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Qsymia is not authorised for sale in Spain and it is not routinely dispensed through pharmacies. In very specific cases, access could be considered under Spainโs medicines in special situations framework, with the required paperwork and approvals through the healthcare system.
What is Qsymia?
Qsymia is an extended-release capsule that combines phentermine and topiramate. It is approved in the United States for the chronic management of weight in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, always with a prescription and monitoring. It is not a supplement and should not be purchased outside of healthcare settings.
Why is Qsymia not available in Spain?
At the European level, the EMA's CHMP assessed Qsiva (phentermine/topiramate) and recommended rejecting the centralized marketing authorization, which was subsequently denied. Therefore, it does not have EU-wide authorization through this route, although the combination is authorized in some EU countries through national procedures.
In the assessment for centralized authorization, experts considered that the balance between benefits and risks was not favorable for prolonged use. Concerns included uncertainty regarding cardiovascular safety, potential psychiatric and cognitive effects, the risk of topiramate during pregnancy, and the difficulty of preventing off-label use.
Spain does have approved options to help manage weight in certain cases, including medicines like Mounjaro and Saxenda , but they are not suitable for everyone and the choice should depend on your health, the medicines you already take, and any contraindications.
Is there an exceptional legal way to access Qsymia?
This does not mean that you cannot access an unauthorized drug in the country under any circumstances.
There is an exceptional legal route, managed by healthcare professionals, to request access to foreign or unauthorized medicines when specific criteria are met and with the corresponding authorization, normally through the healthcare system and not as a direct over-the-counter purchase.
If someone offers it to you online, through social media, or "by special order," be wary. When you buy from outside authorized channels, the risk of receiving counterfeit, poorly stored, or unquality-controlled products increases.
The most practical approach is usually to bring a report of your previous treatment and schedule an appointment with a doctor in Spain to assess your case. If necessary, the doctor will explore authorized alternatives or the best legal option available.
Before starting, changing, or resuming any weight loss treatment, always consult your doctor.
