Pediatric Weight Loss Medication Chart (NYULH-Peds)

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Weight Loss Medication Chart

Your doctor talked with you about medications that can help with weight loss along with lifestyle changes (exercise and healthy eating). This handout includes the medications you and the doctor talked about. It is not a complete guide of weight loss medications.

*FDA Approved*
Medication	How to Give:	Helpful for:	Use with caution if there is...	Possible Side Effects	Age	Cost / Month
Orlistat *Alli* *Xenica*	By Mouth	-Interest in low-fat diet -Over-the-counter option -May help with constipation	-Kidney or liver disease, diarrhea -Taking levothyroxine (Synthroid), epilepsy cyclosporine medications	-Abdominal pain, cramps, gas, diarrhea, gallstones -Side effects can be minimized by eating very low-fat diet	≥12 years	$80-1000
Liraglutide *Victoza* *Saxenda*	Daily Injection	-Increasing fullness -High risk of diabetes or prediabetes	-Family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia -History of pancreatitis, gallstones	-Nausea, diarrhea, poor appetite, abdominal pain -Rare: inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder	≥12 years	$500-1100
Phentermine *Lemuria* *Adipex*	By Mouth	-Decreasing appetite and hunger	-Heart problems, high blood pressure, palpitations -Thyroid problems; glaucoma; anxiety	-Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, palpitations -Anxiety, jitters, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation	≥16 years	$20-50
Phentermine/ Topiramate *Qysmia*	By Mouth	-Decreasing appetite and hunger -Longer lasting feeling of fullness -Change in taste of some foods	-Heart problems, high blood pressure, palpitations -Thyroid problems, glaucoma -Anxiety, academic or mental health difficulties, fatigue DO NOT USE if pregnant	-Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, palpitations, anxiety, jitters, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation -Difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation	≥16 years	$230
Semaglutide *Ozempic* *Wegovy*	Weekly Injection	-Increasing fullness -High risk of diabetes or prediabetes	-Family history of certain types of thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia -History of pancreatitis, gallstones	-Nausea, reflux, changes in bowel movement, pancreatitis	≥12 years	$1400

Off Label
Medication	How to Give:	Helpful for:	Use with caution if there is...	Possible Side Effects	Age	Cost / Month
Metformin *Glucophage* *Riomet*	By Mouth	-High risk of diabetes or pre diabetes -PCOS -Weight gain from psychiatric medications	-Severe kidney or liver disease	-Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite (usually temporary) -Very Rare: increased lactic acid, vitamin deficiency	≥10 years	$4-100
Lisdexamfetamine *Vyvanse*	By Mouth	-Binge eating disorder (≥16) and/or ADHD -Decreasing appetite and hunger	-Heart problems, high blood pressure, palpitations -Thyroid problems, glaucoma, anxiety	-Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, palpitations, anxiety, jitters, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation	≥6 years	$380
Topiramate Topamax	By Mouth	-Longer lasting feeling of fullness -Change in taste of some foods -Migraines, seizures	-Academic or mental health difficulties, fatigue, glaucoma	-Difficulty concentrating, tingling sensation	≥16 years	$50
Setmelanotide	Daily Injection	-Rare genetic causes of obesity	-Severe depression	-Darkening of skin tone, nausea, headache, depression	≥6 years	$20,000

Medications for obesity help patients make changes in eating and exercise habits. They also can treat complications of obesity. They do not work well without exercise and changes in diet. We strongly encourage patients on medications for obesity to be have regular visits with a doctor and nutritionist.
We do not start patients on medications at the first visit. We decide over time and based on patient risks, other medical conditions, blood work, and insurance which medications might be helpful.
Some medications need a gradual increase in dose.
Do not stop a medication suddenly. Talk to your doctor before starting, stopping or decreasing (weaning) a medication. Some medications need weaning.
We will try medications for three months to see the effects.

Created in partnership with families and expertise from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

©2023 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

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