Meridia - 10 & 15MG

Drug Name: MERIDIA

IMPORTANT MERIDIA NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING MERIDIA.

SIBUTRAMINE - ORAL (sye-BYOU-truh-meen)

COMMON MERIDIA BRAND NAME(S):
Meridia

MERIDIA USES:
Meridia is used to reduce excess body weight (obesity).

HOW TO USE MERIDIA:
Take Meridia 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 Meridia dose, take Meridia more frequently or use Meridia for a longer period of time than prescribed because Meridia can be habit-forming. Also, if Meridia is used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using Meridia without your doctor's approval. Over time, Meridia may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if weight increases while taking Meridia.

MERIDIA SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, difficulty sleeping, or headache may occur while taking Meridia. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: dizziness, back pain, arthritis, increased appetite, stomach pain, mood/mental changes, persistent sore throat, sinus congestion. Unlikely but report promptly: chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, flushing or fever, increased thirst, arm or leg swelling, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, numbness, vision changes, one-sided weakness, sweating, painful menstruation. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures, bruising, change in frequency/amount/color of urine, painful urination, yellowing skin or eyes. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Meridia, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects from taking Meridia not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

MERIDIA PRECAUTIONS:
Before using Meridia, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of stroke or seizures, certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa), glaucoma (narrow angle), history of gallstones. Limit alcohol intake, as it may worsen certain side effects of Meridia. Since Meridia may cause dizziness or fatigue, use extreme caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks (e.g., driving). It is recommended that women of child-bearing age should use effective birth control while taking Meridia. Meridia is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Meridia. It is not known whether Meridia 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 Meridia. Use cautiously.

MERIDIA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription drugs 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, procarbazine, linezolid), drugs for migraines (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan), tryptophan, certain narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine, pentazocine, fentanyl), ketoconazole, erythromycin, high blood pressure medicine. Tell your doctor if you take drugs that cause drowsiness: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti- seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Antihistamines and decongestants may be found in many nonprescription drugs for cough and cold. Consult your pharmacist. MAO inhibitors (see above) and Meridia should not be taken together. If an MAO inhibitor or Meridia is stopped, wait 2 weeks before starting the other drug. Do not start or stop Meridia or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MERIDIA OVERDOSE:
If Meridia overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Meridia overdose may include fast heartbeat.

MERIDIA NOTES:
Do not share Meridia 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 Meridia side effects.

MISSED MERIDIA DOSE:
If you miss a Meridia dose, take Meridia as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next Meridia dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Meridia dosing schedule. Do not double the Meridia dose to catch up.

MERIDIA STORAGE:
Store Meridia at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and place Meridia away from light and moisture.