The pursuit of effective weight loss solutions has led many to explore dietary supplements like Phenocal. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Phenocal, examining its ingredients, purported benefits, potential side effects, and important considerations for those considering its use.
What is Phenocal?
Phenocal is a weight loss supplement marketed to help individuals control their appetite, boost energy levels, and ultimately lose weight. It is one of many dietary supplements available in stores as health aids, promising fast and easy weight loss.
Ingredients of Phenocal
While the specific ingredient list of Phenocal can vary, some common components often found in weight loss supplements include:
- Green Tea Extract: Chinese green tea extracts are derivatives of the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Marketed as effective weight-loss supplements, and for the prevention and cure of solid tumors.
- Usnic Acid: Usnic acid is a component of nutritional supplements that are promoted for weight loss and have been associated with liver-related adverse events including mild hepatic toxicity, chemical hepatitis and liver failure requiring liver transplantation.
- Guggul: Gum guggul is the oleoresin of Commiphora mukul, a plant native to India. Its extracts include compounds known for their hypolipidemic properties - the Z and E isomers of guggulsterone and its regulated guggulsterols.
Purported Benefits of Phenocal
Manufacturers of Phenocal and similar weight loss supplements often claim the following benefits:
- Appetite Suppression: A key claim is that Phenocal helps control appetite, making it easier to consume fewer calories.
- Increased Energy: Some users report feeling energized throughout the day without experiencing jitters.
- Weight Loss: The ultimate goal is to promote weight loss by reducing body fat and overall weight.
- Improved Focus: Some users have experienced more focus during the day.
User Reviews: A Mixed Bag
User reviews on Phenocal are varied, highlighting the subjective nature of supplement experiences. Some users have reported positive outcomes:
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- Some users have experienced renewed progress in their weight loss journey after hitting a plateau. They reported feeling less bloated, reduced appetite, and movement on the scale.
- Some users were surprised and grateful, reporting weight loss and a flatter stomach after a few weeks. They also felt more focused.
- Some users found it effective in controlling their appetite and providing energy without jitters, leading to significant weight loss.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge negative experiences as well:
- Some users reported that the product did not work, failing to curb appetite or boost energy. They even gained weight.
- Some users and their daughters tried it for 45 days without any weight loss.
- Some users reported increased appetite and weight gain while taking the supplement.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
It's important to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with weight loss supplements like Phenocal:
- Hepatotoxicity: Some supplements have been associated with severe hepatotoxicity. A young healthy woman presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts.
- Hidden Ingredients: Some weight-loss supplements have been found to have ingredients that aren't listed on the label, such as prescription medicines.
- Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can be serious. Stop taking phendimetrazine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as breathing problems or wheezing, racing heart, fever or general ill feeling.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Side effects include skin rashes, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, headache, mild nausea.
- Liver Failure: Several slimming aids and herbal medications associated with severe hepatotoxicity have been reported in the literature.
Specific Ingredient Concerns
- Usnic Acid: Usnic acid has been associated with liver-related adverse events including mild hepatic toxicity, chemical hepatitis and liver failure requiring liver transplantation.
- Green Tea Extract: Serious side effects, including acute liver failure, are increasingly being reported. Mitochondrial toxicity and the formation of reactive oxygen species have been demonstrated with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a key constituent of green tea extracts.
- Gum Guggul: With very high doses, liver toxicity can result.
Regulatory Status and Important Considerations
- FDA Regulation: Dietary supplements are regulated as foods and are not subject to regulation as drugs by the FDA. Manufacturers are not compelled to provide safety data to the FDA.
- Clinical Trials: Makers of dietary supplements rarely do clinical trials.
- "Natural" Doesn't Mean Safe: A product isn't safe simply because it's natural. Supplements can have strong effects.
Alternatives to Phenocal
If concerns about the ingredients and potential side effects of Phenocal outweigh the perceived benefits, consider these alternatives:
- Lifestyle Changes: The key to losing weight is a whole lifestyle approach that involves eating well and moving more.
- Prescription Medications: Consult a doctor about FDA-approved weight loss medications.
- Other Supplements: Explore other supplements with more scientific backing and fewer reported side effects.
Phendimetrazine
Phendimetrazine is used for weight loss. The most common side effects are related to its mild stimulant effects (increased blood pressure or heart rate, tremors, trouble sleeping).
What is phendimetrazine used for?
Phendimetrazine is commonly used to help people with obesity or people who are overweight lose weight. Phendimetrazine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
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How does phendimetrazine work (mechanism of action)?
Phendimetrazine is thought to help people lose weight by reducing appetite, which may help you want to eat less food.
How is phendimetrazine supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names: Bontril PDM, Melfiat, Plegine. Dosage forms and strengths: 105 mg extended-release oral capsules, 35 mg oral tablets.
How should I store phendimetrazine?
Phendimetrazine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of phendimetrazine? The most common side effects of phendimetrazine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you: Feeling of skipped heartbeats, Fast heartbeat, High blood pressure, Feeling restless, Dizziness, Trouble sleeping, Tremors, Sweating more than usual, Headache, Dry mouth, Nausea, Diarrhea, Increased urination.
What are the serious side effects of phendimetrazine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of phendimetrazine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
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- Pulmonary Hypertension: Phendimetrazine may increase your risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels between your heart and your lungs), which can be life-threatening. Stop taking phendimetrazine and get help right away If you have any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing, Chest pain, Fainting, Swelling in your legs.
- Heart Valve Problems: Phendimetrazine or medicines like it may rarely cause problems with your heart valves, which can be serious. Stop taking phendimetrazine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Unusual shortness of breath, Feeling of skipped heartbeats, Chest pain, Swelling in the legs, Fainting or feeling dizzy.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Phendimetrazine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking phendimetrazine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: Breathing problems or wheezing, Racing heart, Fever or general ill feeling, Swollen lymph nodes, Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, Trouble swallowing or throat tightness, Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives, Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting, Stomach cramps, Joint pain.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use phendimetrazine?
- Allergies to Ingredients: People who are allergic to any of the following should not take phendimetrazine: Bontril PDM, Melfiat, Plegine, Phendimetrazine, Any other medicine known as a sympathomimetic, Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed.
- Heart Disease: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with a history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
- High Blood Pressure: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with pulmonary hypertension.
- Thyroid Problems: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism.
- Agitation: Phendimetrazine is not for people who feel restless, uneasy, nervous, or cranky.
- Substance Use Disorder: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with a history of substance use disorder.
- Eye Problems: Phendimetrazine should not be used by those with glaucoma.
- Pregnancy: Do not take phendimetrazine if you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Do not take phendimetrazine if you are breastfeeding.
What should I know about phendimetrazine before using it?
Do not take phendimetrazine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share phendimetrazine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. Keep phendimetrazine out of the reach of children. Phendimetrazine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store phendimetrazine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.
What should I tell my health care provider before using phendimetrazine?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions
Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following: Heart disease, heart murmur, or heart valve problems, Abnormal heart rate or rhythm, High blood pressure, including pulmonary hypertension, Glaucoma, Thyroid problems, Diabetes, Mental health problems, including substance use disorder, Use of another weight loss medicine or supplement within the last year, Kidney problems.
Interactions
Does phendimetrazine interact with foods or drinks? The immediate-release tablet should be taken one hour before meals. The extended-release capsule should be taken 30 minutes to one hour before the morning meal. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking phendimetrazine.
Does phendimetrazine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking phendimetrazine: Linezolid (Zyvox), which is a medicine used for certain bacterial infections, A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease, A medicine or supplement for weight loss, A medicine for high blood pressure, A medicine for diabetes.