MERIDIA (sibutramine HCl monohydrate)

Capsules C-IV Information for safe use.

Meridia is not indicated for just anyone and this includes people who have allergies to any of Meridia’s ingredients, people suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or who are take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or weight loss medication to manage appetite.

In some patients Meridia can substantially increase blood pressure or heart rate and must not be given to patients with poorly managed or uncontrolled hypertension, severe liver or kidney disease, any history of heart disease, stroke, pregnancy and breast feeding mothers. Meridia should also be used with great caution for patients with any history of hypertension, seizures, glaucoma, or even mild to moderate kidney disease. Any patient who is being treated with Meridia should consult with their doctor for the regular monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure.

It is imperative that your healthcare provider be informed of all current or past medical problems. Do not in any circumstances take other medicines together with Meridia unless advised by your doctor to do so. Discuss any medications this includes prescriptions for depression, or those which might increase the risk of bleeding, any sold over-the-counter medicines, like cough and cold, and herbal remedies that you might currently be taking or might recently have taken, with your Doctor.

Take note that Meridia is a controlled substance (CIV) which means that Meridia could be sourced by people who have problems with the abuse of prescription medicines.

Side effects include headache, constipation, dry mouth, anorexia, and insomnia.

How Meridia works

MERIDIA acts in the brain, on the appetite control center. In studies of MERIDIA it has been shown that using this product with a reduced-calorie diet and of course exercise, assisted patients in losing and maintaining weight loss for periods of up to two years.^1,2

Sibutramine is the active ingredient contained in MERIDIA and it works in the area of the brain that indicates a sense of being fulls (satiety).¹ Meridia is not an appetite suppressant. It blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine chemicals present in the brain which control the sense of fullness.¹ this is a signal to stop eating. If you experiencing fullness or satiety you should feel satisfied with less food.

Sibutramine ought to be used together with a calorie reduced and you should always consult with your physician before commencing on any diet or exercise program.³

Clinical Experience

In MERIDIA, the active ingredient Sibutramine has been studied comprehensively worldwide, in more than 100 clinical trials relating to in excess of 12,000 patients. In more than 75 countries roughly 14 million patients have used Sibutramine for treatment of obesity since its first approval in 1997.⁴  Studies also show that sibutramine combined with diet and exercise was effective to produce and manage noteworthy weight loss in a majority of obese patients when contrasted to only diet and exercise.²

1. Heal DJ, Aspley S, Prow MR et al. Sibutramine, a novel anti-obesity drug. A review of the pharmacological evidence to differentiate it from d-ampetamine and d-fenfluramine. Int J Obes. 1998;22(supp 1):S18-S28.

2. James WPT, Astrup A, Finer N, et al. Effect of sibutramine on weight mainteancne after weight loss; a randomized trial. Lancet.2000;356;2119-2125.

3. MERIDIA Prescribing Information, Abbott Laboratories.

4. Data on file, Abbott Laboratories.

Is Meridia the correct product for you?

The use of MERIDIA is suggested for obese people with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more

or

In overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if there are medical risk factors involved like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. The BMI indicates total body fat, and can be related to the risks involved with certain diseases and premature death. Your doctor will be able tell you if your BMI meets the necessary criteria and whether MERIDIA might be the right product for you.

What is your BMI? try Personal Weight Assessment

Weight Loss Potential

While the saying “you didn’t gain it overnight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight.” Might be true, its often difficult to accept, everyone when trying to lose weight wants it to happen as quickly as humanly possible. But when it comes to weight loss patience really is a virtue. Weight lost gradually, at a rate of approximately 1 – 2lbs per week while changing eating habits, and becoming accustomed to the new habits offers you much better odds in keeping it off.

Everyone responds differently to the use of MERIDIA when it is used as part of a complete weight-loss program. It could be possible to lose four or even more pounds of body weight during the first month of use of MERIDIA. But if can’t lose at least four pounds in that first month, you might want to notify your doctor so your therapy can be re-evaluated. Your doctor might want to change the dosage of your of MERIDIA.

People who have lost weight on the MERIDIA plan plus diet and exercise. Lose that weight during the first six months of treatment. A scientific study conducted over two years. Indicated that more than 40% of the subjects involved in the study who lost weight during the first six months and continued taking MERIDIA together with a healthy diet and exercise maintained their weight loss.

It is most important to be patient though as when weight is lost quickly, it is often gained back quickly. Losing weight slowly, whilst changing eating habits; allows a much better chance of success and keeping it off.

Your doctor and You

Talking to people about a weight problem can be difficult but your doctor is best ally you can have they are the person with the knowledge regarding how best you will be able to reach your goal weight and improve your health status. Speaking to your doctor is one of the first steps toward a healthier you. Working together you are able to create a plan and work on weight loss strategies to assist in reaching your goals, whatever they may be.

The correct questions to ask

1. How much weight must I really lose in order to improve my overall health?

2. What weight loss therapies will be of most benefit me personally e.g, dietary therapy, behavioral therapy, medication, physical activity, or in extreme cases surgery?

3. In order for me to obtain the best nutrition while I lose 1 - 2 pounds per week, what ideally should my daily calorie intake be?

4. What are the best types of physical activities that would suit me?

5. Over what period of time might I expect it would take to reach my goal weight?

Preparation

Some of the issues you must be prepared to divulge to your doctor:

1. On your visit to the doctor bring with you a list of any and all medication you are taking, this should include any vitamins or over-the counter medication.

2. Be prepared to answer your doctor’s questions when he asks about your eating habits or levels of activity.

3. Keep a record of your family history relating to their status of health and be prepared to discuss them. Many diseases have an important link to being overweight and your family history could put you at great risk.

MERIDIA is a prescription drug only and can only be prescribed by a doctor or physician. If MERIDIA is the correct therapy for you, your doctor can calculate the starting dose. MERIDIA is packaged in capsules of three different strengths, 5, 10 and 15 mg. The suggested initial dose of MERIDIA is one 10 mg capsule daily.