The following information is a summary about Meridia. It is not
intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(Sibutramine - ORAL)
USES
This medication is
used to reduce excess body weight (obesity).
HOW TO USE THIS
MEDICATION
Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor,
usually once daily. The full effect on weight may require four to six weeks. Do
not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of
time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a
longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your
doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well as it did at the
beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dry mouth,
drowsiness, constipation and difficulty sleeping may occur. If these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using
this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including any allergies
(especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure or
heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g.,
anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), or history of gallstones. Limit
alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of this medication. It is
recommended that women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control
while taking this medication. Meridia is not recommended for use during
pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether
it is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of
this drug. Use cautiously.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell
your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use,
especially other weight reducing agents (e.g., diethylpropion), drugs that can
raise blood pressure such as decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine), cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan),
antidepressants (e.g., nefazodone, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline,
fluvoxamine, venlafaxine), lithium, psychiatric medications (e.g., MAO
Inhibitors such as selegiline, moclobemide, furazolidone, phenelzine,
tranylcypromine), drugs for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan),
tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine,
fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure medicine or any drugs
which can cause drowsiness, including certain antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine), sedatives and anti-seizure drugs. Antihistamines and
decongestants may be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and cold.
Consult your pharmacist. MAO Inhibitors (see above) and this drug should not be
taken together. If an MAO Inhibitor or this drug is stopped, wait 2 weeks before
starting the other drug.
NOTES
Do not share this
medication with others. Meridia should be used in addition to a reduced calorie
diet. Blood pressure and pulse may be measured and laboratory tests performed to
monitor side effects.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a
dose, make it up as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double- up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE
Store at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and
moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
For more information on Meridia, you can visit http://www.4meridia.com/
