Incorrect use of orlistat and sibutramine in clinical practice

Abstract

Objective: To investigate how the antiobesity drugs orlistat and sibutramin are prescribed in relation to the approved indications and the Swedish subsidiary rules.

Methods: Anonymous survey to prescribers of a random sample of 2000 out of 20,000 prescription of orlistat and sibutramin.

Results: The response rate was around 65%. About half of the patients were not treated in accordance with the approved indications and a fourth of the patients prescribed sibutramin had one or several contraindications to the drug. The subsidiary rules were not followed in the majority of cases.

Conclusion: Deviation from the approved indications and subsidiary criteria of orlistat and sibutramin is a question of waste of medical and economic resources. Prescribing of sibutramin to patients with contraindications is a serious health hazard.