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Does Lybalvi cause weight gain?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Weight gain is a possible side effect of Lybalvi (olanzapine and samidorphan). During a 4-week clinical trial, 19% of people taking Lybalvi reported weight gain compared to 3% of people taking a placebo (no active medication). In a 24-week study, 25% of people taking Lybalvi reported gaining weight.

How much weight will I gain while taking Lybalvi?

Not everyone will experience weight gain from taking Lybalvi. The amount of weight you may gain depends on factors such as your starting weight, diet, exercise habits, other medications, and how long you are taking Lybalvi.

During a 4-week study of adults with schizophrenia, people taking Lybalvi gained an average of 3 kg (6.6 lbs). This was compared to 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) in people taking olanzapine and 0.2 kg (0.4 lbs) in people taking a placebo.

In a 24-week clinical trial, patients taking Lybalvi gained around 4.2% of their starting body weight. Around 18% of people taking Lybalvi saw a 10% increase or more in their body weight.

How can I prevent weight gain from Lybalvi?

It may not always be possible to prevent weight gain as a side effect of Lybalvi. However, there are some things you can do to help lower your risk and minimize the amount of weight you gain:

  • Maintain a balanced diet while avoiding processed foods
  • Be mindful of portion sizes when eating meals
  • Keep up a regular exercise routine

If you notice you are gaining weight while taking Lybalvi, tell your healthcare provider.

This is not all the information you need to know about Lybalvi (olanzapine and samidorphan) for safe and effective use. Review the full Lybalvi (olanzapine and samidorphan) information, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Lybalvi [package insert]. Updated January 2024. Alkermes, Inc. Accessed September 23, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=32ffddd1-4e2b-45d9-9b36-bb730167ec80

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