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Meridia is an oral prescription medication that is used in the
medical management of obesity, including weight loss and the maintenance
of weight loss.
Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) Capsules contain
5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg of sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate and
are supplied as follows:
- 5 mg, blue/yellow capsules imprinted with "MERIDIA"
on the cap and "-5-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
- 10 mg, blue/white capsules imprinted with "MERIDIA"
on the cap and "-10-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
- 15 mg, yellow/white capsules imprinted with "MERIDIA"
on the cap and "-15-" on the body, in bottles of 100 capsules.
| DRUG |
DOSAGE |
QUANTITY |
CONSULT |
PRICES |
|
 |
|
| Meridia |
10mg |
30 caps |
FREE |
175 |
Order |
|
Meridia |
10mg |
90 caps |
FREE |
348 |
Order |
| Meridia |
15mg |
30 caps |
FREE |
224 |
Order |
|
Meridia |
15mg |
90 caps |
FREE |
448 |
Order |
|
 HOW
DOES MERIDIA WORK?
Drugs of this class are thought to suppress appetite by
inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepiniphrine
thereby modifying appetite centers in the brain.
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HOW TO TAKE MERIDIA:
The recommended starting dose of MERIDIA is 10-milligrams administered
once daily with or without food. If there is inadequate weight loss,
the dose may be titrated after 4 weeks to a total of 15-milligrams
taken once daily. The 5-milligram dose should be reserved for those
patients that do not tolerate the 10-milligram dose. Blood pressure
and heart rate changes should betaken into consideration when making
decisions regarding dose titration. Take this medication as prescribed.
Do not take it more often or longer than directed. Use in combination
with other appetite suppressant medicine is generally not recommended.
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HOW EFFECTIVE IS MERIDIA?
Patients treated with MERIDIA while on a reduced calorie diet showed
significant weight loss during the first 6 months of treatment,
and significant weight loss was maintained for one year. In one
12-month study, the average weight loss in patients taking MERIDIA,
10 mg daily, was about 10 lbs. and in those taking 15 mg daily was
about 14 lbs. The average weight loss in persons on only a reduced
calorie diet alone was 3 1/2 lbs. Thus, MERIDIA is proven effective
therapy for the obese patient who needs to loose weight to decease
morbidity. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the weight loss will ultimately
depend on the degree of concomitant caloric restriction and the
concomitant use of a graded exercise program.
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HOW LONG CAN I CONTINUE TO USE MERIDIA?
MERIDIA is a short-term drug that helps you to start losing weight
and then keep on going when you are ready to carry on, on your own.
Your body starts to build up a resistance to the effects of MERIDIA
after a few weeks of treatment, which is when you should be well
on your way to a new lifestyle and ready to stop MERIDIA.
Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper diet. For
maximum effects, this must be used in conjunction with a diet and
exercise program.
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BE SURE TO TELL US ON YOU MEDICAL HISTORY/PERSONAL PROFILE IF:
- You have high blood pressure.
- You have an over-active thyroid.
- You have glaucoma.
- You have Diabetes Mellitus.
- You have emotional problems.
- You are pregnant.
- You are currently breast-feeding.
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DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Included on your medical history/personal profile questionnaire
all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription), 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. MAO inhibitors
and MERIDIA should not be taken together.
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SIDE EFFECTS:
Dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability, back pain, stomach upset
or constipation may occur the first few days as you body adjusts
to the medication. Stop MERIDIA if you experience; rash, hives,
seizures, worsening of vision, decreased amount of urine or unusual
bleeding or bruising. Stop MERIDIA immediately if you experience
the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity; excitement,
restlessness, loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, weakness,
shivering, clumsiness or unsteadiness, fast heartbeat, large-unchanging
pupils, vomiting, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest
pains, swelling of feet/ankles or legs, fainting, disorientation,
depression, high fever, eye pain, tremor or increased sweating.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS:
MERIDIA is contraindicated in patients with arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular
disease, and moderate to severe hypertension.
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