Naltrexone–bupropion for managing overweight and obesity

Adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Naltrexone–bupropion (Mysimba) is indicated for the management of weight in adult patients (aged 18 and over) with an initial BMI of

• 30 kg/m² or more (obese) or

• from 27 kg/m² to 30 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of one or more weight-related co-morbidities (such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, or controlled hypertension).
  
  Treatment should be stopped after 16 weeks if the patient has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.

Administered orally in a prolonged-release tablet. Dose is escalated over a 4‑week period to a total dose of 32 mg naltrexone and 360 mg bupropion: week 1, 1 tablet in the morning; week 2, 1 tablet morning and evening; week 3, 2 tablets in the morning and 1 in the evening; from week 4, 2 tablets morning and evening.

Acquisition cost (excluding VAT) £73.00 per pack of 112 tablets (source: company's submission). Costs may vary in different settings because of negotiated procurement discounts.