Meridia

Use and safety information

Meridia is indicated for people who need to lose 30 pounds or more depending on height, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet.

Meridia is not for everyone including persons who are allergic to any of the ingredients of Meridia, those with anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa, or who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)or other weight loss medications that act on the brain.

Meridia substantially increases blood pressure or heart rate in some patients and should not be given to patients with uncontrolled or poorly controlled hypertension, history of heart disease, stroke, severe liver or kidney disease, pregnant women or nursing mothers. Meridia should be used cautiously in patients with a history of hypertension, glaucoma or seizures. All patients being treated with Meridia should see their doctor as directed for regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate.

It is important that you tell your health care provider about all current and past medical problems. Do not take other medicines with Meridia unless your doctor has told you that it is okay to do so. Talk to your doctor about all medications (including prescriptions for depression, and those which may increase risk of bleeding), over- the-counter medicines, such as cough and cold, and herbal products that you are currently taking or have recently taken.

Meridia is a controlled substance that might be abused, or might cause physical or psychological dependence.

The most common side effects include headache, dry mouth, anorexia, constipation and insomnia.

How Meridia Works
MERIDIA works by acting on the appetite control center in the brain. Studies have shown that using MERIDIA, along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, helped patients lose weight and maintain weight loss for up to two years.

The active ingredient in MERIDIA, sibutramine, works in the area of the brain that signals the sense of fullness (satiety). Meridia does not suppress appetite, which is your signal to start eating.

Meridia blocks the re-uptake of the brain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) which help regulate the sense of fullness.1 Fullness is your signal to stop eating. Having a sense of fullness, or satiety, means you may feel satisfied with less food.

Sibutramine should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise program.

Clinical Experience
Sibutramine, the active ingredient in MERIDIA, has been extensively studied throughout the world. It has been studied in more than 100 clinical trials involving more than 12,000 patients. Approximately 14 million patients in more than 75 countries have used sibutramine for the treatment of obesity since it was approved in 1997.

In studies, sibutramine in combination with diet and exercise was effective in producing and maintaining significant weight loss in the majority of obese patients compared to diet and exercise alone.

Who should take Meridia
MERIDIA is recommended for:

Overweight people with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher

or

Overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

BMI is an indicator of total body fat, which can be related to the risk of certain diseases and premature death. Your doctor can tell you if your BMI meets these criteria and if MERIDIA might be right for you.

What to expect on Meridia
All too often it’s said, “you didn’t gain it overnight, so don’t expect to lose it overnight.” While that may be true, it’s sometimes hard to accept. We all want quick results. But when it comes to losing weight, patience really is a virtue–losing weight gradually (one to two pounds per week), while changing your eating habits, gives you a much better chance of keeping it off.

Every person will respond differently to MERIDIA when used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program. You may be able to lose four or more pounds of body weight in the first month you take MERIDIA. If you find that you do not lose at least four pounds during the first month, you should notify your doctor so he or she can re-evaluate your therapy. Your doctor may wish to change your dose of MERIDIA.

Most people who lose weight on MERIDIA plus diet and exercise lose it in the first six months of treatment. A scientific study that lasted two years showed that over 40% of the people who lost weight in the first six months and remained on MERIDIA therapy plus diet and exercise maintained their weight loss.

Most importantly though, be patient. Remember when you lose weight quickly, you often gain it back. Losing weight slowly, while changing your eating habits, gives you a much better chance of keeping it off.

How to start with Meridia
Talking to anyone about your weight can be difficult. But your doctor is your best ally — the person with the most knowledge about how you can reach your weight–loss goals and improve your health. Starting a conversation with your doctor is the first step to a healthier you. Together you can create a weight–loss plan and work on strategies to help you reach your goals.
Asking the Right Questions
Here are some questions you should ask your doctor:

How much weight do I need to lose to improve my health?
Which weight-loss therapies will benefit me the most, for example, dietary therapy, physical activity, behavior therapy, medication, or surgery?
What should my daily calorie intake goals be in order for me to get the nutrition I need while losing 1 to 2 pounds per week?
What types of physical activities are right for me?
How long should I expect it to take me to lose the weight?
Be Prepared
Here are some topics you should be prepared to share with your doctor:

Bring a list of all of the medicines you are taking, including vitamins and over-the counter medicines.
Be prepared for your doctor to ask you about your eating habits and level of activity.
Keep track of your family’s health history and be ready to discuss it. Many diseases are linked to being overweight and your family history may put you at even greater risk.
MERIDIA can only be prescribed by a medical doctor. If MERIDIA is right for you, your doctor will determine the starting dose. MERIDIA comes in three different strength capsules (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg). The recommended initial starting dose of MERIDIA is one 10 mg capsule per day.