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How does Meridia work?
Meridia works by affecting appetite control centers in the brain. In medical studies in overweight people, Meridia, along with a reduced calorie diet, produced significant reductions in body weight. Meridia should be used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program, supervised by your doctor, that includes a reduced calorie diet and appropriate physical activity.
How long does it take for Meridia to work?
Every person will respond differently to Meridia when used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program. You may be able to lose 4 or more lb. of body weight in the first month you take Meridia. If you find that you do not lose at least 4 lb. during the first month, you should notify your doctor so he or she can re-evaluate your situation. Your doctor may wish to change your dose of Meridia.
Most people who lose weight on Meridia lose it in the first 6 months of treatment. Scientific studies that lasted two years have shown that many people who lost weight and remained on Meridia therapy maintained their weight loss.
How long should I take Meridia?
Your doctor will determine how long you should take Meridia. Follow your doctor's advice. The safety and effectiveness of Meridia have not been determined beyond two (2) years at this time.
Who should take Meridia?
Meridia is recommended for overweight people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for overweight people with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Your doctor can determine your BMI and will decide if you meet these criteria.
What weight-loss results have been observed with Meridia?
Patients treated with Meridia while on a reduced calorie diet, showed a 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 lb. and in those taking 15 mg daily was about 14 lb. The average weight loss in persons on only a reduced calorie diet was 3 1/2 lb.
What medical conditions or information should I tell my doctor?
It is important that you tell your doctor all about your medical history, whether you are taking or have taken weight loss drugs in the past, current medical problems, current symptoms, what other medications you take or have taken (prescription and over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) and any prior allergies to medicines.
It is important to make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease of any kind, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, glaucoma, seizures, depression, Parkinson's Disease, prior strokes, prior transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, gallstones, liver disease, kidney disease, history of a major eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) or any other medical problem.
Does Meridia cause damage to the heart valves?
Certain weight-loss drugs have been associated with cardiac valve dysfunction (heart valve disease). Patients in two studies were examined by doctors who used cardiac ultrasound testing to carefully look at heart valve structure and function. In one study, 25 patients were examined before treatment with Meridia and again after three months of treatment. None of the patients had heart valve disease. In another study, patients who had received either Meridia or placebo (sugar pills) for periods of two weeks to 16 months were examined. Three out of 132 patients (2.3%) who had taken Meridia and two out of 77 patients (2.6%) who had taken placebo were found to have heart valve disease. You should discuss this further with your doctor.
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