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Peter L. Ballenger, MD

Memphis, TN

Dear Doctor:

Your patient is considering the Jen Fe Next Patch as a fat loss aid.  This Patch is intended to be used in conjunction with some type exercise and a sensible diet emphasizing fruit, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods, low-fat dairy, lean meats, etc.  The patch contains a patented extract of the herb Coleus Forskohlii known as Forslean®, plus ChromeMate™, and a very small amount of Guarana used to potentiate the action of the two. These ingredients are delivered via a trans-dermal delivery system over a 24 hr. period.  Delivery is facilitated by, Cosmoperine®, an extract derived from black pepper that helps open the pores of the skin that allows the ingredients to pass directly into the blood stream.

You are probably familiar with the effects of chromium products which may be especially useful in diabetics. The active ingredient of Guarana is caffeine. The Jen Fe Next patch contains the equivalent of the caffeine found in half a cup of coffee consumed over a twenty four hour time span. The primary biologic activity of the Jen Fe Next patch is from ForsLean®. It has a unique mechanism of action unlike any other known natural appetite suppressants. .

ForsLean activates adenylate cyclase which increases intracellular cAMP, leading to bronchi and vasodilatation as well as prevention of platelet aggregation.  Increased cAMP also continues an enzyme cascade activating lipase and the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue.  However, ForsLean does not cause the tremor, tachycardia and elevated blood pressure.

A significant number of persons using the patch have reported reduction in appetite and weight loss with minimal side effects. The most common side effect seems to be slight skin irritation observed with all medicated patches. This irritation is most probably caused by the Patch ingredients not being able to pass through the skin because of moisturizing beauty soaps, lotions or oils in the pores. As body adjusts to the Patch, other side-effects may include light-headedness and diarrhea.

Although the Jen Fe Next patch is an herbal supplement and appears to be very safe, I encourage all to check with their physicians before using. There are no reported drug/herb interactions, but I recommend the following:

1. Patients on anti-hypertensive drugs should be advised to monitor their blood pressures closely and have their meds adjusted accordingly. Forslean is a vascular dilator and may cause blood pressure lowering effects.  And as your patient is successful with weight loss, he or she may need a dosage reduction or even a discontinuation of their blood pressure medicine.
2. Diabetics should monitor their blood glucoses closely and have their meds adjusted accordingly.  Weight reduction improves diabetic control.  Therefore, diabetics successfully losing weight are at risk for hypoglycemic episodes unless their medication dosages are reduced or discontinued.
3. Patients on aspirin or anticoagulation therapy should be cautioned regarding a theoretical increased risk for bleeding.
4. Annual exams.  The patch is designed for long-term use with gradual weight-loss, and when the target weight is met, weight maintenance.  Thus, as with patients on long-term drug treatment for any chronic disease, it is prudent to perform a periodic health exam, including a complete blood count and metabolic panel.

In most overweight patients, I feel the benefits of the Jen Fe Next patch far outweigh the risks.  However, if you observe an adverse event in a patient using the patch, I would be grateful for the feedback.  Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions or concerns.

                                                            Best regards,
                                                           

Peter L. Ballenger, MD

Memphis, TN