Focalin and Weight Loss

Using Focalin for Weight Loss

Focalin is not approved as a weight loss medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, your healthcare provider may prescribe Focalin for weight loss for a short period of time in certain situations. Using Focalin to help with weight loss is considered an "off-label" use of the medication.

 

An off-label use means that a prescription medicine is used to treat a disease or condition other than what it has been approved to treat by the FDA. Although the FDA regulates how a medication can be advertised or promoted by the manufacturer, these regulations do not restrict a doctor's ability to prescribe the medication for different conditions, in different doses, or for different lengths of time. The practice of prescribing medication for periods of time or for conditions that are not FDA-approved is known as "off-label" use. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a medicine for an off-label use when he or she feels that the medicine is appropriate for your situation.

 

While such use often occurs in the treatment of many conditions, you should feel comfortable about asking your doctor if he or she is using a medication or combination of medications in a manner that is not approved by the FDA.

 

Focalin and Weight Loss: Summary

Weight loss may be a side effect of Focalin. In fact, it is such a common side effect of stimulants that Focalin is often abused for this purpose. While Focalin is not approved for this use, there may be a few situations where using Focalin for weight loss may be acceptable.