Drug-induced weight gain in the last 10 years: a descriptive study

Pharmazie. 2022 Oct 1;77(10):299-301. doi: 10.1691/ph.2022.2408.

Abstract

Medication-induced weight gain can be frustrating to patients and health care providers. Drug-induced weight gain is a profound side effect of numerous commonly used medications. The present study aimed to investigate FAERS reports about drug-induced weight gain in the last ten years. Using the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between 2012 and 2021, a retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted to analyze the major reported Adverse Events about weight gain. During the last ten years, 137370 reports were submitted to FAERS about drug-induced weight gain. The most common drugs that are reported by the patients and that are associated with weight gain were risperidone (11.55%), adalimumab (3.94%), pregabalin (3.86%), aripiprazole (3.1%), etanercept (2.72%), and prednisone (2.70%). In conclusion, the present study showed that drug-induced weight gain is a common side effect of several medications frequently used to treat chronic diseases. Healthcare providers should educate their patients about the medicines that may cause weight gain.

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems*
  • Aripiprazole
  • Databases, Factual
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Prednisone
  • Pregabalin
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risperidone
  • United States
  • Weight Gain

Substances

  • Aripiprazole
  • Pregabalin
  • Etanercept
  • Risperidone
  • Adalimumab
  • Prednisone