DTwo years after a first alert concerning the misuse of cyproheptadine, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) decides to more strictly regulate access to this medication by including it on List I poisonous substances [1, 2].
In France, PERIACTINE 4 mg tablet is the only specialty containing cyproheptadine.
Registration on list I leads to changes in the conditions of prescription and dispensation of PERIACTINE from the 10th July 2024 :
- PERIACTINE will be subject to compulsory medical prescription;
- PERIACTINE can no longer be dispensed in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
Misused for its orexigenic properties
Cyproheptadine is an H1 antihistamine. According to its marketing authorization (AMM), PERIACTINE is indicated in adults and children over 6 years of age in the symptomatic treatment of various allergic manifestations such as rhinitis (seasonal or perennial), conjunctivitis or ‘urticaria.
For several years, cases of misuse of this medication have been reported; orexigenic properties for weight gain for aesthetic purposes are highlighted, particularly on social networks (cf. our article of January 27, 2024).
“Despite the information measures put in place since 2022, these misuses persist, as well as the risks associated with them », notes the ANSM to justify the regulatory change applicable as of July 10. It emphasizes that the misuse of cyproheptadine exposes one to central (decreased alertness, drowsiness) and anticholinergic (constipation, visual disturbances, palpitations, etc.) adverse effects. « which may be important ».
