From the Guidelines
Nustendi is not typically prescribed lifelong, as the provided evidence does not mention Nustendi, but rather discusses various medications for weight management and their recommended durations of use. However, based on the available information, it appears that medications for chronic weight management, such as orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, lorcaserin, bupropion/naltrexone, and liraglutide, are often prescribed for long-term use, and in some cases, lifelong, as the underlying condition of obesity is chronic and requires ongoing management 1. The decision to continue or discontinue these medications should be based on individual patient factors, such as response to treatment, side effects, and changes in health status, as well as regular monitoring of weight, metabolic parameters, and other health outcomes 1. Some key points to consider when prescribing medications for weight management include:
- The importance of comprehensive weight management programs that include behavioral modification, diet education, and activity counseling, in addition to pharmacotherapy 1
- The need for regular monitoring of patients' response to treatment and potential side effects 1
- The importance of considering individual patient factors, such as comorbidities and potential interactions with other medications, when selecting a weight management medication 1
- The potential for weight regain after discontinuation of medication, highlighting the need for long-term management strategies 1
From the Research
Nustendi Lifelong Treatment
- The decision to take Nustendi lifelong depends on various factors, including the individual's medical condition, response to treatment, and potential side effects 2.
- Nustendi is approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in statin-intolerant patients who are at high risk for, or have, cardiovascular disease, and is generally well tolerated 2.
- Clinical decisions should be based on evidence-based recommendations, but also take into account individual patient characteristics and clinical experience 3, 4.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the duration of Nustendi treatment, but it is likely that treatment will be long-term or lifelong for patients with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol.
- The importance of clinical reasoning and individualized decision-making in healthcare is emphasized in several studies 3, 4, suggesting that the decision to take Nustendi lifelong should be made on a case-by-case basis.