Benfluorex

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Benfluorex is a pharmaceutical drug that was primarily used as an antidiabetic and anorectic agent. It is chemically related to the fenfluramine family of drugs. Benfluorex was marketed under various brand names, including Mediator.

Pharmacology

Benfluorex is a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (SNDRI) and a serotonin releasing agent (SRA). It was used to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to aid in weight loss.

Medical Uses

Benfluorex was prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. It was also used as an anorectic to assist in weight reduction in obese patients.

Adverse Effects

The use of benfluorex has been associated with serious adverse effects, including cardiac valvulopathy and pulmonary hypertension. These risks led to the withdrawal of the drug from the market in several countries.

Regulatory Status

Benfluorex was withdrawn from the market in France in 2009 due to its association with severe cardiovascular side effects. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the suspension of marketing authorizations for benfluorex-containing medicines across the European Union in 2010.

Controversy

The withdrawal of benfluorex was surrounded by controversy, particularly in France, where it was marketed as Mediator. The drug was linked to numerous cases of heart valve disease and pulmonary hypertension, leading to significant public outcry and legal actions against the manufacturer.

See Also

• Fenfluramine
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Cardiac valvulopathy
• Pulmonary hypertension

External Links

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