Mysimba is a branded prescription-only weight loss medication in the form of a tablet. It contains 2 active ingredients, naltrexone and bupropion, which work together to reduce your appetite and cravings.

Mysimba is available with a private prescription for anyone who has a body mass index (BMI) of:

• 30+
• 27 to 29.9, and has at least 1 weight-related condition, like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure

Mysimba works by targeting the specific areas in the brain that control your appetite and energy expenditure (the number of calories you burn to perform any activity). By suppressing your appetite and working on the brain’s reward system, Mysimba controls food cravings and impulsive eating behaviours. It also increases your energy expenditure.

Mysimba works best when taken alongside a healthy diet, including following an appropriate calorie deficit, and increased exercise.

When will I see weight loss results?

You should notice weight loss within 16 weeks of starting Mysimba, with at least 50% of people losing 5% of their starting weight within this time. If this is not the case by week 16, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it and may suggest an alternative weight loss medication.

How effective is Mysimba for weight loss?

Research shows that Mysimba tablets can help people lose an average 8.1% of their starting body weight after 56 weeks.

Mysimba is available with a private prescription from trusted online doctor services in the UK.

Can I buy Mysimba online?

Yes, you can request Mysimba tablets online from Superdrug Online Doctor without the need for a face-to-face doctor’s appointment. We can deliver your medication in discreet, plain packaging direct to your home address, or you can choose to collect it from your nearest Superdrug Pharmacy as quickly as the next working day.

To request Mysimba:

• complete an online health questionnaire
• one of our doctors will review your request to see if your chosen medication is right for you
• if approved, your medication will be sent out to your chosen address, or ready to be collected the following day from your chosen Superdrug Pharmacy

Can I buy Mysimba over the counter?

No, Mysimba is a prescription-only weight loss tablet, which means you must have a doctor’s approval to get it. alli is an alternative over-the-counter option which contains the active ingredient orlistat, but this works differently than Mysimba.

Can I get Mysimba on the NHS?

No, Mysimba is not available on the NHS and is only available with a private prescription from an online doctor service like Superdrug Online Doctor or a private clinic.

Like all medications, Mysimba can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Very common side effects, affecting more than 1 in 10 people, are:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• constipation
• headache

Common side effects that can affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

• anxiety
• dizziness or feeling like the room is spinning
• feeling shaky
• sleep issues
• taste changes
• difficulty concentrating
• tiredness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• hot flush
• increased blood pressure
• rash
• hair loss
• sweating
• itchiness
• irritability
• stomach pain
• ringing in the ears
• dry mouth

Uncommon side effects that can affect up to 1 in 100 people include:

• hives
• mood changes
• nervousness
• tension
• dissociation
• abnormal dreams
• balance problems
• tremor
• memory loss
• hypersensitivity
• motion sickness
• fast heart rate
• indigestion
• burping
• stomach discomfort
• erectile dysfunction
• weakness
• thirst
• chest pain
• weight gain
• gallbladder inflammation
• abnormal liver tests
• fatigue
• increased appetite
• feeling hot

Rare side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people, are:

• low white blood cells
• dehydration
• hallucinations
• toothache
• dental cavities
• jaw pain
• hernia
• blood in your stool
• lip swelling
• cold hands and feet
• fainting
• irregular menstrual cycle
• fever
• chest pain
• vaginal dryness
• urgent need to urinate
• seizures
• loss of consciousness or fainting
• tingling sensation on the skin
• swelling
• hallucinations

A full list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your Mysimba tablets.

How long do Mysimba side effects last?

Most Mysimba side effects are temporary and should go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. However, some might not get better until you stop taking Mysimba.

What to do if you get Mysimba side effects

If you get any mild or common Mysimba side effects, you should be able to manage:

• headaches, by staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• feeling or being sick, by eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or greasy foods, staying hydrated, and getting some rest
• constipation, by increasing your fibre intake, drinking plenty of water, and speaking to your pharmacist about constipation remedies

If you get any of the following serious side effects, call 999 in an emergency or speak to a doctor straight away:

• swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue, and difficulty breathing or swallowing (signs of a severe allergic reaction)
• suicidal thoughts or feelings of depression
• seizures

Mysimba may not be the right option for everyone, but there are several alternative weight loss medications available, including pills and injections.

Weight loss pills

Alternative weight loss pills available from Superdrug Online Doctor are:

• orlistat – also available under the brand name Xenical, is a lipase inhibitor which can block up to one third of the fat you eat, helping 37% of people lose at least 5% of their initial body weight in 12 weeks
• alli – an over-the-counter version of orlistat that is available without a prescription

Weight loss injections

If weight loss pills are not suitable for you, then injections can be an appropriate and effective alternative. They can be given at home via a self-injectable pen. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide:

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a weekly self-injectable medication that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Clinical trials show that Mounjaro can help you lose an average 22.5% of your starting body weight after 72 weeks at the highest maintenance dose of 15mg per week.

Wegovy

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide. The 2.4mg maintenance dose is injected once per week and can help you lose an average 17% of your starting body weight over 68 weeks. The highest maintenance dose 7.2mg can help you lose an average of 21% of your starting weight over 72 weeks and follows a slightly different dosage schedule. Speak to your doctor if you think Wegovy may be the right option for you.

Nevolat

Nevolat is a generic weight loss treatment that contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which was previously available under the brand name Saxenda. On average, you can lose 8% of your body weight over 56 weeks. Unlike Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are injected once per week, Nevolat is a daily injection.

Is Mysimba safe?

Yes, Mysimba is safe for most people. However, it is a prescription-only medication, which means you will need a doctor’s approval to obtain it. The doctor will assess your suitability and make sure it is safe for you to take. There are some serious side effects, as with any medication, which you must be aware of before taking it.

Can I take Mysimba with other weight loss medications?

No, you should not take Mysimba tablets with other weight loss medications, as this can increase the chance of side effects and cause dangerous interactions. You should speak to your doctor if you are already taking weight loss medication before starting Mysimba.

Is Mysimba as good as Ozempic?

It is not possible to compare Mysimba and Ozempic because they have different intended uses. Mysimba is a weight loss medication which can help you lose an average of 8.1% of your body weight after 56 weeks. Ozempic, on the other hand, is licensed for type 2 diabetes and not weight management in the UK.

Why am I not losing weight with Mysimba?

If you’re not losing weight on Mysimba, check you are following the correct dosage schedule and that you are taking it exactly as it has been prescribed. It can also take a few weeks to work, so it’s important to be patient when you first start treatment. Mysimba works best alongside a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise, so it’s crucial to make healthy lifestyle changes rather than relying on the medication alone.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Mysimba?

Yes, but you will need to wait at least 5 weeks after your last Mounjaro injection before starting Mysimba tablets, as it could take this long for tirzepatide to leave your system. You will also need to have a weight loss consultation so that one of our doctors can determine if Mysimba is safe and suitable for you.

Can I switch from Wegovy to Mysimba?

Yes, it is possible to switch from Wegovy to Mysimba, but you will need to wait 5 weeks between your last Wegovy injection and your first Mysimba dose.

Does Mysimba cause depression?

Yes, Mysimba can cause depression or worsen existing depression as a side effect. You must tell your doctor if you experience depression or mood issues before taking Mysimba. If you are concerned about your mood while taking Mysimba, contact your doctor for more advice or call 111 or 999 in an emergency.