Reports of body shaming have led to suspicions of inappropriate use of appetite suppressants by a certain iconic resident of the North Pole.  According to several sources, constant harping on appropriate food consumption has led Santa Claus to misuse weight loss products to maintain a lower body weight.  Despite warnings from his primary care provider and pharmacist regarding the risk of adverse effects, Santa was allegedly prescribed phentermine by Hermey, a local dentist, and had been taking the medication for several months.  Concerns regarding the cardiopulmonary effects of phentermine, particularly when used in combination with other stimulants, have been well documented.  Fortunately, Mr. Claus has been educated about appropriate weight management strategies, has discontinued the phentermine and is now full of energy and ready for his Christmas Eve deliveries. 

Readers:  The next Drug of the Week will be posted January 7, 2018.  We wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year!  Best regards, Jill Kolesar and Lee Vermeulen 

Additional information about phentermine can be found in the Top 300 Pharmacy Drug Cards or the Top 100 Nonprescription Drug Cards.  If you or your institution subscribes to AccessPharmacy, use or create your MyAccess Profile to sign-in to the Flash Card section.  If your institution does not provide access, ask your medical librarian about subscribing.

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