Mysimba

Losing weight can be challenging, particularly during menopause. Your metabolism slows down, and hormonal changes, tiredness, and changes in fat distribution also play a part. This can make it easier to gain weight. Being overweight also increases the risk of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. Mysimba is a prescription medicine that helps adults to lose weight. 

Stepwise dosage 

• Week 1: 1 tablet in the morning. 
• Week 2: 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening. 
• Week 3: 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening. 
• From week 4: 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening (maximum dose). 

The tablets should be swallowed whole, preferably with food. Do not chew, break, or crush them. 

Used too much? 

Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately in the event of an overdose. Taking too much increases the risk of seizures and other serious symptoms, such as hallucinations or loss of consciousness. Always contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately in case of an overdose. 

Missed a dose? 

Skip the missed dose and take the next tablet at your usual time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. 

If you stop taking Mysimba 

Do not stop taking Mysimba without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. 

When Mysimba should not be used 

Do not use Mysimba if you: 

• are allergic to naltrexone, bupropion, or any of the other ingredients; 
• have high, untreated blood pressure; 
• have a condition or history of seizures; 
• have a brain tumour; 
• have recently stopped excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; 
• have (had) a bipolar disorder or eating disorder; 
• are dependent on opiates or methadone; 
• are using or have used MAO inhibitors in the past 14 days; 
• have severe liver or kidney disease. 

Take extra care with Mysimba 

Consult your doctor if you: 

• have or have had psychological issues (depression, suicidal thoughts, mania); 
• are at risk of seizures; 
• have liver or kidney problems; 
• are over 65 years of age; 
• have had heart or vascular disease; 
• regularly consume alcohol or use other stimulants. 

Mysimba is a combination of two psychiatric medicines (naltrexone and bupropion). Ideally, this medicine is prescribed under the supervision of a psychiatrist, but this is not always necessary. However, it is important that you are monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviours during the first two weeks of use. Always discuss this with your doctor and contact them immediately if you notice any changes in mood or thoughts. 

This is an overview of the most important warnings. Please refer to the patient information leaflet for the full list. 

Alcohol and driving 

Mysimba can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these effects.
Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of seizures or psychiatric disorders. Do not stop drinking suddenly; this can also pose risks. 

Use with other medicines 

Always inform your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. Mysimba can interact with, among others: 

• medicines for depression or psychological conditions; 
• certain medicines for high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, cancer, or Parkinson’s disease; 
• medicines for epilepsy; 
• medicines containing opiates (such as painkillers or medicines for coughs or diarrhoea). 

A complete overview of possible interactions can be found in the patient information leaflet. 

Serious side effects 

• seizures (epileptic fits) – rare, but stop using immediately and contact a doctor. 

Other side effects 

• Very common (≥1 in 10): nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, insomnia, anxiety or agitation, muscle and joint pain. 
• Common (≤1 in 10): dizziness, mood disorders, dry mouth, fatigue, tinnitus, rapid heartbeat. 

These lists are not exhaustive. A full overview of possible side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet. Always contact a doctor or pharmacist if you experience symptoms. 

The active substances in Mysimba are naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride. 

Each tablet contains: 

• 8 mg naltrexone hydrochloride (7.2 mg naltrexone). 
• 90 mg bupropion hydrochloride (78 mg bupropion). 

Marketing authorisation holder (as stated in the patient information leaflet): Orexigen Therapeutics Ireland Limited, Dublin, Ireland. 

Manufacturer (as stated in the patient information leaflet): Central Pharma Contract Packaging Ltd., Bedford, United Kingdom. 

Mysimba is available by prescription only in the United Kingdom. During an online consultation, a doctor will determine whether this medication is appropriate for you. If the doctor provides a prescription, it will be sent to a partner pharmacy. 

The cost of the consultation is included in the price of Mysimba.