Used to “grow the buttocks”, an allergy drug in the sights of the authorities

“Non-compliant and potentially dangerous use to induce weight gain for aesthetic purposes has been reported,” already alerted the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (Ansm) in… January 2022.

The drug Periactin 4 mg (the cyproheptadine molecule) indicated in adults and children over 6 years of age, initially in the symptomatic treatment of allergic manifestations such as rhinitis (example: hay fever, non-seasonal rhinitis, etc.), conjunctivitis or hives, will be withdrawn from over-the-counter sale, announced this Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Ansm, in a press release.

As of July 10, 2024, it will only be available by prescription.

The specialty Periactin is indicated in adults and children over 6 years old, in the treatment of allergic symptoms such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis or urticaria. However, this orexigenic drug (which increases appetite) is also misused for weight gain for cosmetic purposes.

A phenomenon that has become trendy on TikTok and Instagram

Periactin was until now sold without a prescription, in pharmacies or on the internet, but with the side effect of making you gain weight, an effect… desired by young girls looking for shape (or to look like the American star Kim Kardashian ), a phenomenon which has become trendy on TikTok and Instagram, in particular.

The national drug safety agency had already warned two years ago, and recommended against this misuse, but unfortunately notes that this trend persists, despite the health risks.

Cyproheptadine presents several undesirable effects, including central effects (decreased alertness, drowsiness) and anticholinergic effects (constipation, visual disturbances, palpitations, etc.) “which may be important in the context of this misuse,” warn the health authorities.

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