Two new weight-loss drugs have been introduced in the US market and will be available to customers through pharmacies
Obesity and over-weight problems are big issues in the United States. Owing to eating habits and lack of physical activities, more than one third of the U.S. population falls under the category of being obese. Addressing this issue, two new weight-loss drugs have been introduced in the U.S. markets that will reportedly help obese and overweight people to lose weight by 5 to 10%. Both drugs will be available for purchase in pharmacies.
Belviq, a weight-loss drug manufactured and sold by Eisai will be available for sale next week; a year after the drug was officially approved by the FDA. The drug claims to work on the brain, giving the person a sense of fullness. Hence, the person doesn't feel hungry too often. The drug also claims to help users reduce their weight to 5 percent of their starting weight when taken with a combination of low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Gary Palmer, chief medical officer for Eisai, reveals that pharmacies can purchase a whole month's supply of the drug at a wholesale cost of approximately $200. However, its retail price to customers will depend on his/her insurance coverage and may vary between pharmacies.
The other new drug Qsymia, manufactured and sold by Vivus works in the same manner; curbing a user's appetite by creating a sense of fullness. This drug claims to help a user lose up to 10 percent of his/her starting weight.
Both drugs are meant specifically for obese people who weigh about 35 pounds or more above a healthy weight or over-weight patients who have related illnesses and conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. The makers of the drugs clarify that both drugs don't work for people who want to lose a few extra pounds for cosmetic reasons.
Michael Miller, senior vice president at Vivus said that while initial sales for Qsymia have been slower than the company expected, the demand for the drug is growing and so the company hopes that sales figures will improve soon.
