After initial visits, how many refills can a physician prescribe for Qsymia for chronic weight reduction?

For Qsymia, which is a controlled substance used for chronic weight reduction, the prescribing guidelines are influenced by federal and state regulations regarding the management of such medications. In Ohio, as well as federally, the prescription of Qsymia is typically limited to a specific number of refills to ensure proper monitoring of the patient’s response to the medication and to assess for any potential adverse effects or misuse.

The law stipulates that a physician can prescribe up to five refills for Qsymia after the initial visit. This allows for ongoing management and evaluation of the patient’s weight loss journey while controlling the potential risks associated with long-term use of the medication. After reaching this limit, a new evaluation by the prescribing physician would be necessary to determine if the patient should continue the medication, ensuring adherence to best practices in patient care.

This limitation serves not only to promote patient safety but also to comply with regulations intended to prevent the over-prescribing of controlled substances like Qsymia.