Mysimba

What Is Mysimba - Slimming Pills for Weight Loss

Mysimba is a weight loss medicine which contains the active ingredients naltrexone and bupropion. When taken in combination with a low calorie diet and physical exercise, Mysimba can help you shed unhealthy weight.

Obesity in the UK is on the increase, with an estimated 29% of adults in England being classed as obese, and more than a third of the population being classed as overweight, according to figures from the NHS.

Classification of whether a person is overweight or obese is defined by their body mass index (BMI).

A BMI of between 25 and 30 is classed as overweight, while a BMI greater than 30 is classed as obese.

You can work out your BMI using the NHS' Online BMI Calculator.

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How does Mysimba work?

The mechanism of Mysimba is not yet fully understood, though the current theory is that naltrexone and bupropion affect how the brain manages food intake and the expenditure of energy (how calories are burned).

So far, studies have indicated that Mysimba can reduce body weight by at least 5% over the course of 28 to 56 weeks, when taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How diet and exercise affect Mysimba

While taking any weight loss treatment, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet which is low in saturated fat.

Regular exercise is also key to weight loss goals. Taking up a sport or any recreational activity which requires physical exertion, such as running or dancing, can help immensely.

You should consider keeping a food diary to track your eating habits and exercise regime. This can help you and your doctor identify areas of your lifestyle you need to improve. For instance, you could be eating too much of a specific food group or not exercising enough.

It's best to speak to your doctor or a nutritionist for advice on dieting and exercising.

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How to take Mysimba?

Mysimba is taken at increasing doses.

Week No.	Dose
Week 1	Take 1 tablet every morning
Week 2	Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening
Week 3	Take 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening
Week 4 and onward	Take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening

 

After 16 weeks of taking Mysimba, and after each year of treatment, your doctor will decide whether you should continue taking Mysimba.

Swallow each Mysimba tablet whole with a glass of water.

You should take Mysimba tablets with food.

Do not crush, cut or chew the tablets.

What should I do if I forget to take Mysimba when I should?

If you forget to take Mysimba, skip the missed dose and continue to take Mysimba as normal.

Do not take more Mysimba to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Mysimba?

If you take more Mysimba than you should, contact your doctor or go straight to your nearest A&E department. Take the medicine packaging with you so the doctors know exactly what you have taken.

Taking more Mysbima than is recommended can increase your risk of experiencing severe side effects, such as seizures.

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Mysimba side effects and cautions

Interactions

Mysimba may interact with medicine you are currently taking for other conditions. It is important to inform our doctor of all the medications you are currently taking before you start taking Mysimba. This includes medicines bought over-the-counter, including health supplements, and those medicines which have been prescribed to you by your doctor.

Do not take Mysimba if you are currently taking:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors - (used to treat depression or Parkinson's disease) such as phenelzine, selegiline or rasagiline.

Opiates and opiate containing medicines - including some cough syrups (codeine linctus), medicines to treat addiction (methadone), pain relief (Codeine and morphine), diarrhoea (paregoric). You must stop taking opiate medication at least 7 to 10 days before beginning treatment. Once you stop taking Mysimba, you may be more sensitive to the effects of low doses of opiates.

Inform our online prescribers of all medicines you are currently taking, including medicines prescribed by your doctor, and those bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Side effects

Every medicine carries the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. Understanding the risks associated with your medicine is vital to your care.

Very common side effects of taking Mysimba include:

• Abdominal pain
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Being sick (Vomiting)
• Constipation
• Difficulty sleeping (avoid taking Mysimba near bedtime)
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Headache
• Pain in the joints and muscles

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Mysimba, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Mysimba online as a PDF.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Mysimba if you are allergic to naltrexone hydrochloride, bupropion hydrochloride, or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Dry, red, and cracked skin
• Itching, red, watery eyes
• Red, itchy, raised rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tightness of the chest
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Mysimba if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant or planning on having a baby soon, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Mysimba.

If you become pregnant while taking Mysimba, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Other safety information

If you have any questions about Mysimba or weight loss, you can speak to one of our online doctors using the online messaging system under your account.

Do not take Mysimba past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw away unwanted or expired medicine via household or water waste. Take all unwanted and expired medicine to your pharmacy and ask them to dispose it safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

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Frequently asked questions

How effective is Mysimba?

In studies, more than 40% of people taking Mysimba lost 5% of their body weight over the course of 28 or 56 weeks.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Mysimba?

You should avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Mysimba for weight loss. Alcoholic drinks are generally high in calories and can put you at an increased risk of complications from obesity.

Will Mysimba affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Mysimba may cause you to feel drowsy or dizzy. If you notice that this medicine has this effect on you, you should avoid driving or operating any machinery until you are well enough to do so.

Is Mysimba available on the NHS?

No, Mysimba is not typically available on the NHS. However, it is available from Prescription Doctor's online private prescription service.

Simply fill out our short medical questionnaire and our online doctor will determine whether Mysimba is suitable for you.

How long can I take Mysimba for?

You should take Mysimba for at least 16 weeks in order for it to reach its maximum effect.

Mysimba can be taken for as long as required to achieve your weight loss goal. You should not stop taking Mysimba without first speaking to your doctor.

Can I use Mysimba alongside other weight loss treatments, like Orlistat or Saxenda?

Do not use Mysimba together with Orlistat or Saxenda. If you wish to change the weight loss medication you are taking, speak to your doctor.

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