Bilateral angle closure following use of a weight loss combination agent containing topiramate

J Glaucoma. 2015 Jun-Jul;24(5):e132-6. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000000157.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a unique case of topiramate-induced bilateral angle closure following ingestion of a recently introduced weight loss medication containing topiramate, and to describe its management.

Methods: Case report of a 39-year-old, otherwise healthy woman who experienced decreased vision, bilateral acute angle closure, choroidal thickening as measured with enhanced depth optical coherence tomography imaging, bilateral suprachoroidal effusions, and induced myopia 1 week after starting a weight loss medication, Qysmia, composed of phentermine 3.75 mg and topiramate 23 mg. Treatment was initiated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous mannitol, topical difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion, atropine sulfate, and the fixed combination of brimonidine and timolol. At the 2-week follow-up visit, vision, intraocular pressure, and angle anatomy had returned to normal and there was resolution of choroidal and ciliary body effusions on ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Conclusions: Bilateral acute angle closure may develop after ingestion of weight loss drugs containing topiramate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brimonidine Tartrate
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Fructose / adverse effects
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / chemically induced*
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Mannitol / therapeutic use
  • Microscopy, Acoustic
  • Phentermine / therapeutic use*
  • Quinoxalines / therapeutic use
  • Timolol / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Tonometry, Ocular
  • Topiramate
  • Weight Loss / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Quinoxalines
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose
  • Mannitol
  • Brimonidine Tartrate
  • Timolol
  • Phentermine