Brand Name(s): Meridia
Generic Name Sibutramine
What are sibutramine capsules?
SIBUTRAMINE (Meridia®) is used to control hunger in patients who are overweight. Sibutramine is prescribed along with a reduced-calorie diet and, if appropriate, an exercise program. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic sibutramine capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have or have had any of these conditions:
•anorexia nervosa, bulimia or other eating disorder
•bleeding disorder
•depression or other mood disorder
•gallstones
•glaucoma
•heart disease, such as congestive heart failure or a previous heart attack
•heart rhythm problems or palpitations, chest pain
•high blood pressure
•kidney disease or receiving dialysis
•liver disease
•lung disease
•migraine headaches
•osteoporosis
•Parkinson's disease
•previous use of other weight loss drugs
•sleeplessness
•seizures (epilepsy or convulsions)
•stroke or symptoms of a stroke (i.e., transient ischemic attacks or TIAs)
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to sibutramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take sibutramine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. You may take this medicine with meals or food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with sibutramine?
Do not take sibutramine with the following medications:
•medicines called MAO Inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), selegiline (Eldepryl®)
•other medicines for weight loss, including herbal and nonprescription weight-loss drugs, like Ma huang or ephedra
•some medicines for migraines (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
•tryptophan
Sibutramine may also interact with:
•bosentan
•bupropion
•dextromethorphan
•fentanyl
•grapefruit juice
•ketoconazole
•linezolid
•lithium
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines for allergy, cold or flu symptoms (decongestants, cough suppressants)
•medicines for anxiety, depression or other mental problems
•meperidine
•procarbazine
•St. John's wort
•voriconazole
Tell your prescriber or other health care provider about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines and illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking sibutramine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•bleeding, easy bruising, nose bleeds, bleeding of gums
•chest pain
•difficulty breathing
•fever
•heart palpitations
•seizures
•severe dizziness
Stop using sibutramine and call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible if you experience any of these side effects.
More common:
•increased heart rate
•increased blood pressure
•menstrual problems
•muscle or joint pain
•pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
•unusual swelling of the arms or legs
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•visual problems
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•agitation or irritability
•anxiety
•back pain
•constipation
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•dizziness
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•gas
•headache
•nausea or vomiting
•skin problems
•stomach problems
•sweating
•taste disturbance
•throat irritation or pain
What should I watch for while taking sibutramine?
Visit your prescriber regularly to have your blood pressure and heart rate checked. Contact your prescriber if you think you are experiencing any unusual side effects.
Keep in mind that sibutramine was intended to be used in addition to a healthy diet and appropriate exercise. The best results are achieved this way. Do not increase or in any way change your dose without consulting your prescriber.
A weight-loss of 4 pounds or more during your first month of treatment is a good indicator of success with sibutramine. Most of the weight you will lose will be lost gradually during 6—12 months. Many people who lose weight and remain on sibutramine therapy maintain their weight loss.
You should not use herbal or over-the-counter weight-loss products while taking sibutramine. Non-drug nutritional supplements, like vitamins, minerals, and proteins or amino acids (with the exception of tryptophan), can be used with sibutramine. You should make sure your prescriber knows what nutritional supplements you are taking and why you are taking them.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at controlled room temperature 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect capsules from heat, light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:09/26/2005 |
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