people had serious side effects. They included memory problems, suicidal thoughts, heart palpitations and birth defects. The panel provides advice to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.