Bontril, a prescription medication used for short-term weight management, was discontinued due to safety concerns [1]. The drug was withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer, Valeant Pharmaceuticals (now Bausch Health Companies), after reports of serious cardiovascular side effects [2].
What were the safety concerns with Bontril?
Bontril, a brand name for the drug phentermine, belongs to a class of medications known as anorexiants [1]. These drugs work by affecting the central nervous system to suppress appetite. However, they carry a risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including increased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as potential valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension [2][3]. These risks were deemed significant enough to warrant the discontinuation of Bontril's availability [2].
What are the alternatives to Bontril for weight management?
With Bontril no longer available, individuals seeking prescription weight management solutions now have other options. These include various FDA-approved medications such as liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) [4]. Lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, remain foundational to any effective weight management plan [5]. A healthcare provider can assess an individual's health status and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach [4][5].
When was Bontril first approved and when was it discontinued?
Phentermine, the active ingredient in Bontril, was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959 [1]. Bontril, as a specific brand, was available for several decades before its discontinuation. The exact date of discontinuation for Bontril is not readily available, but it was removed from the market by Valeant Pharmaceuticals due to the aforementioned safety concerns, which gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as long-term cardiovascular risks became better understood [2].
Are there other brands of phentermine still available?
While Bontril has been discontinued, other brands and generic formulations of phentermine remain available by prescription in the United States [6]. However, these products, like Bontril, are intended for short-term use (typically up to 12 weeks) and require careful monitoring by a healthcare professional due to potential side effects [1][3]. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of any phentermine product with their doctor [3].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/bontril.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2930030/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/phentermine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20073202
[4] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-weight-management/prescription-weight-loss-medicines
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html
[6] https://www.goodrx.com/phentermine