Qnexa FDA Approval: Facts on and Side Effects of the Newest Weight-Loss Drug

Qnexa, a new weight loss drug produced by Vivus, received a nod of favored approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee on Wednesday. An official approval or a rejection will be announced on April 17. 

In a vote of 20 to 2 for approval, the FDA committee stated that Qnexa's weight loss benefits for the chronically obsess outweighed the risks the drug may pose, reported ABC News.

Qnexa is a combination of two drugs - phentermine, which is a stimulant, and topiramate, an epilepsy and migraine drug also known by the name Topamax.

According to The Times, use of Qnexa led to an average weight loss of approximately 10 percent body weight after one year. However, some of that lost weight was gained back in the second year of use.

Qnexa also reportedly demonstrated positive effects on blood pressure and blood sugar, lowering both. It also helped improve the individual's quality of life.