From the Research
Patients with stents should not take phendimetrazine without consulting their cardiologist, as this weight loss medication can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially stressing the cardiovascular system and interacting with medications commonly prescribed to stent patients. Phendimetrazine is a stimulant-based weight loss medication that can affect the sympathetic nervous system, which may compromise the stability that stent placement aims to achieve in coronary circulation 1. The primary concern is the potential increase in adverse cardiac events, such as stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and death, which can be triggered by the added cardiovascular strain caused by phendimetrazine.
Some key points to consider:
- Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is the standard of care after PCI to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis and subsequent cardiovascular events 1.
- Patients with stents who require warfarin are at high risk for bleeding if they also receive dual antiplatelet therapy, and omission of aspirin may be advantageous in such patients 1.
- Alternative weight management approaches that don't pose cardiovascular risks would be preferable for stent patients, including structured diet plans, regular physical activity (approved by their cardiologist), and non-stimulant weight management medications if medically necessary.
- The use of phendimetrazine in patients with stents may lead to interactions with medications commonly prescribed to stent patients, such as blood thinners or anti-platelet drugs, which can further increase the risk of adverse cardiac events 2, 3.
Given the potential risks and interactions associated with phendimetrazine, it is essential for patients with stents to consult their cardiologist before taking this medication. The cardiologist can assess the individual patient's risk factors and medical history to determine the best course of action for weight management, taking into account the need to minimize cardiovascular risks and ensure the stability of the stent placement.