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Meridia Warnings and Precautions
Prior to starting Meridia, warnings and precautions for the medication should be reviewed with your healthcare provider. You should inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure, any heart problems, or liver or kidney disease. You should also be aware that Meridia could cause certain medical conditions, such as seizures. Meridia warnings and precautions also apply to people who have certain allergies and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Meridia: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
In October 2010, Meridia was withdrawn from the market in the United States. Studies have shown that it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication will no longer be available in the United States. People should stop taking it and should ask their healthcare providers about more appropriate weight loss options.
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Meridia® (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) if you have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Any heart problems
- Had a stroke
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Glaucoma
- Seizures or epilepsy
- A bleeding disorder
- Had problems with gallstones
- Depression
- An eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- A history or drug or alcohol abuse
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD