The drug Periactin, an anti-allergic used in a roundabout way by certain people to gain weight, will no longer be sold freely in pharmacies, announced the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), this Thursday, June 27, 2024.
As of July 10, 2024, “ any medicine containing cyproheptadine may only be dispensed on medical prescription”indicates a press release from the ANSM.
An antiallergic diverted from its use
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 Callipyges personalities like 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.
A drug touted on social networks
The ANSM has made its decision “based on what we see on social networks where there is always significant promotion of cosmetic use” of this treatment, explained to AFP 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 quantified estimate of misuse”admits Isabelle Yoldjian, estimating that the few cases of adverse effects recorded in recent years are probably below the reality.
What effect on online sales?
If the measure taken by the ANSM will have an effect in pharmacies, it is more difficult to assess to what extent it will have an impact on online sales.
“We are not the internet police”recognized Isabelle Yoldjian, who nevertheless judges that the actions undertaken by the ANSM have already contributed to greater awareness of the risks associated with misuse of this treatment.
