As of July 10, “any medication containing cyproheptadine can only be dispensed with a medical prescription,” the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) announced in a press release.
Effet Kim Kardashian
Cyproheptadine, sold by the Teofarma laboratory under the name Periactin, is, basically, an antiallergic that has been sold for several decades. But it is misused by people, often young women, who are looking to gain weight. This molecule actually promotes an increase in appetite, an effect touted on certain social networks with the stated aim of reproducing the silhouette of callipyge personalities such as reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
However, cyproheptadine can cause a series of side effects, sometimes serious, if it is taken uncontrolled. In this context, the ANSM, which has already been calling for vigilance from health professionals since 2022, has therefore put an end to the over-the-counter sale of this treatment.
Prescriptions for cyproheptadine should, in fact, be very rare since other antiallergics have since proven themselves with better effectiveness and fewer side effects.
Out of control online sales
The ANSM made its decision “on the basis of what we see on social networks where there is always significant promotion of the cosmetic use” of this treatment, according to Isabelle Yoldjian, medical director at the agency.
However, it is difficult to get an idea of the real extent of the misuse of Periactin because, beyond pharmacies, this treatment is widely sold online, in a manner that is difficult to control. “We cannot have a numerical estimate of misuse,” admits Isabelle Yoldjian, believing that the few cases of adverse effects recorded in recent years are probably below reality.
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