Lorcaserin Hydrochloride
About
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride belongs to the class of weight loss drugs (a serotonin receptor agonist) used to treat obesity and help lose weight. Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is recommended for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes). Lorcaserin Hydrochloride should be used along with a low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. Obesity is a medical condition caused by excess body fat, overweight and predisposing to many conditions and disorders. Intake of more calories without exercise or daily activities results in obesity.
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride contains Lorcaserin, a serotonin receptor agonist which works by increasing feelings of fullness so that less food is eaten.
Take Lorcaserin Hydrochloride as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Lorcaserin Hydrochloride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your condition. Some people may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue (feeling overtired), nausea (uncomfortable feeling), dry mouth, constipation, hypoglycaemia, back pain, and cough. Most of these side effects of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Lorcaserin or any inactive ingredient. Avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding while undergoing Lorcaserin Hydrochloride therapy. If you become pregnant while taking Lorcaserin Hydrochloride, consult your doctor immediately. It is recommended not to be used in patients with a major eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa). The efficacy of Lorcaserin in adolescents who are obese has not been adequately studied. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while on Lorcaserin Hydrochloride therapy.
Uses of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride contains Lorcaserin, a serotonin receptor agonist used to help adults who are obese or overweight and have weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep from gaining back that weight. Lorcaserin works by enhancing sensations of fullness, causing people to eat less food. It can be used in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes). Thus, Lorcaserin Hydrochloride promotes weight loss and lowers the possibility of developing major health issues.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Back pain
- Fatigue (feeling overtired)
- Nausea (uncomfortable feeling)
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Cough
- Cognitive Impairment
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
The use of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. So, while taking Lorcaserin Hydrochloride, those who are sexually active should use effective contraception. Patients should be instructed to inform their doctor immediately if they get pregnant or plan to get pregnant while taking Lorcaserin Hydrochloride. Lorcaserin or its metabolites may be excreted in human milk; however, this is unknown. So, discontinue the drug or nursing. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, considering the importance of the drug to the mother. Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is not recommended for use in children under 18. So, avoid using it. Inform your doctor about your medical history and the other drugs you are currently taking before taking Lorcaserin Hydrochloride to rule out any possible side effects or interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lorcaserin Hydrochloride may interact with amino acids (e.g. 5-hydroxytryptophan), antidepressants (duloxetine, amitriptyline, bupropion, citalopram) and certain cancer medications (e.g. tamoxifen).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid high-fat meals and alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Lorcaserin Hydrochloride may interact with disease conditions, including heart impairment, depression, low blood counts, liver or kidney impairment and pulmonary hypertension and priapism (a prolonged erection of the penis).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDo not consume alcohol while on treatment with Lorcaserin Hydrochloride, as it may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeNo adequate and well-controlled studies with Lorcaserin Hydrochloride have been conducted on pregnant women. So, the use of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride during pregnancy is not recommended.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDiscontinue drug or nursing is recommended. Because it is not known whether Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
Driving
cautionLorcaserin Hydrochloride may cause dizziness and Cognitive Impairment. These conditions impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionPatients with mild to moderate liver impairment do not require dose adjustments. The effect of severe liver impairment on lorcaserin was not studied. In patients with significant liver impairment, lorcaserin should be used with caution. So, if you have a history of liver impairment/disorder, tell your doctor before receiving the Lorcaserin Hydrochloride. Your doctor will prescribe Lorcaserin Hydrochloride based on your current liver condition.
Kidney
cautionNo dose adjustment of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is required in patients with mild kidney impairment. Use Lorcaserin Hydrochloride with caution in patients with moderate kidney impairment. Use of Lorcaserin Hydrochloride in patients with severe kidney impairment or end-stage renal disease is not recommended. So, inform your doctor before receiving the Lorcaserin Hydrochloride if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness are not established, and use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-fat diet. Prefer skim milk and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid red meat and include lean meat such as salmon and chicken.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid fried foods, fast food, instant food, pasta, burgers, noodles and cookies.
- Limit your sugar intake, as excess sugar is stored as fat in the body.
- Do not skip meals to reduce weight; instead, take balanced meals.
- Do regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, walking or dancing for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes daily.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Obesity: Obesity is a common condition associated with excessive body fat, which in turn increases the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers and heart disease. Intake of more calories than you burn by exercise or daily activities results in obesity. Some common causes of obesity include insufficient sleep, growing older, pregnancy, genetics, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or polycystic ovary syndrome (imbalance of female reproductive hormones). Proper diet and exercise are advised, along with medication to treat obesity.
FAQs
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride contains Lorcaserin, a serotonin receptor agonist which works by increasing feelings of fullness so that less food is eaten.
Weight loss may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Measurement of blood glucose levels prior to starting and during treatment with Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is recommended in patients with type 2 diabetes.
If you take too much Lorcaserin Hydrochloride, call your doctor or Poison Control Center immediately, or go to the emergency room.
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride has the potential to impair cognitive function; patients should be advised not to operate hazardous machinery, especially automobiles until they are reasonably assured that Lorcaserin Hydrochloride therapy will not have an unfavourable effect on them.
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with major eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa).
