Topamax not good for children suffering from migraines
An analysis of 21 trials published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that anti-epileptic drug Topamax is not significantly effective when used to treat migraines in children. The study is one of few involving younger patients and the use of Topamax, which could be dangerous for children if used during pregnancy. read more »
Potentially risky diet drug with topiramate unlikely to solve obesity, Economist says
The Economist has published an article challenging the likelihood of new diet drugs reducing obesity rates, despite their risks. One drug in particular is Qysmia, which contains topiramate, the active ingredient in Topamax. Qysmia has been under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for more than a year. read more »
European regulators won’t recommend weight loss drug containing Topamax ingredient
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended not to approve a new weight loss drug that contains topiramate, the active drug in Topamax. The EMA expressed concerns about the long-term risks of cardiovascular problems and other side effects associated with the drug, known as Qsymia. read more »
Topamax linked to increased glaucoma risk
A new study has found that patients who use topiramate—the primary ingredient of the epilepsy and migraine drug Topamax—were more likely to develop glaucoma. The case study—which included nearly one million subjects—was published in the May 2012 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology. read more »
FDA extends safety review for weight loss drug with Topamax indredient
The Food and Drug Administration has extended its safety review period by three months for a new weight loss drug called Qnexa containing an ingredient of Topamax. The agency will take additional time to review the possible side effects associated with Qnexa, which contains topiramate—the primary ingredient of epilepsy drug Topamax. read more »
FDA says Qnexa users must undergo pregnancy tests
Women of a childbearing age who are prescribed a new diet drug that contains topiramate—the active ingredient in Topamax—will be required to undergo monthly pregnancy tests due to concerns over the drug’s birth defects risk. Qnexa, the drug in question, was recommended for approval by a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on the condtion that its manufacturer limited its availability… read more »
Health panel concerned with diet drug containing Topamax ingredient
Panelists on a Food and Drug Administration advisory board have expressed concerns about the risk of birth defects associated with a new drug containing topiramate—the key ingredient of Topamax. The board was charged with determining whether or not to recommend the new weight loss drug Qnexa, which combines topiramate with another drug. read more »
Side effects concerns prompt FDA diet drug safety review
The Food and Drug Administration will review a weight loss drug containing topiramate—the primary ingredient of Topamax—for the second time next April. The FDA denied approval to Qnexa in 2010 among concerns that the topiramate it contains could cause serious side effects. read more »
FDA plans review of Qnexa diet drug over heart risk concerns
The Food and Drug Administration has asked an advisory panel to consider whether the manufacturers of Qnexa should be required to gather more data on the heart risks of the diet drug before it is approved for sale. The advisory panel is set to meet on February 22 to review the safety of Qnexa. read more »
Topamax birth defects link found in generic drug
A weight loss drug containing the active ingredient in Topamax has been found to increase the risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Drugmaker Vivus was ordered by the Food and Drug Administration to conduct an analysis of topiramate—the active ingredient in Topamax— after announcing plans to include the ingredient in an experimental weight loss drug.… read more »