Belviq is a new prescription weight loss medication designed to treat obesity. Its active ingredient, lorcaserin hydrochloride, works in a similar way to the previous weight loss treatment Reductil, in that it suppresses hunger and makes individuals feel full. The approval of Belviq in the United States marks the first new prescription weight loss treatment deemed safe for adult use in over a decade.
Arena Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the medication, are certain that this treatment will help patients suffering from excess weight and obesity combat the conditions effectively. It is thought to be especially beneficial for those who have at least one weight-related health issue such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Exactly when you could buy Belviq in the UK is not yet clear.
Until Belviq is approved in the UK, the only prescription medication available to treat obesity is Xenical.
Belviq is a serotonin 2C receptor agonist, which means it works inside the brain to assist weight loss by activating the serotonin receptors. Serotonin is one of the chemicals used to regulate hunger and the result of this action is that Belviq tricks the body into feeling full and satiated. This in turn causes the individual to consume less food as they don't feel hungry.
This medication is only intended for patients who have been clinically diagnosed as obese or those who suffer from extreme weight. Classification to be eligible for taking Belviq includes having a body mass index (BMI) of 30, or over 27 should you also have an underlying condition related to weight such as diabetes type 2, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
It should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients using medications for treatment of depression or migraine should also consult their doctors first as these may interact negatively and cause serious side effects.
One 10mg tablet should be taken orally twice a day, alongside a calorie controlled healthy diet as well as physical exercise. This will ensure the best results and help establish good dietary and lifestyle habits.
Unlike Xenical, which simply stops the absorption of fat into the body, Belviq reduces hunger throughout the day so less food should be ingested. In clinical trials, researchers found that nearly 50% of participants lost 5% of their body weight while using this medication. Weight loss results are generally noticeable after 12 weeks of regular use of this medication.
All prescription medications may potentially cause side effects, although generally they are mildly experienced and disappear after a few days. Common side effects of Belviq include fatigue, dry mouth (cotton mouth), nausea, headache, dizziness and constipation. If any of these should persist or grow worse, it is advised that you speak to your doctor immediately.
More serious side effects, like disturbances to attention or memory, should be reported to a medical professional immediately. Allergic reactions such as skin outbreaks, hives and swelling should also be treated as severe and medical attention would be required straight away.
At present, you cannot buy Belviq online as it has only recently received approval in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is expected to launch in 2013, with European and United Kingdom approval to follow. OnlineClinic will monitor the development and distribution of this medication for the UK closely.