WARNING

Taking fenfluramine posed several risks, which led to its withdrawal from the market in many countries:

• Cardiovascular Risks: Fenfluramine was associated with serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart valve problems (valvular heart disease) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs). These conditions could lead to life-threatening complications.
• Neurological Risks: Some individuals experienced neurological side effects such as seizures, tremors, and headaches while taking fenfluramine.
• Psychiatric Risks: Fenfluramine could cause psychiatric side effects, including mood changes, depression, anxiety, and hallucinations.
• Gastrointestinal Risks: Common gastrointestinal side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Other Risks: Additional risks associated with fenfluramine included dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, and insomnia.

Overall, the risks associated with fenfluramine were significant and outweighed any potential benefits for weight loss. Therefore, it is no longer recommended for use, and alternative treatments should be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Children with Dravet syndrome (a disorder that starts in early childhood and causes seizures, which later may lead to developmental delays and changes in eating, balance, and walking) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which also causes seizures and developmental delays, are treated with fenfluramine starting at age 2 years old. Fenfluramine belongs to a group of drugs known as anticonvulsants. Fenfluramine raises the amount of organic compounds in the brain that may lessen seizure activity, while the precise mechanism of action is unknown.

How should this medicine be used?

Fenfluramine comes as a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two times a day with or without food. Take fenfluramine at around the same times every day.The dosage and frequency of administration would have been determined by a healthcare professional based on individual factors such as the patient’s weight, medical history, and response to treatment.

However, it’s important to emphasize that fenfluramine is no longer recommended for use due to safety concerns. It was withdrawn from the market in many countries because of its association with serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension.

If you have any questions about medications or treatments for weight loss, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide safe and appropriate recommendations based on your specific circumstances.

Other uses for this medicine

Fenfluramine was primarily used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, but it has been withdrawn from the market in many countries due to safety concerns. There are no other approved medical uses for fenfluramine.

What special precautions should I follow?

if you were to use fenfluramine (which is not recommended), it’s important to follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Here are some general precautions that would have been advised:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions you have, especially heart problems or a history of mental health issues.
• Medication Interactions: Provide a list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to your healthcare provider. Fenfluramine could potentially interact with other drugs, leading to adverse effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should not use fenfluramine. It may pose risks to the fetus or infant.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may have recommended regular monitoring of your heart function and blood pressure while taking fenfluramine due to its potential cardiovascular side effects.
• Follow-up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress, assess any side effects, and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
• Discontinuation: If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects while taking fenfluramine, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may advise discontinuing the medication and seeking appropriate medical care.

Remember, fenfluramine is not recommended for use due to safety concerns, and it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on safe and effective weight loss strategies.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Your healthcare provider may have provided dietary guidance along with fenfluramine use, such as following a balanced diet and avoiding high-calorie or high-fat foods. Always follow any dietary recommendations given by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you forget a dose of fenfluramine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Fenfluramine, when it was prescribed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss, was associated with a range of side effects, some of which could be serious. These side effects included:

• Cardiovascular Effects: Fenfluramine was linked to serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart valve problems (valvular heart disease) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs). These conditions could potentially lead to life-threatening complications.
• Psychiatric Effects: Some individuals experienced psychiatric side effects such as mood changes, depression, anxiety, or hallucinations while taking fenfluramine.
• Neurological Effects: Fenfluramine could cause neurological side effects, including seizures, tremors, and headaches.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Common gastrointestinal side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Other Effects: Other potential side effects of fenfluramine included dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, and insomnia.

It’s important to note that fenfluramine was withdrawn from the market in many countries due to safety concerns, particularly its association with heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension. As such, it is no longer recommended for use as a weight loss medication.

If you have any concerns about side effects associated with medications or treatments, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate management.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Storage and Disposal: If you have any remaining fenfluramine tablets or liquid, it’s important to store them safely out of reach of children and pets, and in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly dispose of any unused medication according to local regulations or guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or pharmacists.

In case of emergency/overdose

If someone has overdosed on fenfluramine or is experiencing severe symptoms after taking the medication, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest hospital emergency room. Provide as much information as possible about the medication ingested, including the dosage and time of ingestion.

What other information should I know?

• Other Information: Since fenfluramine is no longer recommended for use, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for information on alternative treatments for any conditions it was previously prescribed for. Additionally, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in medical research and recommendations regarding weight loss medications and treatments.

Always follow the guidance and recommendations provided by healthcare professionals or regulatory authorities regarding medication use, safety, and disposal. If you have any questions or concerns about medications or treatments, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare provider.