Which anti-obesity medicine is used in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)?

Orlistat is specifically indicated for use in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) due to its mechanism of action and safety profile. Unlike other anti-obesity medications, Orlistat works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines and is not significantly dependent on renal function for its metabolic clearance, making it safer for patients with compromised renal function.

In patients with ESRD, the use of medications that are renally cleared or have significant side effects related to renal impairment can lead to increased risks of adverse effects. Orlistat, therefore, provides a viable option for managing obesity in this population without the complications that some other anti-obesity agents could present.

Medications such as phentermine, topiramate, and sibutramine may have contraindications or cautionary implications for use in individuals with ESRD due to their elimination pathways or potential side effects, making them less suitable for these patients.