Meredia.
Generic Name: Sibutramine.
Brand Names: Meridia, Reductil and Sibutrex.
Available Strengths: Meridia Diet capsules of 5mg, 10mg and 15mg
Meridia was initially marketed by Knoll Pharmaceuticals and later by Abbot laboratories till its withdrawal from the US market on 8th October 2010. Prior to that on 21st January of 2010, The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency suspended the marketing authorisation of the obesity drug, Sibutramine on the basis of the review of the European Medicines Agency.
Meridia|Reductil.
Sibutramine hydrochoride monohydrate, brand name Meridia and Reductil, is an appetite suppressant and was approved as a weight loss drug in 1996 for short term use only. It is available by prescription only. Its use is recommended for one year only as its beneficial effect after use of 2 years is yet to be established.
Abbot Withdraws Meridia.
Meridia has been withdrawn from the market in some countries due to its serious side effects such as cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These countries include, U.S., U.K., Canada, EU, Australia, Thailand, China, Mexico and recently India. If you are on Meridia or Reductil, consult your doctor and change to some of the other weight loss drugs.
Recommended Dosage.
One 10 mg Meridia tablet is recommended initially to be taken in the morning with food or without food. The dose may be increased later to Meridia 15 mg after a four weeks as your physician may deem fit.
Buy Meridia.
Meridia or Reductil can be bought from licensed retail chemist outlets on prescription. However since its ban, it is not available in countries mentioned above. Meridia online is available in some countries and some sites even offer Meridia without prescription.
Indications for Meridia|When to Use Meridia.
It is recommended for people who are 30 lbs overweight or with a BMI 27 to 30 when they have obesity complications of sleep apnea or diabetes. Otherwise it is prescribed for obesity of BMI of 30 or more.
Mode of Action|How Meridia Acts.
Meridia suppresses appetite by altering the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are chemicals in the brain, responsible for nerve signals to and from the brain with regard to appetite and mood.
Meridia and Weight Loss Results.
Use of this drug has to be accompanied with weight loss diet and exercises. Clinical trials showed that Meridia helped a weight loss of 5% to 10% when the other weight loss measures, such as diet and exercise, were also followed. Besides, Meridia also helps in reducing blood cholesterol levels.
Side Effects of Meridia.
- Meridia increases the risks of heart diseases and stroke in people with a history of cardiovascular disease.
- Headache,
- Dryness of mouth,
- Nausea,
- Stomach upset,
- Drowsiness,
- Dizziness,
- Rarely cardiac arrythmias,
- Increased blood pressure and
- Rarely serotonin syndrome.
Contraindications for Meridia.
Meridia is contraindicated
- In persons under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age.
- In pregnant and lactating women,
- In people with an existing or previous history of alcoholism.
- With anti depressants and pain killers,
- In anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Uncontrolled hypertension,
- Pulmonary hypertension,
- Heart diseases,
- Stroke,
- Hyperthyroidism,
- Enlarged prostate with urinary retention,
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
- With other weight loss pills.
Long term Weight Loss Results with Meridia.
After stopping Meridia, weight loss is maintained provided you are consistent with your weight loss diet and weight loss exercises.
The above data is provided for information only. Kindly consult your doctor if you are taking Meridia or Reductil for a change over, because of its potential side effects on heart and brain.
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