IA few weeks ago, Ozempic was in the news for its slimming properties; it is now being replaced by Periactin. As of July 10, Periactin will no longer be available over the counter. To obtain it, you will need to show your pharmacist a prescription. This antihistamine, cyproheptadine, sold under the name Periactin by the Teofarma laboratory, is indicated for the treatment of allergic manifestations, such as allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis or urticaria, in adults and children over 6 years old.
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But this drug is also orexigenic, which means that it increases the appetite of its users. The fashion has appeared on social networks of some influencers who have taken this drug in order to quickly increase the volume of their buttocks. Like Poupette Kenza who highlighted some of the effects of this drug on the social network TikTok. “That’s three kilos minimum gained for you in less than a month. […] The goal is to draw a defined waistline to create the illusion of an hourglass figure.” Finally, the young woman retracted her remarks, assuring that she was not aware of the risks associated with taking this medication.
Drowsiness, constipation and vision disturbances
Indeed, this misuse is not without health risks, as the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reminds us: “Cyproheptadine also has several adverse effects, including central effects (decreased alertness, drowsiness) and anticholinergic effects (constipation, vision problems, palpitations, etc.), which can be significant in the context of this misuse.” In January 2022, the ANSM already warned about the diversion of this drug: “A non-compliant and potentially dangerous use of cyproheptadine as an orexigenic to induce weight gain for aesthetic purposes has been reported. It is particularly highlighted on social networks.”
So, after issuing a warning, the Medicines Agency chose to take action by immediately limiting access to this medication: “We have therefore decided to classify cyproheptadine on list 1 of poisonous substances. As of July 10, 2024, any medication containing cyproheptadine can only be dispensed on medical prescription.” Questioned by Agence France-Presse, Isabelle Yoldjian, medical director at the agency, indicated that this decision had been taken “on the basis of what we see on social networks where there is always significant promotion of cosmetic use.”
The ANSM also reminds healthcare professionals that “when prescribing and dispensing this medication, the patient must be informed of the risks associated with its use and the rules for proper use of the medication (compliance with dosages, duration of treatment, route of administration, etc.)”.
