Methods for administering weight loss medications

Abstract

Methods and systems for administration of pharmaceuticals using a unit dosage package that includes a first unit dosage that has a first drug and a second drug, a second unit dosage that has the first drug and the second drug, where the second unit dosage includes a different amount of the second drug than the first unit dosage and a unit dosage package is configured to hold the first unit dosage and the second unit dosage. In preferred embodiments the methods and systems are used for administration of weight loss medications.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 865,159, filed Nov. 9, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to methods for administering pharmaceutical compositions, preferably, but not limited to, compositions that are useful for affecting weight loss, suppressing appetite and / or treating obesity-related conditions in individuals.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Obesity is a disorder characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Obesity has been recognized as one of the leading causes of disease and is emerging as a global problem. Increased instances of complications from obesity, such as hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, dyslipidemia, certain forms of cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis, have been related to increased instances of obesity in the general population.[0006]Prior to 199...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Methods and systems have now been developed for administering effective amounts of pharmaceutical formulations, preferably weight loss formulations, while reducing, minimizing and / or eliminating potential initial adverse side effects on the patient. In general terms, these methods and systems involve altering the dosage of one or more components of a multi-component formulation during the course of administration. For example, in an embodiment, the dose of one drug in a two-drug weight loss formulation is gradually increased from an initial low dose to an effective maintenance dose during subsequent administrations. In preferred embodiments, adverse side effects are reduced, and patient compliance and comfort are increased, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment regimen.

Problems solved by technology

Obesity has been recognized as one of the leading causes of disease and is emerging as a global problem.

Prior to 1994, obesity was generally considered a psychological problem.

However, the administration of certain pharmaceuticals, including but not limited to certain weight loss formulations, at a full dosage may initially incur adverse side effects, such that patients may be unable to tolerate a full dosage of the indicated medication.

This intolerance may lead to more severe side effects and / or premature abandonment of the effective dosages and / or the treatment program.

For example, administering an anticonvulsant in combination with an antidepressant may provide a combination having an enhanced ability to affect weight loss, but does not necessarily reduce or eliminate the initial adverse side effects that may accompany the administration of the anticonvulsant.

Similarly, the administration of an opioid receptor antagonist in combination with an antidepressant may provide a combination having an enhanced ability to affect weight loss, but does not necessarily reduce or eliminate the adverse side effects that may accompany administration of the opioid antagonist.

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