On social networks, Internet users promote the drug Periactin (cyproheptadine) to gain weight. However, the diversion of the use of this antihistamine for aesthetic purposes is dangerous for health.
Videos on social networks (including Tiktok) make the promoting anti-allergy drug for weight gain (and especially the buttocks) in order to have the shapes of certain influencers or other luscious celebrities like Kim Kardashian. it’s about the Periactina treatment available without prescription less than 10 euros a box. Its active ingredient is cyproheptadine, an antihistamine marketed in 1974 and indicated for the symptomatic treatment of allergic manifestations such as rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis or urticaria. Until 1994, it was prescribed to stimulate appetite in patients with decreased appetite accompanied by weight loss. But this indication was withdrawn due to an incorrectly assessed benefit/risk balance.
The sale on the Internet and in pharmacies without a prescription facilitates access to Periactin, even for the youngest, a population more vulnerable to the excesses of beauty circulating on social networks. “The benefit/risk ratio of cyproheptadine should be reassessed in view of the withdrawal of its marketing authorization or at least its registration on a mandatory prescription list” estimated the French Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (SFPT) in March 2023. Diverting the use of a drug is very dangerous for health. In the case of cyproheptadine, the undesirable effects are related to the sedative, atropine, adrenolytic and antiserotinergic properties of this substance. They are neurological, psychiatric, cardiac, hematological or digestive. They translate concretely into;
- a drowsiness,
- reduced alertness,
- of the dizziness,
- hallucinations,
- a anxiety,
- mydriasis (pupillary dilation)
- of the liver damage (especially cholestasis),
- a urinary retention,
- the occurrence of heart rhythm disorders
cases anemia and agranulocytosis (blood abnormality) have also been reported. “An improper and potentially dangerous use of cyproheptadine as ordemande to induce weight gain for cosmetic purposes has been reported“already alerted theANSM in 2022 in a letter to healthcare professionals. The drug agency has asked them to remind patients of the risks of Periactin at the time of issuance.
Sources:
– Misuse of an H1 antihistamine, cyproheptadine for weight gain, SFPT, March 28, 2023
– Periactin, risks associated with non-compliant use as an orexigenic for aesthetic purposes, ANSM, January 20, 2022